Posted by brian on March 31, 2001 at 05:35:39:
In Reply to: Mountain biking the Annapurna Circuit may at worst be subject to a little private "tax" posted by Per on March 31, 2001 at 04:39:03:
: : Whereas it is physically possible to MTB the Annapurna Circuit, it is certainly prohibited by ACAP. There has been postings on this and other message boards with information about doing it.
: I have a feeling we have been through this once before. Well, there is a sign in the village across the bridge after Khudi which is merely intended as an opportunity to collect a little extra private tax not to stop mountain bikers. We have personally met quite a few bikers who have done it, and last time were in the Thak Khola Indian clonkers had started to appear too. With regard to ACCAP their authority is limited to Gurung country, or to put it differently people in the upper reaches of the Marsyangdi and Thak Khola donīt feel any obligation to follow any decree ACCAP may issue: i.e., from Birethanti to Bahundanda ACCAP is a pretty marginal thing.
: In any case it is a pretty funny idea that they should ban bikes. Most ecological damage in the area is caused by porters. They cook on everything one can burn.
: : However, there are other areas within Nepal where MTB riding is allowed. Probably one of the better Biking agencies will be able to tell you.
: Generally speaking Himalayan single track tends to be very strenuous. It tends to be up or down and technically very demanding because of the "stairs". The build the paths like that to make them monsoon proof. Some sections will demand trials skills. I think the best routes are the tea house treks, as you will not want to carry any luggage, just a really small rug sack. Of the tea house routes Annapurna is no doubt the best. There will be a few sections that are difficult in the Marsyangdi Gorge and Ghorepani would be hard on the other side. However, Ghorepani and Poon Hill can be avoided by going out to Beni.
: Per
Who am I to argue the veracity of what you say. I can only reiterate that it says in ACAP rules that it is Prohibited.
Brian