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Tag: Annapurna Region

Annapurna Region: Annapurna Circuit Cycling Tour

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A popular trekking route in Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit is regarded as one of the world’s most iconic trekking destinations. Imagine exploring this breathtaking region on two wheels. Wouldn’t that be amazing? 

Annapurna Circuit Cycling Tour offers an unparalleled perspective on the majestic Himalayan landscapes and provides an exhilarating and challenging experience for cycling enthusiasts. 

The Annapurna Circuit is a mythical and remote region known for its dramatic landscapes, breathtaking beauty, and legendary population. With the Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking Tour, you have the opportunity to explore the Himalayas in a new way.

An adventure into some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes awaits you on the Annapurna Circuit Cycling Tour. A popular trekking route in Nepal, this epic journey is gaining popularity among cycling enthusiasts looking for a challenging and unique ride.

Overview of the Annapurna Circuit:

Annapurna Circuit is known for trekking, but cyclists also find the route a mecca for adventure. Along its 160 miles (260 kilometers), the circuit encircles the Annapurna Massif and reaches an elevation of 17,769 feet (5,416 meters).  

Taking on challenging terrain has many benefits, such as affording stunning views, learning about local culture, and conquering breathtaking mountain views.

Highlights of the Trip:

  • Smooth gradual biking in the shadow of the most beautiful peaks on the earth along with Rhododendron and Pine forest to a Tibetan-influenced valley.
  • A visit to an ancient Buddhist monastery, monuments and their traditional stone walled villages.
  • Muktinath temple with its 108 bronze waterfalls and Dhola Mebar Gompa (an ancient Buddhist monastery where the sacred flame of natural gas burns behind a chimney just above the spring).
  • Opportunity to meet the Gurung, Manangis, and Thakali communities and their cultural mix. 
  • Muktinath temple and its 108 water spouts, Dhola Mebar Gompa (an ancient Buddhist monastery with a holy flame burning behind a grill just above a spring), and other religious shrines. 
  • A professional guide and porter who carries your goods.

The Thrills of Cycling the Annapurna Circuit:

  • Stunning scenery:

Through lush subtropical forests, picturesque villages, and rugged alpine terrain, the Annapurna Circuit offers breathtaking scenery. The majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges are all around you as you pedal, including Annapurna I, the world’s 10th-highest peak. 

There is a dramatic change in landscape as you ascend and descend, from terraced rice fields to arid high desert plateaus. Each turn of the road reveals a different view, each more breathtaking than the last.

  • Adventure Challenges:

A cycle trip around the Annapurna Circuit is more than just a sightseeing excursion; it is an exciting and challenging journey. The trail is a mixture of smooth dirt roads and technical single-track, with steep ascents and thrilling descents. 

The circuit includes several notable spots, including the infamous Thorong La Pass, at an elevation of 17,769 feet (5,416 meters). Getting to the summit is an accomplishment many cyclists strive for, and the feeling of accomplishment is indescribable.

  • Cultural immersion

Annapurna Circuit offers more than just scenic beauty; where you can interact with the various ethnic groups that live here, including Gurungs, Thakalis, and Manangis. The local hospitality will warm your heart while you enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine along the way. Make sure you try Dal Bhat, the staple meal of Nepal, which is both delicious and energizing.

  • Wildlife encounters: 

A variety of wildlife can be found along the Annapurna Circuit, including birds, deer, and the very rare snow leopard. Your cycling trip may provide an opportunity to see some of these creatures. The adventure is made even more exciting by the chance to meet Nepal’s unique wildlife up close and personal.

When is the best time to go?

A cycling tour of the Annapurna Circuit is best enjoyed in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is relatively stable during these periods, with clear skies and mild temperatures. Rhododendron blossoms are most vibrant during spring, whereas the autumn season offers breathtaking mountain views due to clearer skies following the monsoon season.

The Annapurna Circuit Cycling Tour offers physical challenges, stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and thrilling exploration. Enjoy the beauty and culture of the Annapurna region on this journey through the Himalayas. 

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist seeking a new challenge or a nature enthusiast looking for a new way to connect with the Himalayas, this journey is an incredible experience. 

Embark on a two-wheeled adventure with the Himalayan Circuit Treks through the Annapurna Circuit for a breathtaking glimpse of the world around you. Enjoy the splendor of the Annapurna Circuit on your pedal-powered adventure.

Mardi Himal Trek

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A Mardi Himal Trek offers the beauty of the Nepali mountains with fewer crowds, authentic teahouses, stunning rhododendron forests, and incredible Annapurna Mountain Range views. Mardi Himal trek offers a breathtaking experience surrounded by green hills and snow capped mountains while you walk in pristine forests filled with oaks and rhododendrons.

