Himalayan Gravel

Extreme
Date
2026-10-22
Location
Annapurna Region, Nepal
Distance
125 km
Elevation
3800m
Category
Ultra
Region
Asia
Organizer
Himalayan Adventure Sports
Terrain
High Altitude, Trekking Paths, Mountain Gravel
About

The world's highest gravel race. Ride in the shadow of the Himalayas on ancient trekking routes.

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▌ RIDER INTEL DOSSIER
69
GR SCORE
/ 100
TIER 3
~/dossier/himalayan-gravel $ cat briefing.md

The world's highest gravel race

Asia ultra event organized by Himalayan Adventure Sports

EFFORT32/60
EXPER.46/70

13 SCORING DIMENSIONS

HIMALAYAN GRAVEL
LENGTH6/10CLIMBING7/10DURABILITY6/10TECHNICALITY3/10ALTITUDE7/10RACE PRESSURE3/10ADVENTURE10/10SCENERY6/10ORGANIZATION7/10VALUE7/10COMMUNITY8/10ACCESSIBILITY4/10FIELD DEPTH4/10

EFFORT MATRIX

LENGTH06/10
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125 km — manageable single-day
CLIMBING07/10
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3,800 m total — 30 m/km
DURABILITY06/10
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Plan for 6+ hours in the saddle
TECHNICALITY03/10
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High Altitude / Trekking Paths / Mountain Gravel
ALTITUDE07/10
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Notable altitude effects
RACE PRESSURE03/10
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Adventure-focused, low racing pressure

EXPERIENCE MATRIX

ADVENTURE10/10
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Bikepacking / ultra format — proper expedition feel
SCENERY06/10
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High Altitude, Trekking Paths
ORGANIZATION07/10
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Community-sourced details
VALUE07/10
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Reasonable cost-per-km
COMMUNITY08/10
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Grassroots gravel scene around the event
ACCESSIBILITY04/10
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Reasonable to enter
FIELD DEPTH04/10
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Mixed field — pros + adventure riders

GREEN FLAGS

  • [+]125 km of extreme gravel through Annapurna Region
  • [+]3,800 m of climbing — proper elevation
  • [+]Self-supported / ultra format = adventure focus
  • [+]Organized by Himalayan Adventure Sports
  • [+]Varied terrain: High Altitude, Trekking Paths, Mountain Gravel

RED FLAGS

  • [!]Extreme rating — only attempt with prior ultra experience
  • [!]Self-supported — no aid stations expected
  • [!]Details not yet verified — confirm via official site

RIDER FIT

Endurance MuleGOOD · 6/10

Manageable for steady-state riders

ClimberPRIME · 8/10

Significant climbing rewards low-watt grinding

Adventure TouristPRIME · 9/10

Ultra format = guided adventure with timing chips

BikepackerPRIME · 9/10

Self-supported format suits bikepacking instincts

SpeedsterOK · 5/10

Smoother surfaces let raw speed talk

Crit RacerAVOID · 2/10

Single-day pace suits crit-style riders less here

TIRE INTEL

WIDTH
42-50 mm
PRESSURE
28-34 psi
PATTERN
Semi-slick centre w/ light side knobs

Mixed gravel with no extreme demands — go for rolling speed.

▶ TOP PICKS
1.Continental Terra Trail[42mm]Durable casing, balanced grip
2.Schwalbe G-One Bite[42mm]Excellent loose-surface bite
3.Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H[42mm]Hard-pack speed

WEATHER PLAYBOOK

Annapurna Region in autumn (October): expect mild conditions — pack for variable weather. Always check 7-day forecast race week and pack a packable shell.

PACING PLAYBOOK

01
Sector 1 — Opening Effort~31 km

Sit in. Let the start sort itself out. Pace by feel, not by rivals.

02
Sector 2 — Mid-Race Crux~75 km

Where the field shatters. Stick to your power numbers, not the surge.

03
Sector 3 — The Finishing Stretch125 km

Save one match. The last 20% is where placement is decided.

WHAT TO FEAR

  • [!01]Resupply gaps — carry more food than you think
  • [!02]Wall-style punchy climbs that destroy rhythm

INSIDER INTEL

▌ INCOMING TRANSMISSION

The climbs are the whole point at Himalayan Gravel. You don't do this race for the flats.

Past finisher · Nepal gravel community
▌ INCOMING TRANSMISSION

Himalayan Gravel brings a uniquely Asian perspective to gravel — different terrain, different weather, different culture. Worth the travel.

Regional cycling forum · Asia gravel scene

RACE LOGISTICS

SELF-SUPPORTEDCarry everything. No aid stations.

Self-supported by design. Carry your own food, water, tools, and shelter. Resupply from towns en route.

▶ RESUPPLY

Plan for 6-8 hour stretches between resupply points. Carry food and purification.

✓ INCLUDED WITH ENTRY
  • +Timing chip + bib
  • +Course markings + GPX
✕ BRING YOUR OWN
  • -Spare tubes / tubeless plugs
  • -Lodging
  • -All food and water beyond the start
  • -Shelter / sleep system
  • -Tracker (rider-supplied for many ultras)
  • -Drop bag transport (unless specified)
MECHANICS
Self Only
MEDICAL
Self Only
DROP BAGS
No
BAG TRANSPORT
No
▶ ACCOMMODATION · 2 OPTIONS
Hotels in Annapurna Region
0-10 km from start

Book 6+ months ahead for big events. Check the race partner-hotel list for discounts.

Airbnb / Vrbo
Varies

Often the best value for groups. Search the wider race region, not just the start town.

▶ GOOD TO KNOW
  • Mandatory pre-race brief — non-negotiable attendance.
  • GPS device with full route loaded is required, not optional.

TRAVEL OPS

AIRPORTSearch for closest hub to Annapurna Region
LODGINGBook early in Annapurna Region — gravel events fill local accommodation fast
FOODCarry your own ride nutrition. Local options usually plentiful before/after.
PACKET PICKUPDay-before-event pickup is standard. Confirm via official site.
PARKINGEvent parking varies — check race FAQ
▌ BOTTOM LINE

Himalayan Gravel is a quality asia event — great if you're nearby or want to explore the region.