Optional Extra.  Acclimatisation ride in the Kathmandu valley prior to race departure.

March 4

Kathmandu to Nagarkot via Bhaktapur (38km with 650m altitude gain)

After an early morning breakfast in Kathmandu, we ride due east to the medieval town of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is an ancient city, full of Newari culture. There are many temples and squares here that we will have time to explore. From here we head northeast to Nagarkot on an excellent and quiet tarmac road. We gradually climb 20km to Nagarkot, on the valley rim, passing steeply terraced farmland and houses that seem to be clinging to the hillside.

When we reach the summit we will be able to see the Himalayan mountain range and on a good day, Mount Everest too. We stay in a guesthouse on the ridge.

March 5
Nagarkot-Shanku-Boudhanath-Kathmandu/Sleeping Vishnu (34 - 40km with 650m. descent)

The day starts with an exciting descent on Jeep tracks. We pass through many rustic villages with the Himalayas to the right on a clear day! We reach the beautiful ancient village of Shanku. From here we are on tarmac road towards Boudhanath Stupa. Here we will have lunch and then ride back to Kathmandu or ride towards (Budhanilkantha) the Sleeping Vishnu temple and then back to Thamel.

This is an ideal way to get rid of those cobwebs and stiff legs after a grueling long haul flight, and an ideal way of enjoying Nepali culture while traveling through spectacular scenery. Gaining height will also help our bodies acclimatize to the rise in altitude we will experience during the race. The ride will be undertaken at a leisurely pace so as not to stress our bodies too much early on( we are already at 1400m and climbing to 2000+m) but there will be ample time for some fast and fun descending during the 2 days.

As a special offer to Yak Attack entrants we are able to run this tour at £60pp which includes all food for the 2 days, accommodation in Nagarkot and an experienced local mtb guide, not included is any equipment hire or drinks, including water, soft drinks or beer. Extra nights accommodation can be booked at the Kathmandu Guesthouse at £20 pp pn.

If you would like to join us on this pre race acclimatization ride then please advise us at the time of booking