There are stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri on the west and Machhapuchhre and Manaslu on the east as one hike along a high ridge with the Mardi Himal range behind. You can get up close to mighty peaks such as Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

Trekking on Mardi Himal involves walking on a narrow ridgeline surrounded by spectacular Annapurna Massifs. Budding photographers and filmmakers will have ample opportunities to capture dramatic mountain images thanks to the unobstructed and exposed views. The Mardi Himal Trek in the Annapurna region is a good choice for novices and experienced trekkers alike.

Mardi Himal Trek Highlights:

Fishtail mountain

  •         You will begin your trip in Pokhara, Nepal’s most popular tourist destination. 
  •         You will get to see the sights of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre up close.
  •         You will get to discover rich mountain cultures, incredible landscape, lush green jungles, and breathtaking natural scenery.
  •         This trek will allow you to see the sky-dominating Annapurna South (7219m), Himchuli (7893m), Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Machhapuchhre             (6993m), Mardi Himal (5587m), and many more impressive peaks. 
  •         You will get to witness a breathtaking sunset from Mardi Camp over Fishtail.

Why you’ll love this trip?

Mardi Himal Trek

Located on a side trail of the Annapurna Base Camp hike, the Mardi Himal Trek offers great views of lesser-known parts of the Annapurna Massif. This trek is a little rougher, a bit more exciting, and most importantly, less crowded than other treks in the Annapurna Region.

You will reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters (17,763 ft). This trek originally had a limited number of teahouses, but since about 2011, there have been many teahouses available along the trail.

A trip to Mardi Himal trek offers a picturesque and overwhelming experience surrounded by green hills and snowcapped mountains along with walks in the pristine forest filled with rhododendrons and oak trees.

The Mardi Khola valley with snow-covered Annapurna can be enjoyed while sharing meals with friends and strangers after you reach the Mardi Base Camp (4500 m) after acclimatizing at the two high camps.

The Mardi Himal trek leads along a high ridge with views of the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri in the west and the Machhapuchhre and Manaslu mountain range in the east.

Unique experiences in Mardi Trek:

Mountains above clouds

  •         Mardi Himal Trek is a short trekking tour in the Mardi Himal that takes you to high altitudes of the Himalayas, so you can see the mountain ranges up close and unobstructed.
  •         The Mardi Himal Trek route consists of eight camps where you can enjoy the views, including Base Camp (4,500 meters), High Camp (3,600 meters), Babal Dada Low Camp (3,150 meters), Kokar Forest Camp (2,600 meters), Pitam Deurali (2,100 meters), (1,750 meters), etc.
  •         The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderately challenging trek in the Annapurna region. The first couple of days are easy, and then the latter days become more challenging as you gain elevation toward base camp. This trek, however, is comparatively easy compared to others in the Annapurna region.
  •         Mardi Himal trekking adventure takes you through green and peaceful forests, offering a wonderful experience of walking through the wilderness.
  •         As the Mardi Himal Trek follows a fairly simple route, it is one of the best options for solo trekkers.

 

Mardi Himal Trek Route:

Path-to-mardi

Mardi Himal Trek takes you to the top of Mardi Himal in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Pokhara is the starting point for the Mardi Himal trek, after which you take the drive to Kande and trek from there to Pothana or Deurali.

Then we move to the low camp, then on to the high camp, and finally on to Mardi base camp. Then we trek down to Siding after the wonderful experience in base camp. Afterward, we return to Pokhara by private vehicle (jeep, car, van, etc.).

Mardi Himal Trek: How difficult is it?

snow in mardi

You don’t need super fitness for this trek, however moderate fitness is still required since you’re trekking through the Himalayas of Nepal. You will have to cross some rocky sections near the high camp and base camp.

The Mardi Himal Trek is a normal to moderate-level trek in the Annapurna region. Trekking with a basic level of fitness is possible, but a good training program will make your trek more rewarding. The trek does not require climbing skills.

When to trek?

Sunrise from mardi

Mardi Trek is best done in the autumn, from mid-September to mid-October, and from late November to early December. March–May is the second best season of the year to go to Mardi trekking.

The skies are clear during December – January – February, but the weather can get very cold and snowfall can close passes. May to June is Nepal’s hot pre-monsoon season, which is still a good time to trek to Mardi.

During the winter, the paths going to the Mardi Himal are usually covered in snow, and the weather becomes exceedingly dry and frigid. Snow-covered mountains and visual splendor, however, make this time of year a memorable one.

A hike up the Mardi Himal will surely remain in your memory. There will always be something to cherish about the scenic beauty and the enthralling atmosphere.

Experience a true adventure by trekking to Mardi with the Himalayan Circuit, which will bring you through a lush forest of pines, rhododendrons, oaks, and dense Gurung villages.