Distance 65 km | Elevation Gain 1,650 m
We roll out early, leaving the city chaos behind and climbing over the northern
rim of the Kathmandu Valley. The route mixes broken tarmac, gravel backroads,
and forest switchbacks. Once over the ridge, the road flows down into fertile
farmland dotted with terraced rice paddies. After crossing the Trishuli River, it’s a
steady climb to the historic hilltop of Nuwakot Durbar, once a royal fort. Sunset
here is unbeatable.

Distance 78 km | Elevation Gain 2,100 m
Well we get the jist the any Gravel biker coming to Nepal for Annapurna Circuit is
up for a challenge, and this is indeed a challenge. We climb, descend and climb
again through valley after valley as we head from one historical hill top fort to
another! Ghorka is the district capital of the area and home to an impressive fort
towering on the hilltop.The scenery is amazing, agricultural valleys of terraced
fields, semi alpine forests and there are always the ever present mountain views
every time you crest a ridge. The fort itself, nestled on the hill top is well worth a
visit if you have enough legs to get up there (a lot of stairs).

Distance 43 km | Elevation Gain 1,200 m
A little less climbing today as we follow winding backroads westward toward the
Annapurna foothills. The terrain rolls through patchwork farmland and small
Gurung hamlets, with a mix of smooth gravel and rougher jeep sections. The final
climb to Reipi is steady, with views of the snow peaks edging closer each hour.
Reipi Village is a little off the beaten tourist track, this quaint and well managed
homestay is a beautiful and restful place to stay before we embark on the
Annapurna Circuit itself.

Distance 45 km | Elevation Gain 1,350 m
The adventure deepens as we reach the official entry to the Annapurna
Conservation Area. The trail runs parallel to the Marsyangdi River, cutting through
steep-sided valleys and hanging bridges. Expect rougher jeep tracks, rocky
climbs, and sharp descents as we approach Jagat, the first gateway village of the
circuit. Our daily distances lessen from here on in as we start the acclimatization
process. Slow and steady will win the race here.

Distance 66 km | Elevation Gain 1,800 m
The real climb begins, it’

s going to be brutal on the legs and the lungs. The
Marsyangdi Valley narrows and pine forests replace tropical greenery. Jeep tracks
wind steadily upward through Tal and Dharapani before reaching Chame, the
district headquarters of Manang. Expect a long, steady effort and a big sense of
reward at the end of the day.

Distance 33 km | Elevation Gain 1,050 m
Riding at altitude now, the landscape turns drier and more open. You’ll cross
multiple suspension bridges and pass apple orchards and mani walls before
arriving at Manang, a Tibetan-style village surrounded by jagged peaks. The
gravel is compact but occasionally sandy, fast, scenic, and satisfying.

Distance 33 km | Elevation Gain 1,050 m
Riding at altitude now, the landscape turns drier and more open. You’ll cross
multiple suspension bridges and pass apple orchards and mani walls before
arriving at Manang, a Tibetan-style village surrounded by jagged peaks. The
gravel is compact but occasionally sandy, fast, scenic, and satisfying.

Distance 33 km | Elevation Gain 1,050 m
Riding at altitude now, the landscape turns drier and more open. You’ll cross
multiple suspension bridges and pass apple orchards and mani walls before
arriving at Manang, a Tibetan-style village surrounded by jagged peaks. The
gravel is compact but occasionally sandy, fast, scenic, and satisfying.

Distance 25 km | Elevation Gain 1,000 m / Descent 1,600 m
The queen stage and one of the highest trekking passes in the world. A pre-dawn
start takes you up the Thorong La (5,416 m) on a slow, steady climb. Some of it
will be carrying bikes. But your efforts are well worth it as the views from the top
are breathtaking. From the summit, descend into the arid Mustang valley where
Muktinath’s temples and prayer flags welcome you in the evening light.

Distance 70 km | Elevation Gain 600 m / Descent 2,200 m
A huge descent through Mustang’s canyons and into the green valleys below.
Ride from desert to forest on gravel and jeep track, it’

s an awesome day. If you
want we can explore the side trails and small villages across the river on the way
down and just enjoy a day of not having to climb much. This part of the trail is
also known as the world’

s deepest gorge as it passes underneath the massive

Dhalugiri and Niliguri mountains.

Distance 65 km | Elevation Gain 1,600 m / Descent 2,000 m
An early start for sunrise at Poon Hill (a one hour hike to the summit), one of
Nepal’s most photogenic viewpoints.From here you get a panoramic view of the
mountains you just cycled around. Descend to Nayapul on a super exciting jeep
track, to meet the main highway which we follow for a short while, before tackling
a final climb through forest and tea terraces to Panchase, a peaceful village
overlooking Pokhara.

Distance 65 km | Elevation Gain 1,600 m / Descent 2,000 m
An early start for sunrise at Poon Hill (a one hour hike to the summit), one of
Nepal’s most photogenic viewpoints.From here you get a panoramic view of the
mountains you just cycled around. Descend to Nayapul on a super exciting jeep
track, to meet the main highway which we follow for a short while, before tackling
a final climb through forest and tea terraces to Panchase, a peaceful village
overlooking Pokhara.

Distance 35 km | Elevation Gain 400 m / Descent 1,000 m
The final roll, a smooth and scenic descent through forest and farmland. The
lakeside of Pokhara appears below, marking the end of an incredible ride. We can
stop at various swimming holes along the way. Once we reach the thriving lake
side township, it’

s time for beers, stories, and maybe a swim or more likely a

massage.

Relax by the lake, explore the town, or treat yourself to a massage. You’ve
completed one of the world’s great rides.