I would definetly go for a hardtail, there will be no tarmac at all ! It will be bumpy and rocky all the time but that's just my advice ;) Enjoy ! I'd love to do that kind of journey one day !
Hi Juliet, choose a simple bike with a mechanical cable shifting equipment you can fix on your own while you're on the road. No electronic shifting! And keep it easy going in those altitudes! Choose a wide range gear ratio. You will see: pedalling easily is key there. Cycling in the Himalayas can be really literally breathtaking, but an unforgettable experience. I was cycling on the second highest mountain road on earth from Manali to Leh in 1998 on a hardtail with no suspension. I guess you can do such a bike adventure on a gravelbike nowadays. If you have any further questions let me know, so we can communicate. Best, Hans. ps. I had a hydraulic brakes from MAGURA back then. It worked pretty well. Not to forget: Before you travel, have a thorough medical examination. Make sure you have all the important vaccinations and discuss with an experienced doctor before you travel what you need to bear in mind at high altitudes and which medicines should be in your first aid kit. And remember that the weather in the high mountains can change quickly: sudden changes in the weather and cold snaps are to be expected.
I have been cycling Upper Mustang this march and I’ve done the Annapurna tour a few years ago. I have done both on a full suspension mountainbike, which I‘d recommend. You wouldn’t enjoy the downhill from Thorong La (which is super fun with amazing views) or the overall bumpy and rocky jeep roads in the area on a gravelbike or hardtail.
I walked the circuit and the sanctuary 20 years ago. I understand the paths are easier nowadays and there’s a road all the way up to Marpha on the far side but the route over Thorong La will be very weather dependent we were in a near white out at the top. I’d definitely take a mountain bike, the route down from the pass is lots of shale and gravel and steep in places. On the way up you’ll be hiking the bike to start with, I can’t imagine being able to ride up the start of that climb. Also, if you’re doing the circuit in 10 days, you’ll be ascending really fast and that means not much acclimatisation for going over the pass. Get some Diamox from a pharmacy in Kathmandu which will help if you start feeling ill, you can also take it for a few days when you’re in the higher altitude sections as a preventative. There’s a medical center a day or so before the pass and they give a great lecture each evening about acclimatisation and altitude sickness. It’s an amazing place, breathtaking in every way, and one of the best trips of my life. You’ll have an absolute blast.
Wowzers! Super exciting trip…. I’ve walked the trail and took time thinking about riding it whilst I was walking it…. I’d be tempted to take a lightweight full suspension mountain bike. Those steps are huge and there are plenty of them. I’m looking forward to seeing your progress and trip coverage. Good luck…..
Been trekking in Himalayas a few times and did the Annapurna sanctuary trek, which is near the circuit. Great scenery and experience but alot of the trekking routes have been converted into basic roads now which have put off some of hikers in recent years. This is why it might be possible to ride these routes now compared to when I hiked there. Personally I can't imagine cycling there because of the terrain and lack of oxygen at altitude! Walking slowly was the only way for me. Enjoyed the food, lots of Dahl bhat curries. Definitely mountain bike territory unless the trails have improved alot.
Love Nepal. The Nepalese are the most wonderful people. If I hadn’t broken my ribs and damaged my spine last Sunday I’d have been there. Have an amazing trip. Kathmandu is bonkers!
It will be an amazing trip. I did the Mustang Valley with Sacred Rides a few years ago. More of an all mtn trip. The altitude really hits you. Easy gears and wide tires are definitely the way to go. Looking forward to the videos.
Props to papa Elliot for him _being protective_ of you still. What I would say is, you do what you've got to do in life and that involves taking some risks from time to time. Cycling-wise I was under the impression that you were going to pick your gravel one even though many people seem to prefer hardtails over them quite frequently; well, I stand among those, I would choose the latter just because of its upright, relaxed position from which to put down the watts relatively comfortably, the cassette being a big broad one indeed. Again, many happy whises for you and your family, November is just around the corner so better we all get to work!
An amazing opportunity! I’ve done the Annapurna circuit on a hard tail, full sus would have been welcome at times I would say. Ref the Thorong la pass, we all strapped our bikes to our back, but if I did it again I’d carry the bike, you can ride some flat sections. The tea houses are brilliant and well stocked with western food. You will love it, the altitude is tough though, enjoy!
@@JulietElliottsChannel Also a normal water bottle will freeze solid, as will a camelbak mouth piece. I went with an insulated water bottle from camelbak I think...
