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Page 1 - Yak Attack Itinerary Page 2 - Optional Acclimatisation ride Page 3 - Equipment Page 4 - Visa and permit formalities. Page 5 - Food and accomodation etc Page 6 - Torq fitness training program Yak Attack 2009 - March 6 - 15 March 6
Race registration at Kathmandu Guesthouse, Kathmandu. Included in the race entry fee are 2 nights accomodation at the Kathmandu Guesthouse (March 6 + 15). Situated in the heart of Thamel this is an ideal base for exploring Kathmandu and it is surrounded by an abundance of shops, cafes and restaurants.
March 7  Drive to Besi Sahar (approx 6 hours).
We will be staying at the spectacular Mongolian Hotel. Preparation for the race, checking of bikes, equipment, permits etc, last minute briefing.
March 8
Besi Sahar toTaal - Rideable: 70% Altitude: 760m—1700m Distance: 37km
Approx 2km of sealed road starts the race along Besi Sahar main street. The trail soon turns to rough jeep track, and follows the course of the Marshyangdi river along the left side of the valley. After approx 25 km the jeep track runs out and from then its 11km of mainly push and carry up steep rocky climbs with a final 1km descent into the flat valley surrounding Taal
March 9 Taal to Chame Rideable: 33% Altitude: 1700m—2570m Distance: 21km
 Leaving Taal, there is a Mani wall (dry stone wall inlaid with Buddhist prayer slates) in the middle of the path. These should always be passed on the left. After going by fields of maize, barley and potatoes, the valley becomes narrow again. From Taal to Danaqu it will involve a large % of push / carry with a very steep hard climb out of Danaqu. From here though it becomes more rideable with closer views of snow capped peaks and a wide flowing trail to the finish.After a hard days work to reach Chame, competitors can relax by the hot springs on the other side of the Marshyangdi Khola, enjoy the fares at the bakery, or even email home from the internet cafe.
March 10 Chame to Manang Rideable: 75% Altitude: 2570m—3540m Distance: 33km
The route today takes competitors through a dense forest in a steep, narrow valley and crosses a river via two bridges, one at 2910m and then another at 3030m. The trail continues along the river to Pisang, where the altitude is enough to bring on the first symptoms of altitude sickness or AMS. From Pisang, the route follows a wide valley that opens up ahead of us. Competitors will pass through Humde (the highest commercial airport in the world) and Braga with its Gompa and roots in Tibetan religion. A cliff face obscures Manang until were practically upon it and a final steep climb brings us to its prayer wheel lined streets and stunning scenery.
March 11 Rest day in Manang
It is necessary to spend a resting day in Manang for acclimatisation purposes. To ascend too rapidly could have potentially fatal consequences. There are many short excursions possible from Manang and remaining active is encouraged to aid acclimatisation. A Downhill event has been scheduled for the rest day in Manang- details will follow shortly.
March 12 Manang to Thorong Phedi Rideable: 68% Altitude: 3540m—4450m Distance: 22km
The race leaves Manang through narrow, medieval looking streets and then climbs steadily upto Khusang. Although the trail is more rideable above Khusang (3900m), the altitude now takes effect making turning those pedals very hard work. For the majority of the international competitors it becomes a slow hard slog upto Thorong Phedi with an added bonus of having to cross a steep scree landslide area in the final 2km.
March 13
Thorong Phedi to Kagbeni Rideable: 93% Altitude: 5416m—2800m Distance: 22km
 A 4am start is necessary to cross the Thorong La: the trail can get windy later making it difficult to cross the pass. It will take approximately 4 hours to reach the top (approx 3km) and will be 100% carry for bikers. The effects of altitude are now fully felt and the majority of international competitors will be unable to move at anything but a snails pace. Once at the top, the trail descends rapidly on a very steep slope (technical riding) for approximately 45 minutes to Muktinath and then on a less extreme gradient on fast, wide flowing trails to the valley floor, where we will be greeted by the medieval village of Kagbeni, last stop before entering Mustang.
March 14 Kagbeni to Khaniya Ghat - % Rideable 100% : Altitude 2800m - 800m : Distance 92km  Today we will descend from snow capped peaks to tropical lowlands in just over 90km. Leaving Kagbeni the trail follows a wide and flat rver bed leading into the cobbled streets of Jomsom, with its bustling markets and airport. The trail then follows rough and rocky jeep tracks, descending through villages such as Chisopani and Tatopani. As we descend the temperature increases and the trail becomes less rocky. From Beni the final 15km is along an undulating track that follows the course of the river and passes through paddy fields, lined with banana plants. Once at Khaniya Ghat we have rejoined the sealed road we left 230km ago and a bus wil be waiting to transfer us to Pokhara( approx 2hours) for prize giving and post race party.
March 15  Transfer by bus back to Kathmandu (approx 6 hours) After breakfast at the hotel we will return to Kathmandu by coach. The journey will take approx 6 - 8 hours and we wil stop for lunch along the way.Once back in Kathmandu we will stay at the Kathmandu Guesthouse, the price of which is included in the entry fee. From here other rides,tours or trips can be taken (for details of other rides available in Nepal or surrounding areas please click here) or we can arrange a transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
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