NOV 11-20
2023
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Yak Ru Race probable for 2022
Dear Yak Ru Enduro Community,
The government of Nepal has lifted the mandatory quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travellers as of 24 September 2021. They have also announced the resumption of an arrival visa for fully vaccinated visitors for those who travel with a PCR negative report 72 hours before their departure in their home countries. In reality, it will take several more weeks to see procedures stabilize at our border entry points and Nepal’s diplomatic missions overseas for visitors to receive their visas formalities completed.
On a separate note, the recent monsoon rain had destroyed 80% of the road and bridge infrastructures to Manang. It will take some time and effort to get them repaired and operational.
As much as we would love to organize the YakRu Enduro race in November 2021, the reality is not in our favour. It still seems wishful thinking to hold any race this year. With a heavy but optimistic heart, we announce the postponement of the YakRu Enduro race until 2022. We thank those who have signed up for the race and automatically roll forward your deposits to the next race. We also thank and highly appreciate all of the volunteers out there who had made plans to participate in the World’s highest enduro MTB race.
Your extraordinary patient and support get us going during these challenging times.
“YakRu” – Our way to salute you all.
Welcome to Yak Ru
World's highest enduro mountain biking race
The Yak Ru Enduro is a real pilgrimage into the heart of the Himalayas – to a mountain biking destination that overflows with natural beauty, is steeped in mythical lore, and offers the ultimate Big Mountain riding experience. Athletes become adventurers as they venture high into the alpine – in search of wild and exciting singletrack to not just race on, but to forge everlasting memories and pacts of camaraderie embodying ‘the spirit of enduro’. The three days of ‘onsight’ enduro competition they will embark on forms just one part of their grand exploration, right beneath the shadow of the majestic Annapurnas – some of the tallest mountains in the world in Nepal.
3-day enduro race: Flat and climbing sections are un-timed and mainly descending sections are timed. 3 to 6 hours of riding per day, with 2-3 timed sections throughout each day. Times will be added together over the span of the 3 days to get your overall result at the end of the event.
Non-competitive riding before and after the 3 race days
A short, non-competitive acclimatization ride precedes the first day of racing; and a longer, non-competitive celebration rides follows after the last day racing to give a total of 5 days of riding. This event is structured as such with the health and well-being of all participants and staff in mind: to allow riders ample time to get accustomed to the high altitude via the acclimatization ride; as well as ensuring safety (and plenty of great photo-taking opportunities!) during the scenic and very rugged/exposed descending route during the return journey.
Be part of the 10-day long awesome adventure that combines cultural and natural immersion this coming 11-20 November 2021.
Yak Ru 2019
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FAQs
Learn everything you need to know about Yak Ru race.
Forty riders are the theoretical maximum that our current logistics convoy plans can accommodate between Kathmandu and the Manang District, as well as during the event itself concerning shuttle/uplift vehicles, hotel, and guesthouse bedding, and safety coverage. The remoteness and ruggedness of the environment the event passes through necessitates this.
Only the lucky enough to successfully register will be in for a treat, and the adventure of a lifetime!
Yes. We welcome friends and family members to come and support you as well as be a part of your adventure with us.
Non-riding persons may accompany the 4WD vehicles or hike up to stages to view the action, tagging along with marshaling and safety teams as they do. Companions may also ride their bikes along the event route, and are more than welcome to accompany event participants on the scheduled acclimatization ride (pre-race) and the group ride (post-race).
Companions receive the exact same services as the racing participants package, and the cost is the same.
Companions are expected to heed the safety advisories and direction of marshals, safety, and medical staff at all times so as not to interfere with the conduct of the event; or compromise their own safety or that of others.
The Yak Ru Enduro takes place in a high-altitude, high-exposure alpine environment of the Annapurna Conservation Area, specifically the Manang District. While the climate is humid sub-tropical (up to 20 degrees C in temperature) during a portion of the vehicular transport phase of the trip from Kathmandu, in the alpine region where the race takes place, temperatures can drop to as low -8 degrees C (or even lower, not counting wind chill) should bad weather take place.