It's a beautiful trek, I've done it before and it was one of the most magical landscapes to experience. Just be sure to take acclimatisation seriously, slow and steady is the trick.
Amazing! I walked the route many years ago, and just loved it. During my trip there were a couple of guys doing it on mountain bikes, which they were testing. One of them broke their bike and pretty much had to do a bodge repair job with whatever he had to hand. Personally, I would go HT mountain bike as the terrain is tough. Will be interesting to see your gear choices as the weather fluctuates a lot between very nice and sunny and very windy and cold. You’ll love it! Looking forward to seeing how you get on.
I Trekked the Annapurna circuit in 2012 as part of a group it was a brilliant experience staying in tea houses and eating plenty of Dahl bat. There was a mountain bike race on at the same time called the Yak Attack. Based on that I would personally go for a hardtail. And take plenty of warm kit
I walked the Annapurna Circuit in '92, but it's probably changed quite a bit since, at least from an accessibility and tourist-friendly aspect. Some bits I wouldn't have thought suitable for a bike (except walking with it) although the descent should be ok. I normally say 'make sure you take a good camera', but no doubt you'll be vloging it anyway! Good luck and enjoy!
Just saying: You can ride 2x11 GRX with an 11-42 cassette and 30-46 chainset. That works and has amazing range. That's the widest range I have found, have been riding my gravelbike like that for a year or so.
I've walked Annapurna sanctuary, and i don't recall many places that are rideable, it seemed very up and down. If it was my choice, I'd opt for a hardtail for Nepali terrain. If anyone would like to give me a stack of cash, I would be most happy to come along for the craic ☺️ As others have said, take altitude acclimatisation seriously and don't rush upwards. I don't usually have issues with altitude, and was broadsided at Machupuchre Base Camp with gasping for oxygen in the middle of the night, even with taking Diamox.
I would think about using a Fat Bike with low gearing because of the altitude. Hard to catch your wind. You should hike and or look at the Three Passes Trek. You can't bike it but it is amazing also. Going next month.
Wow! I have hiked this circuit. I couldn't imagine riding it. I personally wouldn't. But hey, I don't want to crush your dream! I am a very experienced mtb rider BTW. Whilst I was there I rode around the Kathmandu basin. Pretty cool. Good luck!
One tip for keeping altitude sickness away…..WATER, WATER, WATER. At least 6-8 liter per day. Tylenol when the headache comes. Done the base camp a few times so have experience.
I would consider something like this, I'd need more than a month notice though haha. We hiked Tour du Mont Blanc a couple weeks ago, i saw some bikes out there, that might a good one too.
Really looking forward to watching your adventures in Nepal, but am apprehensive for you too. A friend of mine did a hiking trip many years ago and the whole group became sick with dysentery as a result of drinking purified mountain water which was unfortunately contaminated. I hope that things are better these days. Good luck.
@@JulietElliottsChannel I think the problem back then was that they were purifying and drinking water that was coming down the mountain, but as they climbed up, they realised it was contaminated with human and animal excrement 😬. Hopefully not the same now, but bottled water may be the safest. I’m sure your guides will know what’s safe.
Have hiked the second half and the Sanctuary 20 years ago. Its pretty loose and stony, some chunk, I'd say MTB. Jealous and looking forward to the video
I am also planning to Bikepack the circuit in November. I had done the Annapurna Base camp a few years back but this time I am doing the circuit n on a bike. Had been planning this for over a year but somehow didn't happen. I am probably doing it solo n on my Giant Talon 2 XC bike, but would be good to get a partner though to share the route n share some tools. Hope to cross paths. Cheers!
If 650b tyres and mullet cassette . I reckon cant go wrong with a hardtsil 2x 10 set up or domething. I built up a hardtail last year with 36/26 front and 11/40 rear . That quite i good ratio . In hindsight i could gone something more like 38/24 f and 11/ 42 rear which would have given me an excellent ratio for flats and uphill when carrying the extra bikepack weight
Gravel bike with a double mullet set-up? I have a 46/30 with an 11-42 cassette. Though GRX will probably do the same thing (I bought my gravel bike pre-GRX release so have some aftermarket accessories to make road brifters play nicely with a mtb rear mech). Yes, you should organise something in the Uk
Can you train in Norway or Switzerland for a couple of weeks before you go? I’m thinking about the altitude. I got sick at 7000 feet on a bike ride in Utah. I am used to about 700 feet.
Any chance you'd be able to work with the Rouvy team being a filmer for this ride and then get it posted to that platform? (I know they're a sponsor...and I've been a LONG time fan of the platform...for exactly things like this) I don't know what all it would take to do, but I think that'd be REALLY cool to be able to virtually do the same ride.
