Compare Annapurna Circuit Biking – 13 Days by Ace the Himalaya vs Annapurna Trails & Chitwan - Premium Adventure by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 1,820 | $ 6,225 |
| Price Per Day | $ 140 | $ 479 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
2 Breakfasts |
All breakfasts, eight lunches and eight dinners are included. The five Mountain Lodges of Nepal (MLN) and Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan are on a full-board basis. Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara is on a bed and breakfast basis. Please allow approximately 4,000 - 5,400 rupees (US$30-US$40) per day for meals not included in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Dhal bhat is the staple diet in Nepal and comes in many different forms but generally comprises curried lentil dhal and meat or vegetables, rice, and a pickle/chutney. Another popular snack is momos; a Nepalese dumpling, fried or steamed, filled with meat or vegetables. Meals in the lodges range from traditional Nepalese food to Chinese and Western dishes. The food served is of good quality and is usually buffet style. You will be provided with safe drinking water whilst on trek and in Chitwan. |
| Description |
This extraordinary trip takes you to some of the most stunning and exotic biking routes in Nepal. Annapurna Circuit biking tour passes through a variety of different landscapes, from lush sub-tropical rainforest, deep valleys and cultivated fields, to wooded alpine and high deserts. Visit many different villages, meeting the local hill communities and enjoying frequent spectacular views of massive Himalayan peaks, including Annapurnas and Manaslu. Reach the lowland villages, dense oak forests, deep gorges and lovely isolated hamlets to the lap of the mighty high mountains and the Gangapurna lake – one of the beautiful altitude fresh water lakes. To top it all, the crossing of the Thorong La pass (5,416 m) is a challenging ascent, surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountain sceneries in the world. |
The lovely lakeside town of Pokhara and the Annapurna foothills to the north hold the most beautiful mountain scenery in Nepal. Rice terraces and rhododendron forests lead the eye to the timeless peaks of Machupuchare, also known as Fishtail Mountain, and the high Annapurnas. Our six-day trek takes us through the prettiest villages in the region, including Birethanti, Landruk, Majgoan and Gangruk, and we stay in five lovely mountain lodges, built in the local style, but with the creature comforts not normally found on Himalayan treks. Moving on to the tropical lowlands, we’ll stay in boutique eco-cottages at Barahi Lodge in Chitwan, which are sandwiched between the jungle and the Rapti River. Glimpse wildlife from the infinity pool, spot birdlife and crocodiles as you ride a traditional dugout canoe, and encounter the endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros on a jeep safari. Return to Kathmandu to round off your adventure.Explore the landscapes, wildlife and culture of Nepal on foot and with extra comfort |
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,345 m)
Our airport representative will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. He will be displaying an Ace the Himalaya signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
Overnight at a hotel.
Day 2: Pre-Biking Meeting and Drive to Besisahar (760 m)
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, after breakfast, we host a pre-biking meeting at our office in Kathmandu and introduce you to your biking guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about your trip. We will provide you with a duffel bag and a cap. For the meeting, please make sure you bring your passport, two copies of your passport-size photos and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy. During this meeting, please clear the due balance, if any, and sign the legally binding trip form as well as the non-liability disclaimer. Please inform us in advance if you will be arriving late and therefore are unable to attend the meeting.
Take a six-hour ride to Besisahar. It is the starting point of the biking trip. There make necessary preparations and meet the support team which includes porters for carrying your luggage and equipments.
Overnight at a hotel.
Day 3: Ride from Besisahar to Tal (1,700 m). Distance: 37.4 km
The beginning trail follows the course of the Marshyangdi River along the right side of the valley. As you ascend uphill, you gain about 1,000 meters in elevation. Today is the perfect prelude to more thrilling riding in the days to follow.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 4: Ride from Tal to Chame (2,670 m). Distance: 22.6 km
Leaving Tal, there is a mani wall (dry stone wall inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates) in the middle of the path. These should always be passed on the left going clockwise. After going through green corn, barley and potato fields, the valley becomes narrow again. From Tal to Danaque it will involve a large percent of push / carry with a very steep hard climb out of Danaque. From here though it becomes more ride-able with closer views of snow-capped peaks and a wide flowing trail to the finish.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 5: Ride from Chame to Manang (3,540 m). Distance: 29.7 km
Ascend through pine forests as the trail opens into a fertile agriculture valley. The dirt trail leads you through villages and settlements and you get the opportunity to meet with friendly locals and snotty children. From Pisang (3,230 m), the route follows through a wide valley that opens up ahead of us.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 6: Acclimatization in Manang and Visit to Gangapurna Lake and Glacier
You won’t ride further today. Just explore around the Himalayan town to acclimatize to high altitude. Ascending rapidly could have potentially fatal consequences. There are many short excursions from Manang. One of them is a visit to Gangapurna Lake. It will take about half an hour to reach this beautiful lake. We will also go for a short hike to one of the hills which will take around an hour to reach. You can witness the majestic Mt. Gangapurna standing tall and also the beautiful lake beneath from the top of the hill. Rest of the time can be spent in acclimatizing and enjoying the environment around.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 7: Ride from Manang to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m). Distance: 19 km
