Annapurna Circuit in Nepal – Bikepacking the roof of the world

12 routes

72:50

384km

8,110m

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most impressive hiking trails through Nepal’s lofty mountains. Parallel to the hiking trail, slightly above in places, a gravel road lies in the shadow of the world’s highest peaks. The route winds around the Annapurnaberg massif in the Nepalese Himalayas. At 8,091 metres (26,545 feet), the Annapurna I is the highest mountain en route and the ninth tallest mountain in the world. At a dizzying 5,416 metres (17,769 feet) above sea level, the Thorung La Pass is an absolute highlight too.

The route takes you through a wide variety of incredibly beautiful landscapes. The first leg stretches through subtropical lowlands with rice terraces and jungles. Next, the dusty dirt road leads along deep cliffs where a river swirls hundreds of metres below, cutting the valley in half. Slightly higher up, green alpine meadows and pine forests backdrop your ride. Finally, you admire the spectacular Himalayan landscape with impressive rock formations, snow-covered peaks, and brightly coloured prayer flags. Hot springs, glaciers, birds of prey, yaks, Buddhist temples and Tibetan culture – this is the Annapurna Circuit.

Although the route itself is anything but easy, it is one of the easier mountain Tours to plan in terms of logistics. Along the route, there are many mountain villages where you'll find a comfy bed and a hot meal. Don't expect luxurious hotels; the rooms of the tea houses are very simple. The ice-cold wind sometimes blows right through your room. The higher you get, the lower the comfort level. Hot water, electricity or clean blankets are scarce from 3,000 metres (9,842 feet). The tea houses offer an amazingly extensive menu. The meal is, of course, dal bhat, a dish consisting of rice, lentils and curry. The food is nourishing and helpings are unlimited – important for a hungry cyclist!

Because the route is a round trip around the Annapurna Mountains, you can choose to ride the Annapurna Circuit clockwise or anticlockwise. I chose to ride anticlockwise as this allows you to climb the Thorung La Pass more gradually. With an altitude of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet), you might suffer from altitude sickness but climbing slowly reduces this risk. If you cycle the route the other way around, you'll get a few more stretches of 'flowy single trails' under your wheels on the descents.

The hiking trail officially starts in Besisahar and ends in Jomsom. You can reach these towns by bus, which will even carry your bike on the roof. Of course, you can also choose to cycle the entire Tour from Pokhara. You apply for the required permits for the region in Pokhara and Kathmandu. Enjoy this epic ride on the roof of the world!

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