Wowzers! Super exciting trip…. I’ve walked the trail and took time thinking about riding it whilst I was walking it…. I’d be tempted to take a lightweight full suspension mountain bike. Those steps are huge and there are plenty of them. I’m looking forward to seeing your progress and trip coverage. Good luck…..
That kitty zooming down the stairs at 2:12!
He had his tuxedo on, ready to be on TV!
Let me in!!
They do zoom
ha, I know! it was when I checked the footage that I realised she wanted letting in!
Kitty need bmx
Holy crap! Congrats! Can't wait to see the videos from THAT.
I know, right? Thank you
I would definetly go for a hardtail, there will be no tarmac at all ! It will be bumpy and rocky all the time but that's just my advice ;) Enjoy ! I'd love to do that kind of journey one day !
Thanks for the tip : )
Hi Juliet, choose a simple bike with a mechanical cable shifting equipment you can fix on your own while you're on the road. No electronic shifting! And keep it easy going in those altitudes! Choose a wide range gear ratio. You will see: pedalling easily is key there. Cycling in the Himalayas can be really literally breathtaking, but an unforgettable experience. I was cycling on the second highest mountain road on earth from Manali to Leh in 1998 on a hardtail with no suspension. I guess you can do such a bike adventure on a gravelbike nowadays. If you have any further questions let me know, so we can communicate. Best, Hans.
ps. I had a hydraulic brakes from MAGURA back then. It worked pretty well.
Not to forget:
Before you travel, have a thorough medical examination. Make sure you have all the important vaccinations and discuss with an experienced doctor before you travel what you need to bear in mind at high altitudes and which medicines should be in your first aid kit. And remember that the weather in the high mountains can change quickly: sudden changes in the weather and cold snaps are to be expected.
Triple cranks. No hydraulic brakes either,
Thanks. Hans. If I do go on my hardtail (which I might do) then is mechanical and has a big old sprocket for climbs : )
@@JulietElliottsChannel Check your heart and lungs first! 👊🏻😘
Sounds amazing, looking forward to the videos.
I have been cycling Upper Mustang this march and I’ve done the Annapurna tour a few years ago. I have done both on a full suspension mountainbike, which I‘d recommend. You wouldn’t enjoy the downhill from Thorong La (which is super fun with amazing views) or the overall bumpy and rocky jeep roads in the area on a gravelbike or hardtail.
I walked the circuit and the sanctuary 20 years ago. I understand the paths are easier nowadays and there’s a road all the way up to Marpha on the far side but the route over Thorong La will be very weather dependent we were in a near white out at the top.
I’d definitely take a mountain bike, the route down from the pass is lots of shale and gravel and steep in places. On the way up you’ll be hiking the bike to start with, I can’t imagine being able to ride up the start of that climb.
Also, if you’re doing the circuit in 10 days, you’ll be ascending really fast and that means not much acclimatisation for going over the pass. Get some Diamox from a pharmacy in Kathmandu which will help if you start feeling ill, you can also take it for a few days when you’re in the higher altitude sections as a preventative. There’s a medical center a day or so before the pass and they give a great lecture each evening about acclimatisation and altitude sickness.
It’s an amazing place, breathtaking in every way, and one of the best trips of my life. You’ll have an absolute blast.
thank you so much, that's really useful advice
😉👍
The essence of the video is one word: BREATHTAKING! Literally. 🤭
Wowzers! Super exciting trip…. I’ve walked the trail and took time thinking about riding it whilst I was walking it…. I’d be tempted to take a lightweight full suspension mountain bike. Those steps are huge and there are plenty of them. I’m looking forward to seeing your progress and trip coverage. Good luck…..
Been trekking in Himalayas a few times and did the Annapurna sanctuary trek, which is near the circuit. Great scenery and experience but alot of the trekking routes have been converted into basic roads now which have put off some of hikers in recent years. This is why it might be possible to ride these routes now compared to when I hiked there. Personally I can't imagine cycling there because of the terrain and lack of oxygen at altitude! Walking slowly was the only way for me. Enjoyed the food, lots of Dahl bhat curries. Definitely mountain bike territory unless the trails have improved alot.
Good to know, thank you
Love Nepal. The Nepalese are the most wonderful people. If I hadn’t broken my ribs and damaged my spine last Sunday I’d have been there. Have an amazing trip. Kathmandu is bonkers!