Leave Manang and then start climbing towards Yak Kharka (4,010 m). Continue to ascend to higher altitude. Pedaling becomes a very hard work due to elevation. So, go slowly. Enjoy the scenery and culture of the region. It is important to remain physically and mentally prepared for the highest ascent of the next day.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 8: Ride from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3,760 m) via Thorong La Pass (5,416 m). Distance: 22 km
Wake up very early for the 4-am start which is necessary to cross Thorong La Pass. The trail can get windy later making it difficult to cross the pass. It will take approximately 4 hours to reach the pass (approx 3 km). You will have to carry your bike to get there. The climb is demanding, the effects of altitude can be felt more and more as you ascend but you will be awe-struck by the spectacular views of the landscape. Once at the top, rest, enjoy the feeling of getting to the highest point of Annapurna Circuit and be ready for the amazing downhill ride. After 45 minutes of technical riding, you will be in Muktinath (3,760 m) where you can rest your exhausted body.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 9: Ride from Muktinath to Tukuche (2,590 m) via Lupra Valley. Distance: 32 km
Exit the pilgrimage town of Muktinath and ride towards Dhangladanda through a less-used trail. From the viewpoint, you will be riding on impressive single tracks all the way down to the river bed in Lupra Valley. Then, paddle to Jomsom where you will rest and have lunch. From Jomsom onwards, move to an old village of Tukuche. Explore the Thakali culture of the village and take a sip of Apple Brandy.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 10: Ride from Tukuche to Tatopani (1,190 m). Distance: 42 km
The starting of the trail is easy to ride, but after Rukse Chaahara the trail drops about 1000 meters in elevation. This is the most challenging and enjoyable part of today’s ride. The downhill trail takes you to Tatopani, the village known for its hot springs. Once there, enjoy a refreshing hot bath.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 11: Ride from Tatopani to Beni (899 m). Distance: 25 km. And Jeep Ride to Pokhara (830 m).
Today is the last day of riding. Enjoy as you paddle towards Beni municipality, the end point of Annapurna Circuit biking. From here, take a jeep for Pokhara. In about 4 hours, you will reach the destination. When in the city, rest and explore.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 12: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (Approx. 6 Hours)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Check into your hotel and then get ready for your last night in Nepal.
We host farewell dinner in a typical Nepali-style restaurant with cultural performances (dancing and singing) in the evening.
You have the option to extend your trip with Chitwan jungle safari, rafting and bungee, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, scenic Everest flight and other activities.
Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 13: Departure from Nepal
Meals: Breakfast
The trip concludes here. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for your flight departure from Nepal.
Day 1 Start Kathmandu
The tour starts at our hotel in Kathmandu this afternoon. Free arrival transfers are available for any flight, provided you have supplied your sales representative with your flight details in advance and have requested one. This evening there will be a trip briefing followed by a group welcome dinner, a great early introduction to get to know your Leader and fellow travellers. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Day 2 Kathmandu sightseeing tour including Durbar Square and Boudhanath Stupa
For those who wish, there is the chance to do an optional Everest sightseeing flight early this morning; this can be booked locally through your leader on Day 1 We will leave the hotel late morning for our Kathmandu sightseeing tour. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Boudhanath to see the famous Buddhist stupa with its huge mandala; one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and indeed in the world. After lunch overlooking the stup, we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square (which also has UNESCO status), one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Although the Kathmandu Durbar Square was heavily damaged in the 2015 earthquake the many palaces, temples and courtyards in the Newari style are interesting. There is also the chance to stroll through the bustling markets of Asan Tol, the oldest bazaar in Kathmandu, into the Thamel area, the newer main tourist area of Kathmandu. There will be a full trip briefing today. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Day 3 Fly to Pokhara; orientation walk
We fly to Pokhara this morning, a pretty lakeside resort at the foot of the Annapurna Range. The flight takes about 30 minutes and on a clear day offers great views of the Himalaya from the right hand side of the plane. We should arrive by lunchtime and in the afternoon your leader will take you for an orientation walk along the shore of Phewa Lake. Premium accommodation: Atithi Resort & Spa
Day 4 Walk through farmland and forest down to the Modi River Valley to Sanctuary Lodge, offering fine views of the sacred Fishtail Mountain
We have a short drive to our trek start point, from where we follow a ridgeline in the lower foothills of the Annapurnas with views of the Pokhara Valley. This route then drops to the Modi River Valley, where Mountain Lodges of Nepal's Sanctuary Lodge is located. The lodge has magnificent views of the sacred and unclimbed Fishtail Mountain (or Machhapuchhare, as it is locally known). Lunch will be in the lodge and in the afternoon we can either relax in the wonderful garden or your leader will take you on a bird watching walk to Birethanthi village. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Sanctuary Lodge, 3,363ft/1,025m)
Day 5 Picturesque trek through villages, rice fields and forests to Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk
After breakfast, you will leave the lodge to start the trek through the scattered small farms. Following the Modi Khola and with constant views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre ahead, you will soon climb the valley towards the mountains. Today is quite a long climb up stone steps passing through the rice fields and forest, but we take plenty of stops and have lunch en route. Finally, we arrive at Himalaya Lodge in Ghandruk in the afternoon. Tea and snacks are served on arrival as you enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Machhapuchhare. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Himalaya Lodge, 6,601ft/2,012m)
Day 6 Descend to cross the river by suspension bridge, then climb to La Bee Lodge in Landruk
Although we can see Landruk across the valley, we have to descend to the river and climb up the other side to get there. Leaving the Ghandruk village, the trek descends steeply to the banks of Modi River. Crossing the suspension bridge, we trek up a stone staircase to Landruk village, enjoying the views of the Annapurna range and passing under the cliffs where honey hunters climb up ropes to harvest wild bee honey. Lunch will be ready as we arrive at our lodge. After lunch, you may either rest and enjoy the spectacular views of Annapurna South and Huinchuli or go on a sightseeing tour in the village with your guide. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (La Bee Lodge, 5,135ft/1,565m)
Day 7 Gentle walk to Gurung or Mala Lodge at Majgaon; afternoon free to relax in the garden or explore the village
An easier walk today on a wide trail with no steep up or downhills and no stone steps passing through village and farmlands with views of the Annapurnas behind. Today is a great day for bird watching in the forests above us. We will arrive at the lodge by lunchtime and in the afternoon, you can enjoy the views of the mountains from your room itself or spend time in the wonderful garden with views of Annapurna South. There is also the option of a guided village walk to Thanchok, an old traditional Gurung village and home to many blacksmith families. (Occasionally if Gurung Lodge is full we walk on another 20 minutes to the equally wonderful Malla Lodge in Tomijun village). Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Gurung/Mala Lodge, 4,593ft/1,400m)
Day 8 Trek through sub-tropical forests to Basanta Lodge at Dhampus, with spectacular views of the entire Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare and Lamjung Himal
After a spectacular sunrise on Annapurna South we walk along a wide forest track ascending gradually for a couple of hours. A short section on a forest trail brings us to the main trail at Potana. Half an hour further on we come to Australia Camp, a collection of lodges with magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhare, Lamjung Himal and the Manaslu Himal. We can stop here for a tea break before descending the ridge to Dhampus. Once at the lodge you will be served hot lunch after which you can take a short walk into Dhampus village. The sunset and sunrise from the lodge garden are not to be missed. We can see all the way from Annapurna South, Huinchuli, Machhapuchhare, Annapurnas 4 and 2, and the Lamjung and Manaslu Himals. Accommodation: Mountain Lodges of Nepal (Basanta Lodge, 5,003ft/1,525m)
Day 9 Short descent through wooded hillside to Ghatte Khola; transfer to Pokhara; free afternoon (optional boat trip on Lake Phewa)
After breakfast, we depart along the ridge and descend on a stone staircase through the wooded hillside and terraced farmland to the valley floor. The trek time is 90 minutes to two hours. We then transfer by vehicle to the hotel in Pokhara (one hour). The afternoon is free to explore Pokhara. You may want to visit the interesting Mountain Museum, take a boat ride on Phewa Lake or hire a bike for a cycle along the lakeshore. Or you may simply want to relax by the hotel pool or wander along the lakeside browsing in the shops. Your leader will brief you on the various options available. Premium accommodation: Atithi Resort & Spa
Day 10 Drive to Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan; boat ride to sunset point. In the evening see traditional Tharu dancers
We drive from Pokhara to Barahi Jungle Lodge in Chitwan, which will take about 4-5 hours. On a clear day, we look to the left as we leave Pokhara for magnificent panoramic views of the Annapurna range. The road takes us back to Mugling, from where we turn south to the lowlands of Nepal and our jungle lodge in Chitwan. We should arrive by lunchtime, after which we’ll meet our naturalist guide who will go over the activities. In the late afternoon, we take boat trip on the river looking out for crocodiles and birds to sunset point. After the sun has gone down, we drive back to the lodge. Before dinner there will be a traditional cultural dance programme. Our naturalist from the lodge will accompany us on all the excursions. Premium accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge
Day 11 Explore the jungle and village life on a bird-watching walk and afternoon, jeep safari in the park wildlife spotting/
Activities may be offered in a different order but usually, the programme today will include a village and bird watching walk and a jeep safari. We will do one activity in the morning and one in the afternoon. The naturalists are very knowledgeable and can spot the many birds for you. We will also visit a traditional Tharu house. The jeep safari will take us into the National Park where as well as great bird life there is a chance to spot several species of deer, wild boar, the one horned rhino and hopefully, the rare Bengal Tiger. Before dinner there will be a different cultural programme at the lodge. Dinner is served inside or outside by the pool depending on the time of year. Premium accommodation: Barahi Jungle Lodge
Day 12 Morning drive to Kathmandu; free time
For those who wish, there is a bird-watching walk early this morning. After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Chitwan and head on the road for Kathmandu. The drive is approximately five hours and we should arrive in Kathmandu early afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure. Premium accommodation: Hotel Yak & Yeti
Day 13 End Kathmandu
The trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you are flying out today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. However, if you’d like a little more time to explore Kathmandu, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
