Manaslu Odyssey
Manaslu Region
A Remote Odyssey Through Untouched Valleys, High Passes & Culture
Looking for a Himalayan ride that feels raw, remote, and deeply immersive? The Manaslu Odyssey takes you through one of Nepal’s most isolated and culturally intact mountain regions, circling the world’s eighth-highest peak, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). This is a journey through deep river gorges, ancient Tibetan villages, dense forests, and high alpine terrain where life still follows the rhythm of the mountains.
Far less traveled than Annapurna, the Manaslu region offers a quieter, more authentic experience. You’ll ride along ancient trade routes, cross dramatic suspension bridges, pass mani walls and prayer wheels, and move steadily from subtropical valleys into stark high-altitude landscapes. The reward is not just the riding, but the feeling of being somewhere truly remote.
This is not a fast trip. It is a deliberate ascent into the Himalayas.
Ride the Adventure
Cycle through dramatic landscapes, from pine forests and alpine meadows to barren high-altitude deserts, all against the backdrop of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.
Himalayan Expertise
Ride with seasoned local guides with 20+ years of experience who not only know the terrain but also share fascinating stories of Nepal’s culture and history.
Adventure, Simplified
All logistics, from accommodations to meal planning, are handled, so you can focus on the ride and the experience.
Trip Highlights
The Manaslu Odyssey unfolds slowly, allowing your body to acclimatize and your senses to take in the changing world around you. Each day brings a subtle shift, from warm river valleys and Gurung villages to cold alpine settlements shaped by Tibetan culture. As the elevation rises, the trails become quieter, the air thinner, and the mountains closer.
You’ll share meals in family-run lodges, spin through villages where time feels paused, and ride beneath towering peaks like Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli. Along the way, prayer flags mark high points on the trail, glaciers spill down from distant ridges, and rivers roar through impossibly narrow gorges below.
Challenge
Culture
Riding
Food And Accommodation
Crossing Larkya La Pass (5,160m) is the defining moment of the journey. It is a physical and mental challenge, followed by one of the most dramatic descents in the Himalayas, dropping into a completely different valley on the other side.
- Ride deep into the restricted Manaslu region, far from mainstream trekking routes
- Cross dramatic suspension bridges above roaring Himalayan rivers
- Pass through Gurung and Tibetan villages shaped by centuries of mountain life
- Experience changing landscapes from lush forests to stark alpine terrain
- Acclimatize in Sama Gaun with views of Mt. Manaslu and surrounding glaciers
- Conquer Larkya La Pass (5,160m), one of Nepal’s great high mountain crossings
- Celebrate the journey with good food, local beer, and shared stories
What sets the Manaslu Odyssey apart is its human element. You’ll ride through villages where hospitality is simple and sincere, share tea with locals, and witness daily life shaped by isolation, altitude, and tradition. From monks chanting in small monasteries to farmers tending terraced fields high above the river, this is a region where culture remains inseparable from landscape.
The journey ends gently, returning through Nepal’s mid-hills, celebrating with a cold beer at Yak Brewing Company, and finally closing the loop with a walk through the historic streets of Bhaktapur. It’s a fitting end to a journey that balances challenge, culture, and reflection.
Tour Schedule
A day-by-day breakdown of your adventure through Nepal’s most scenic and culturally rich trails.
Day 01 – Welcome to the Himalayas (Arrival in Kathmandu)
Day 02 – Royal Canal Ride
Day 03 – Drive to Machha Khola
Day 04 – Ride to Jagat
Day 05 – Ride to Deng
Day 06 – Ride to Namrung
Day 07 – Ride to Sama Gaun
Day 08 – Acclimatization Day (Birendra Lake or Manaslu Base Camp Optional)
Day 09 – Ride to Dharamsala (Larke Phedi)
Day 10 – Cross Larkya La Pass (5,160m) & Ride to Bhimthang
Day 11 – Ride to Dharapani
Day 12 – Ride to Besisahar
Day 13 – Drive Back to Kathmandu via Yak Brewing Company
Day 14 – Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Farewell Dinner
Day 15 – Departure from Kathmandu
What's Included
From accommodations to expert guides, see what’s covered to make your ride seamless and stress-free.
What's Included
- Services of our English-speaking MTB guide during the entire trip.
- Accomodation
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Private transfer from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and Besisahar to Kathmandu.
- 4X4 Jeep to transfer bikes from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and Besisahar to
Kathmandu. (4X4 Jeep with proper tailgate for Bikes) - Private Vehicle for arrival and departure.
- Private transfer during sightseeing.
- Services of Porters
- TIMS, ACAP & MCAP Permit Fee.
- Sightseeing of Bhaktapur Durbar Square including Entrance Fee.
- Staff Remuneration, Accommodation, Meals, Transfers, Insurance etc.
- Includes General First Aid Support.
What's not Included
- Tips and Gratuities
- Expenses of personal nature.
- Wear – tear of the bike parts and accessories. The amount will be charged on actual basis. (if rented)
- Beverages including table drinks (bottled water, soft drink, hard drink, tea coffee etc.)