I did it on foot in the 90s people are so friendly, have a great time!!
thank so much
It will be an amazing trip. I did the Mustang Valley with Sacred Rides a few years ago. More of an all mtn trip. The altitude really hits you. Easy gears and wide tires are definitely the way to go. Looking forward to the videos.
Thank you
Props to papa Elliot for him _being protective_ of you still.
What I would say is, you do what you've got to do in life and that involves taking some risks from time to time.
Cycling-wise I was under the impression that you were going to pick your gravel one even though many people seem to prefer hardtails over them quite frequently; well, I stand among those, I would choose the latter just because of its upright, relaxed position from which to put down the watts relatively comfortably, the cassette being a big broad one indeed.
Again, many happy whises for you and your family, November is just around the corner so better we all get to work!
An amazing opportunity! I’ve done the Annapurna circuit on a hard tail, full sus would have been welcome at times I would say. Ref the Thorong la pass, we all strapped our bikes to our back, but if I did it again I’d carry the bike, you can ride some flat sections. The tea houses are brilliant and well stocked with western food. You will love it, the altitude is tough though, enjoy!
I think I'll take Restrap's hike-a-bike harness; that should help!
@@JulietElliottsChannel Also a normal water bottle will freeze solid, as will a camelbak mouth piece. I went with an insulated water bottle from camelbak I think...
It's a beautiful trek, I've done it before and it was one of the most magical landscapes to experience. Just be sure to take acclimatisation seriously, slow and steady is the trick.
We have some extra days for that so fingers crossed I'll be ok
Amazing! I walked the route many years ago, and just loved it. During my trip there were a couple of guys doing it on mountain bikes, which they were testing. One of them broke their bike and pretty much had to do a bodge repair job with whatever he had to hand. Personally, I would go HT mountain bike as the terrain is tough. Will be interesting to see your gear choices as the weather fluctuates a lot between very nice and sunny and very windy and cold. You’ll love it! Looking forward to seeing how you get on.
I Trekked the Annapurna circuit in 2012 as part of a group it was a brilliant experience staying in tea houses and eating plenty of Dahl bat. There was a mountain bike race on at the same time called the Yak Attack. Based on that I would personally go for a hardtail. And take plenty of warm kit
I walked the Annapurna Circuit in '92, but it's probably changed quite a bit since, at least from an accessibility and tourist-friendly aspect. Some bits I wouldn't have thought suitable for a bike (except walking with it) although the descent should be ok. I normally say 'make sure you take a good camera', but no doubt you'll be vloging it anyway! Good luck and enjoy!
I think there will definitely be some walking/pushing the bike but that's ok; worth it!
Have fun!
thank you
You'll only get that high Juliet if it's clear of snow!
Just saying:
You can ride 2x11 GRX with an 11-42 cassette and 30-46 chainset. That works and has amazing range.
That's the widest range I have found, have been riding my gravelbike like that for a year or so.
Sounds amazing, hopefully there will be lots of footage? Good luck it will be amazing but definitely not for the faint hearted!
absolutely, I aim to share the experience as much as possible. Thank you
Sounds like an awesome trip, just bring someone with you to charge all your devices and electronic gears etc & avoid you forgetting something !!!
haha!
Lightweight hardtail, very wide cassette and mechanical shifting.
All the best and good luck 🚲👍🙂
thank you
@@JulietElliottsChannel
I just know that there'll be a great video coming out of this 🚲😀👍
I've walked Annapurna sanctuary, and i don't recall many places that are rideable, it seemed very up and down. If it was my choice, I'd opt for a hardtail for Nepali terrain. If anyone would like to give me a stack of cash, I would be most happy to come along for the craic ☺️ As others have said, take altitude acclimatisation seriously and don't rush upwards. I don't usually have issues with altitude, and was broadsided at Machupuchre Base Camp with gasping for oxygen in the middle of the night, even with taking Diamox.
Look at the Silk Road race bikes.. many hard tails and full suspension. Almost no one rigid. Check the bike checks. :)
That’s true but it’s a totally different part of the world!!!
Sounds incredible, I hope you get to film some of it.
I definitely will!
Ive never been but I feel like a full suspension frame for unknown conditions would be my choice. You’re going to have your mind blown namaste!
Trip sounds awesome. I'd suggest converting the hardtail to a rigid mtb using a suspension corrected carbon fork with 3pack mounts
I would think about using a Fat Bike with low gearing because of the altitude. Hard to catch your wind. You should hike and or look at the Three Passes Trek. You can't bike it but it is amazing also. Going next month.