October/November are the most desirable months to visit the Annapurnas in terms of stable weather patterns, but we cannot discount the possibility of freak weather leading to rapid changes in temperature and the arrival of thick cloud/mist, rain, hail, blizzards, high winds, and/or storms.
*Price ranges are correct as of 01 Dec 2019 – these are subject to price increases the closer it gets to the departure date, so book early to avoid disappointment!
A: The only air link between the rest of the world and Nepal is the airport in Kathmandu: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Many flights require a connecting stopover.
From Singapore (SIN), the major air carriers include Malindo, Malaysian (connect via Kuala Lumpur); Indigo and Air India (connects via Delhi, calcutta); Thai (connects via Bangkok) & Lion Air (Connects via Bangkok)); and Silkair (the only one with a direct flight). The return fare price ranges from USD$360 (SGD$500) upwards currently.
From Dubai (DXB), the major air carriers include Jet; Air India (connect via Bombay or Delhi); Oman (connects via Muscat); and Hahn Air (the only one with a direct flight). The return fare price ranges from USD$400 (EURO 355) upwards currently. Turkish Airlines connect kathmandu to Istanbul which is a gateway to Europe.
From Hong Kong (HKG), the major air carriers include China Eastern (connects via Kunming); Air India & Jet (connect via Delhi); and Air Asia, Malindo, & Malaysian (connect via Kuala Lumpur). The return price fare ranges from USD$430 (HKD$3400) upwards currently.
Yes, nearly all nationalities need a visa to visit Nepal, except Chinese and Indian nationals. A 15-day visa costs USD$30. You can pay in currencies like USD$, AUD$, Euro, or GBP. If you intend to stay longer than 15 days, please get a 30 days visa at US$50.
You will get Nepalese visas on arrival at Kathmandu airport. You will need one passport-sized photograph(1.5″ x 1.5″) if filling in a hard copy visa application, although electronic application facilities have recently been made available at Kathmandu airport. Visas can also be arranged in advance at your nearest Nepali embassy or apply them online .
While filling up the visa form, you will need an address in Nepal. Please use the following values for the address fields.
Address in Nepal:
Name of Hotel – Nepali Ghar Boutique Hotel
House Number – Amrit Marg, Thamel
Street Name – Thamel
Ward No – 29
VDC/Municipality – Ka.Na.Pa
District – Kathmandu
leave the last two fields as defaults in the form as they are Immigration office
Pre-event, Yak Ru will arrange for complimentary vehicle transfers (using mini-buses / passenger vans) to meet you upon your arrival in Nepal at Kathmandu airport (Tribhuvan International Airport [KTM]) on 11 November 2020 and transport you to your official event accommodation. Similarly post-event, transfer vehicles are arranged on 20 November 2020 to transport you back to the airport.
If you are going to be in Kathmandu earlier than 11 November 2020 and require assistance, you have to pre-arrange it with us.
Likewise, if you wish to extend your stay in Nepal past 20 November 2020, do let us know in advance so we can advise you or make suitable arrangements for you transport-wise to other parts of Kathmandu/Nepal.
Yak Ru Race route
Manang
Manang offers amazing variety of high altitude terrain for ride and race.
The Yak Ru Enduro takes place in the Manang district of the Annapurna Ranges, Nepal. The 3-day, multi-stage enduro race format allows a truly immersive big-mountain race experience – unlike any other mountain bike event – in a beautiful location amongst some of the highest mountains on Earth.
The event features race stages between 3300-4300m elevation on Himalayan alpine & forest singletrack – and includes a variety of steep, technical, flowy & loamy trails.
Yak Ru Enduro Race Route
team members
meet the team
Our volunteers come from various countries and team up with locals.
Chandra Rai
Roshan Yakthumba (Acid)
Mukhia Snowmonkey
Keng Tay
George Tay
Trevor Scott Johnson
Wilson Low
Arniko Piya
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