Yak Attack 2025: World’s highest mountain bike race kicks off

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 26: The 16th edition of Yak Attack, the world’s highest mountain bike race, started today from Besi Sahar, Lamjung. 

The international mountain biking event, which has been held in Nepal for two decades, is organized by Mountain Biking Worldwide UK in collaboration with Cycle Culture Community Nepal.

This year’s edition features eight challenging stages, covering a total distance of 250 km with a grueling 9,000-metre ascent. 

A group of 21 riders from eight different nationalities—excluding three companions—is taking on the extreme terrain of the Annapurna Circuit. 

Among the participants are cyclists from the USA, UK, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Australia, Iran, Nepal, and the Indian Army. They will face their ultimate test as they cross the mighty Thorong La pass, situated 5,416 metres above sea level.

Race participants will acclimatize in Besi Sahar before beginning their climb from 800 metres above sea level, eventually reaching 2,700 metres in colder climates. 

Along the way, they will pedal across river crossings, puddles, rocky surfaces, and steep climbs, traversing key checkpoints such as Chame, Manang, Manang Loop, Thorong Phedi, Kagbeni, Kagbeni Loop, Lubra Pass, Tatopani, and Maldhunga before finishing the race in Pokhara.

According to race manager Ajay Pandit Chhetri, the 2025 edition of Yak Attack will feature more single-track trails than ever before. Riders will battle against extreme conditions, including fluctuating temperatures ranging from +30°C to -15°C, high-altitude sickness, snowfall, ice, and potential landslides.

The race will conclude with a grand closing ceremony in Pokhara on June 2, 2025, marking another milestone in the legacy of Yak Attack, one of the most grueling and prestigious mountain bike races on earth.