Yak Attack, organised by Mountain Biking Worldwide, is an international mountain bike stage race, that has been held in Nepal for the last 15 years, with the 2023 event being the 15th edition. 

The 2023 edition of Yak Attack has 8 stages, covering a total of 250km with 9,000 metres of ascent. This year 26 riders, from 9 different nationalities, will pedal their mountain bikes around the Annapurna Circuit, crossing the mighty Thorong La pass at 5416 metre above sea level. 

The race starts from Besi Sahar on the 19th of November 2023, and finishes on the 28th of November in Tatopani with a closing ceremony in Pokhara the same night.  

Mountain Biking Worldwide has been organising Yak Attack for over 15 years offering the world’s highest mountain bike race. 

The traffic free lanes through tropical paddy fields to flowing single-track via the high Himalayas of Nepal has attracted cyclists from around the world. Cyclists from more than five dozen countries of the world have participated in Yak Attack over the years. 

As the highest mountain bike race on earth, climbing to the dizzying heights of 5416 metres above sea level, the 2023 edition will include more single-track trails than ever before, say Phil Evans and Ajay Pandit Chhetri, the event manager and logistic partner. 

This year, according to Corinne Evans, the co-ordinator of the participants, cyclists from nine countries including, Nepal, United Kingdom, Ireland, Lithuania, Switzerland, Brazil, Austria, Australia, and Poland are participating in the Yak Attack race. 

They will reach Besi Sahar via coach from Thamel Kathmandu for the start of the Yak Attack bicycle race. After getting acclimatised around the foothills in Besi Sahar, they start cycling from 800 metres above sea level and finish at the much colder climates of 2700 metres above sea level. 

They will pedal along river crossings, puddles and gritty terrain, taking on steep climbs on loose, rocky surfaces. Riders will start to feel the first effects of altitude once at Chame and cross various challenging obstacles. 

They cross 30 km to 62 km distance in a day across snowy mountains via Chame, Manang, Manang Loop, Thorong Phedi, Kagbeni, Kagbeni Loop, Tatopani, and Maldhunga before they reach Pokhara to return back Kathmandu. 

Yak Attack bicycle race is recognised globally as one of the toughest races on the worldwide race calendar. Every year throws up new challenges whilst pedalling along the Yak Attack routes where temperatures from +30°C to -15°C can be encountered. 

Participants have to battle against the effects of altitude and cross challenges such as steep climbs, snow fall, ice and landslide areas. A mandatory kit of full fingered insulated gloves, waterproof and insulated footwear, face cover and Cat ¾ sunglasses and other necessary items is recommended for all participants.

Yak Attack as the highest altitude bicycle race of the earth has been believed to have contributed to the growth of adventure cycling in Nepal, placing it in the global arena as a must visit tourist destination through promotion via coverage of the event to a worldwide audience. 

The government of Nepal including stakeholders needs to be engaged and supportive to recognize it from multiple aspects.