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4 nights / 5 days · Pokhara to Pokhara

Manang High Altitude Adventure

Ride up the Marsyangdi valley on the Annapurna Circuit road to Manang at 3,540 m. Waterfalls and gorges low down, pine forest in the middle, then the high, dry valley under Annapurna II, III and Gangapurna.

Two KTM rental motorbikes and a rider on a mountain road in Manang below the snowy Annapurna range

Duration: 5 days; 4 nights
Riding: 440 km; approximate
Max altitude: 3,540 m; Manang

Best season: September to November and March to MayStart and end: Pokhara

Overview

The Besisahar to Manang road climbs about 100 km on dirt, rock and gravel, with landslide sections and river crossings. It is one of the most demanding rides we offer, and one of the most rewarding. We go up slowly, sleeping at Dharapani and Pisang before Manang, so the body has time to adjust.

The Marsyangdi gorge with waterfalls at Syange, Jagat and Chamje
The curved rock wall of Paungda Danda near Pisang
Manang village under Annapurna II, III, IV and Gangapurna
Short hikes to Gangapurna Lake and Braga monastery

Itinerary

Your route, night by nightWhere you sleep each night and how high it is

Tap a stop

1
Day 1
Pokhara to Dharapani via Dumre and Besisahar
- ~150 km
- 7 to 8 hrs
- 1,860 m
- Stay: Dharapani
Paved Prithvi highway to Dumre, up to Besisahar, then onto dirt through Bhulbhule, Syange, Jagat and Tal to Dharapani.
2
Day 2
Dharapani to Pisang via Chame
- ~35 km
- 3 to 4 hrs
- 3,200 m
- Stay: Pisang
A shorter day to help acclimatise. Through pine forest to Chame, past the Paungda Danda rock face to Pisang.
3
Day 3
Pisang to Manang, afternoon hike
- ~17 km
- 1 hr
- 3,540 m
- Stay: Manang
Ride along the valley floor past Humde to Manang. In the afternoon walk to Gangapurna Lake or the old monastery at Braga to help acclimatise.
4
Day 4
Manang to Besisahar
- ~100 km
- 6 to 7 hrs
- 760 m
- Stay: Besisahar
Optional early morning hike to a viewpoint, then the long ride back down the valley.
5
Day 5
Besisahar to Pokhara
- ~110 km
- 4 hrs
- 822 m
- Stay: Pokhara
Paved road via Dumre back to Lakeside.

Distances and riding times are approximate. They change with road works, weather and photo stops.

What's included

Included

Motorbike and fuel for the route
Experienced riding guide, with backup vehicle for groups
ACAP permit
Four nights in lodges or teahouses (twin sharing)
Breakfast and dinner on the road

Not included

Travel and medical insurance (must cover motorbike riding at altitude)
Lunch, drinks and snacks unless your quote says otherwise
Damage to the bike, fines and personal expenses
Extra nights caused by weather, landslides or road closures
Tips for the guide and support crew

Your quote confirms exactly what is included. Self-ride without a guide is possible on routes that do not need one.

Permits and good to know

Permits

Manang is in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Each rider needs an ACAP permit, which we arrange with a copy of your passport.

Thorong La pass (5,416 m) cannot be ridden, so the route goes up and back the same valley.
You should be comfortable riding dirt, rocks and water crossings before booking.
An extra rest day in Manang is easy to add if you want to hike to Ice Lake or Milarepa's cave.

4 nights / 5 days