Manaslu Circuit MTB Expedition

The Manaslu Circuit is a true next-level mountain bike expedition,

Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Circuit is a true next-level mountain bike expedition, built for riders who want more than just a trail. Crossing Larke Pass at 5,136m is a serious high-altitude challenge, with long days, demanding terrain, and tough push and carry sections. But the reward is huge, with wild Himalayan views, remote landscapes, and some of the most memorable descents in Nepal.

Far from the main trekking crowds, Manaslu takes you through ancient villages, dense forests, rocky alpine trails, technical singletrack, and rugged jeep tracks. This is expedition-style riding for advanced to expert riders who are ready to push hard and ride harder. With experienced guides, porters, shuttle support, and permits arranged, you can focus on the journey while we handle the logistics.

Cross Larke Pass at 5,136m, one of Nepal’s great high-altitude MTB challenges.
Ride through remote villages, forests, alpine valleys, and wild Himalayan landscapes.
Take on rocky climbs, technical singletrack, forest descents, and serious push/carry sections.
Enjoy full expedition support with guides, porters, shuttles, permits, and logistics included.

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Day by Day

Itinerary

Day 01Arrival in Kathmandu

You will be met at Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be time to build bikes, check equipment, or take a short walk around Thamel.

Day 02Warm Up Ride in Kathmandu

A warm up ride around Kathmandu Valley to check bikes, stretch the legs, and get used to the trails before heading into the mountains. We will also complete the trip briefing, final packing, gear checks, and permit preparation.

Day 03Drive from Kathmandu to Aarughat

We leave Kathmandu by private vehicle and drive around 6 to 7 hours to Aarughat, the starting point of the ride. The drive takes us through rural Nepal, passing rivers, terraced hillsides, small towns, and mountain roads.

Day 04Biking from Aarughat (535m) to Machha Khola (930m) Distance: 25 km

Leaving Aarughat, the trail starts with a rocky and demanding section as we begin following the Budhi Gandaki Valley. The first part of the day includes a mix of riding, pushing, and short carrying sections as the trail climbs beside the river. The scenery is already impressive, with steep hillsides, waterfalls, villages, and the Budhi Gandaki River below. Accommodation becomes more basic as we move deeper into the mountains. Elevation Gain: 1,000m Ride and Push Ratio: 60% Ride, 40% Push

Day 05Biking from Machha Khola (930m) to Jagat (1,410m) Distance: 25 km

Today is a tough physical day with rocky trails, steep climbs, and many push sections. The route follows the narrow Budhi Gandaki River valley, with dramatic rock walls and rugged hills on both sides. There are some rideable sections, but much of the day will involve pushing and carrying the bike. The landscapes are wild and beautiful, giving a real sense of entering the remote Manaslu region. Elevation Gain: 1,050m Ride and Push Ratio: 20% Ride, 80% Push

Day 06Biking from Jagat (1,410m) to Dyang/Deng (1,860m) Distance: 25 km

The first 12 km after leaving Jagat are the hardest part of the day, with steep trail, rocky sections, and plenty of pushing and carrying. After Philim, the trail becomes more rideable and starts to flow better through forest and village sections. The route passes through small settlements, river crossings, and changing landscapes as we gain height. Dyang is a small and quiet village with only a few houses. Elevation Gain: 1,100m Ride and Push Ratio: 50% Ride, 50% Push

Day 07Biking from Dyang/Deng (1,860m) to Namrung (2,630m) Distance: 20 km

Today is all singletrack, with a mix of climbing, riding, and pushing. The trail passes through forests, narrow valleys, and waterfall sections, with beautiful views throughout the day. As we climb higher, the landscape starts to feel more alpine. Namrung is a small village with views towards Lugar Himal and a peaceful mountain atmosphere. Elevation Gain: 1,250m Ride and Push Ratio: 60% Ride, 40% Push

Day 08Biking from Namrung (2,630m) to Samagaun (3,530m) Distance: 17 km

The ride from Namrung to Samagaun passes through some of the most beautiful villages on the Manaslu Circuit. The views of Manaslu Himal become more impressive as the valley opens up and the landscape becomes wider and more dramatic. There is a mix of rideable trail, climbing, and pushing as the altitude becomes more noticeable. Around halfway, there is a large monastery that can be visited if time allows. Samagaun has slightly better facilities after several basic nights on the trail. Elevation Gain: 1,200m Ride and Push Ratio: 50% Ride, 50% Push

Day 09Biking from Samagaun (3,530m) to Dharamsala/Larke Phedi (4,460m) Distance: 13 km

Leaving Samagaun, the first 4 km of trail is mostly rideable, but after that the route becomes harder with pushing and carrying towards Samdo and beyond. The altitude makes the riding slower and more demanding. After lunch, the final 6 km to Dharamsala is all climbing. Some sections are rideable, but the high altitude makes every kilometre feel harder. Dharamsala is very basic, and due to limited accommodation, we may need to stay in a tent. Elevation Gain: 1,000m Ride and Push Ratio: 40% Ride, 60% Push

Day 10Biking from Dharamsala/Larke Phedi (4,460m) to Bhimthang (3,720m) via Larke Pass (5,106m) Distance: 14.5 km

This is the hardest and highest day of the trip. We start early, usually around 5:00 AM, to begin the climb to Larke Pass. The ascent is only 6.5 km, but with 700m of climbing at high altitude, it can take more than 3 hours. From the top of Larke Pass, the views are incredible, with Larke Peak, Mount Manaslu, Ratna Chuli, and many other Himalayan peaks surrounding the pass. The descent to Bhimthang drops around 1,400m and begins with steep, rocky, technical trail. After the first few kilometres, the trail becomes more rideable with amazing views of ice lakes and high mountains. Elevation Gain: 700m Elevation Loss: 1,400m Ride and Push Ratio: 30% Ride, 70% Push

Day 11Biking from Bhimthang (3,720m) to Chyamche (1,430m) Distance: 32 km

Today is the longest riding day in terms of distance. The first 8 km are rough and rocky, with plenty of pushing and carrying. After this, the trail improves and turns into long, flowing singletrack through beautiful forest. We descend towards Tilcho, cross a suspension bridge, and then join jeep tracks towards Dharapani. This is where the Manaslu route connects with the Annapurna Circuit. From Dharapani, we continue on fast, undulating track to Chyamche. Elevation Gain: 600m Ride and Push Ratio: 70% Ride, 30% Push

Day 12Biking from Chyamche (1,430m) to Besi Sahar (760m), then drive to Kathmandu Distance: 32 km

The final riding day follows wide jeep tracks down towards Besi Sahar. The route is mostly downhill and fully rideable, but there may be local traffic, jeeps, and motorbikes on the road. Compared with the previous expedition days, today is easier and faster. After reaching Besi Sahar, we pack the bikes and drive back to Kathmandu, which takes around 6 hours. Elevation Gain: 700m Ride and Push Ratio: 100% Ride

Day 13Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure. If your flight is later in the day, there may be time for last minute shopping, coffee, or a short walk around Kathmandu.

Manaslu Circuit

Itinerary

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