Sounds like a brilliant trip, I couldn't do it myself but I reckon the gravel bike you currently have would probably do the trick, I'd go with that.
Wow! I have hiked this circuit. I couldn't imagine riding it. I personally wouldn't. But hey, I don't want to crush your dream! I am a very experienced mtb rider BTW. Whilst I was there I rode around the Kathmandu basin. Pretty cool. Good luck!
One tip for keeping altitude sickness away…..WATER, WATER, WATER. At least 6-8 liter per day. Tylenol when the headache comes. Done the base camp a few times so have experience.
Thanks Shauna, I'll try and remember that. I never drink enough water so might have to set myself reminders
Sounds good. I wonder what you will forget.
🤷🏼♂️
hahaha
I would consider something like this, I'd need more than a month notice though haha. We hiked Tour du Mont Blanc a couple weeks ago, i saw some bikes out there, that might a good one too.
Really looking forward to watching your adventures in Nepal, but am apprehensive for you too. A friend of mine did a hiking trip many years ago and the whole group became sick with dysentery as a result of drinking purified mountain water which was unfortunately contaminated. I hope that things are better these days. Good luck.
oof, sorry to hear that. Perhaps I should pack my mini water filter
@@JulietElliottsChannel I think the problem back then was that they were purifying and drinking water that was coming down the mountain, but as they climbed up, they realised it was contaminated with human and animal excrement 😬. Hopefully not the same now, but bottled water may be the safest. I’m sure your guides will know what’s safe.
I went to Nepal for a month about ten years ago, lovely people and place
Have hiked the second half and the Sanctuary 20 years ago. Its pretty loose and stony, some chunk, I'd say MTB. Jealous and looking forward to the video
Sounds like a great adventure, have a super awesome time
Flats instead of clip in maybe?
Ah yes, maybe that’s a good idea
Rig up a drop bar hard tail - seems to be on trend at Leadville etc at the moment.
I am also planning to Bikepack the circuit in November. I had done the Annapurna Base camp a few years back but this time I am doing the circuit n on a bike. Had been planning this for over a year but somehow didn't happen. I am probably doing it solo n on my Giant Talon 2 XC bike, but would be good to get a partner though to share the route n share some tools.
Hope to cross paths.
Cheers!
time to load up on the diamox and dramamine or scopolamine transdermal!
I have hiked part of the Anna Purna circuit and would be thinking MTB all the way its pretty steep
def. front suspension mountain bike
If 650b tyres and mullet cassette . I reckon cant go wrong with a hardtsil 2x 10 set up or domething. I built up a hardtail last year with 36/26 front and 11/40 rear . That quite i good ratio . In hindsight i could gone something more like 38/24 f and 11/ 42 rear which would have given me an excellent ratio for flats and uphill when carrying the extra bikepack weight
Gravel bike with a double mullet set-up? I have a 46/30 with an 11-42 cassette. Though GRX will probably do the same thing (I bought my gravel bike pre-GRX release so have some aftermarket accessories to make road brifters play nicely with a mtb rear mech).
Yes, you should organise something in the Uk
That would be epic. I doubt my fitness is at that level though.
Something in the UK would be fun though!
Can you train in Norway or Switzerland for a couple of weeks before you go? I’m thinking about the altitude. I got sick at 7000 feet on a bike ride in Utah. I am used to about 700 feet.
M o r n i n g !
🐈⬛ Oi open the door 👀
haha, I know! When I checked my footage after recording I spotted her and went to let her in : )
Any chance you'd be able to work with the Rouvy team being a filmer for this ride and then get it posted to that platform? (I know they're a sponsor...and I've been a LONG time fan of the platform...for exactly things like this) I don't know what all it would take to do, but I think that'd be REALLY cool to be able to virtually do the same ride.
Cool idea! The entire route would be too long but perhaps a segment would work
Have a great time, if the Lotto
"Windfall" drops I'll see you in
Cat 🐈 hmandu for a Veg curry :)
EVENING
Rigid Pine Mountain........ Beware the Yeti ;)
Juliet 📞: "I'm FINALLY doing it!"
Juliet's Mom☎: "Ah! Great! You found a boyfriend"
🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭
😶🌫
DAY 6
35KM
Altitude: 3540m
Wowzers! Super exciting trip…. I’ve walked the trail and took time thinking about riding it whilst I was walking it…. I’d be tempted to take a lightweight full suspension mountain bike. Those steps are huge and there are plenty of them. I’m looking forward to seeing your progress and trip coverage. Good luck…..