Mountain Biking Collection by Holger S.
Adventure in Nepal: Part 1 – Manaslu Circuit Trek
11 days
1-5 h/day
290km
10,570m
9,260m
Part 1: How a crazy idea turned into an unforgettable adventure.
Our Nepal adventure started with an extraordinary experience – the Manaslu Circuit. We are passionate mountain bikers and love to experience landscapes and countries on our bikes. For this reason, we decided before the trip that we wanted to explore Nepal by mountain bike. We soon realised that only a few people had ever dared to go around Manaslu by bike. It was an enormous challenge to carry our equipment on our backs while cycling for days through the Himalayas. The stamina and willpower of my companions Franzi and Laxmi were admirable. About 50% of the distance was rideable, while the other 50% required pushing and carrying our bikes. However, the incomparable beauty of nature, the warm hospitality of the locals, and the fantastic trails more than made up for all the effort.
Our Nepali friend Laxmi is a certified guide and accompanied us during the first two sections of our trip.
Here are a few general tips:
Basic idea: Think carefully about whether you want to experience this Tour by mountain bike or if you’d prefer to hike. As well as above-average fitness and excellent cycling technique, you’ll also need plenty of willpower. If you’re trekking, you should also have previous experience on multi-day tours.
Permits: In contrast to the Annapurna Circuit, you can only do the Manaslu Circuit with a guide. Permits are organised by the tour operator.
Guide: If you dare to undertake the circuit by mountain bike, do so with an experienced mountain bike guide. In the remote regions of the Himalayas there are neither workshops nor spare parts. Your guide should be qualified, experienced and have mechanic skills as well as technical skills.
Bikes: We brought our own mountain bikes with us. It was relatively easy to fly with them. Recommended airlines are Etihad or Qatar. It’s almost impossible to rent reliable mountain bikes for demanding tours locally.
Difficulty: In a direct comparison of the two treks, the Manaslu Circuit is technically more difficult than the Annapurna Circuit. The infrastructure along the route is also less developed, but you’ll experience a much more traditional way of life in the villages, some of which are several days' walk from the nearest road.
Altitude sickness: The Manaslu Circuit reaches an altitude of over 5,000 metres (16,400 ft) so it’s wise to consider altitude adaptation before your trip. Take time to acclimatise sufficiently.
Accommodation: Tea houses and lodges are typically simple but well equipped. Take a sleeping bag with you. Warm blankets are always available, but you’ll be far more comfortable in your own warm, winter sleeping bag. We wouldn't have wanted to be without ours.
Meals: There are many restaurants and tea houses along the route offering local and international dishes. Dal bhat is the traditional national dish and our top recommendation. It always consists of rice and a bowl of lentil stew, plus seasonal and local vegetables, pickles and papadam. It's super tasty and nutritious. The plate will be refilled until you are really full. While drinking water is available everywhere, filtering or other treatment is advisable.
Cash: It’s currently only possible to pay in cash. We budgeted 3,500 NPR (Nepalese rupees) per person per day and that worked well. Bear in mind that the prices in the tea houses a long way from trade routes are significantly higher than the usual prices in Nepal due to the elaborate supply network required.
Climate: The best times to experience the routes are from September to November and from March to May. However, the weather can still be unpredictable. Snowfall and rain can occur at any time of the year.
Transport: Getting to the start point of the Tour can be complicated. However, there are public buses and private Jeeps that run from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Our bikes gave us a clear advantage here as it took us two days cycling through a wonderful landscape to reach the start.
Culture: You’ll pass through traditional villages, offering many interesting insights into the unique culture of the region. Be sure to respect the beauty of the land, the culture and the characteristics of the local people.
Safety: The Manaslu Circuit is a safe route in terms of crime. However, you should be aware of mountain hazards such as falling rocks and be prepared for unpredictable weather events.
Visibility:
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Manaslu Circuit
296km
11,220m
9,890m
Last updated: December 27, 2024
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Activities
51.8km
04:08
1,300m
1,650m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
61.6km
05:00
1,630m
1,940m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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43.9km
04:29
1,210m
830m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
16.5km
02:22
830m
220m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
15.2km
02:11
810m
450m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
14.7km
02:21
940m
310m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
17.5km
02:55
1,180m
270m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
7.56km
01:03
320m
0m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
6.67km
01:23
610m
10m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
15.4km
01:54
680m
1,440m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
39.6km
03:57
1,070m
2,140m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
Collection Stats
Activities
11
Distance
290 km
Duration
31:42 h
Elevation
10,570 m
9,260 m
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