- Emergency evacuation expenses, Medical Expenses, Client Insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that you subscribe to a proper travel insurance policy that covers air evacuation, illness, medical emergencies, trip cancellation etc.
Available bikes for Rent
- Full Suspension Bikes
- Hardtails
- E-bikes
- Gravel Bikes
Ready to Conquer Manaslu Odyssey
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime ride across rugged trails, ancient villages, and the breathtaking the Tsum Valley and Manaslu region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the tour, from preparation and logistics to gear recommendations and riding conditions.
How many people will be in the group?
We only run small group mountain bike tours to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, and there will be a maximum of 12 people in each group. The minimum number of people we require to run this mountain bike tour in Nepal is 4.
What style of Mountain bike tour is this?
This mountain bike tour in Nepal is a guided mountain bike vacation, ideal for intermediate+ mountain bikers. The terrain you’ll be riding on consists of double track and singletrack through thick forests, villages and across high plateaux and mountain passes.
You’ll encounter some steep climbs and rooty sections, as well as fabulous, swooping descents. Altitude is a factor in this trip and we have some tips for high altitude and managing the effects of altitude.
What sort of Accommodation will we be staying at?
On this mountain biking holiday in the Kathmandu Valley and Lower Mustang regions of Nepal you will be staying in the best quality accommodation available in each area. This ranges from a hill-top cottage outside Kathmandu to local tea houses in the heart of the valley.
Accommodation in the more remote villages up in the mountains is very basic, but you’ll often be staying in family homes, which gives you the chance to get to know the local Nepali people and understand something of their way of life.
What kind of foods are provided during the trip?
A mix of traditional/local and international foods are available during the trip at all places(even at the lodges/teahouses). The most common Nepali Traditional meal is called ‘Dal Bhat’ which includes Rice, Lentil Soup, Seasonal Vegetable Curry, Pickles and option of Chicken/Fish/Mutton(Goat Meat)/Buffalo Meat.
What type of vehicles are used for transportation?
Depending on the group size, we use Car(Sedan), Jeep(4WD), Van as private transfers in the city and highways. We use Double Cab 4WD as shuttle Vehicles on the trails.
Do I need to bring my own bike?
We are proud to offer our very own bike shop, where you can conveniently rent high-end bikes from Commencal and Revel. These top-tier brands are known for their durability, performance, and comfort, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable ride throughout your adventure.
We highly recommend renting a bike if you want to avoid the hassle of transporting your own bike. Bringing your bike along with you can be a logistical challenge, especially with the risk of damage during transit. By renting, you can travel light and eliminate any concerns about transporting your bike safely.
Another benefit of renting is that you don’t need to carry spare parts or tools for your bike. We provide well-maintained, high-quality bikes that come fully equipped with all the necessary components. This way, you can focus on enjoying the ride without worrying about unexpected issues or the extra baggage.
Renting from our shop ensures that you get a bike that is ready for the rugged terrains and trails of the region, offering you the best possible experience during your adventure.
What fitness and riding level do you cater for?
For all our destinations we cater for a wide variety of riders, from families embarking on a vehicle supported cultural cycle tour to the most adventurous of riders looking to ride the remotest and most technical of trails, and everything in between.
If you have any apprehensions about whether a tour will be too hard (or too easy), just get in contact and we’ll talk you through it.
What if I come across a section of trail I can’t ride?
If you come across a section of trail that you can’t ride, don’t worry! It’s quite common to encounter sections of challenging terrain, especially in rugged areas. Here’s what you can do:
Walk the Section: If the trail becomes too technical, steep, or difficult to ride, simply dismount and walk your bike through the area. It’s completely okay to take your time and walk your bike if needed.
Take a Break: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, take a moment to rest and assess the situation. Sometimes a short break can give you the energy or clarity you need to tackle the section ahead, or even re-evaluate if it’s best to continue walking through the area.
Ask for Guidance: Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or a little assistance. Our guides are always ready to offer valuable insight into which sections may require walking or how to best approach tricky spots.
Use Shuttle Support: In some cases, if the section is particularly challenging or dangerous, you can take the option for our shuttle support to take you past that part of the trail.
Embrace the Adventure: Mountain biking is about the experience, and sometimes that means overcoming obstacles. Even walking a section of the trail can be rewarding, and you’ll likely still enjoy the beauty and challenge of the ride. Remember, every biker encounters these moments—it’s all part of the adventure!
Ultimately, the most important thing is to ride safely and at a pace that feels comfortable for you. If you’re unable to ride a particular section, walking through it and enjoying the surroundings can still be an incredible part of your journey.
I have a dietary requirement. Can you cater for me?
Yes. Most dietary requirements can be catered for. Just let us know of any specific requirements and given plenty of notice it is usually possible to fulfill most requests.
Meet the Guides
Meet and get to know the team behind your joy
Dinesh
Dinesh, our lead mechanic for over a decade, keeps bikes in top condition and leads worry-free tours with his technical expertise and adventure training.
Saloman
Saloman turned his passion for biking into a career, managing tours and leading rides across the Himalayas while continually exploring new routes.
Manoj
A natural storyteller and licensed guide, Manoj brings deep cultural knowledge and humor to every ride, making each tour informative and engaging.