Annapurna Adventure

Last month, 3 of our Gravity Girls (Laura Prosser, Rebekah Burns and Natasha Bysterveld) headed off on an adventure of a lifetime on a 15-day mountain bike tour through Nepal in the Himalayas, led by Pat Jonker and Pokhara MTBA.

All three girls shared some reflections on the experience.

Tash, Laura & Bek

Laura

“The bike trails and roads travelled on our Annapurna 15 day tour were off the beaten track with amazing views of the Himalayas. Our Nepal bike adventure took us through small villages, dusty potholes, loose single track, suspension bridges, valleys and waterfalls all with unreal mountain backdrops. The biggest challenge for me was the altitude effects on the body, which ended with a highlight of being able to ride a mule to Thorong La pass 5416m.

Choosing a local group with experience and knowledge also creates opportunities for the community and by the end it felt like lifelong friendships were built. We had 2 local young women amongst the guides which is a huge opportunity for women in Nepal! Words can not describe the experiences, places and people we met along the way.”

Bek

“A mountain bike adventure through Nepal is an experience of a lifetime, blending challenging terrain with stunning landscapes and incredible people. Starting in Pokhara, the journey took us towards the Annapurna Circuit, where the altitude posed immediate challenges. The higher we rode, the harder it got, the air thinned, making every uphill climb a test of endurance. Yet, the effort was rewarded with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and villages perched on mountainsides, where the Nepali people welcomed us with warmth and generosity.

As we ascended to Thorong La Pass at 5,416m, the landscape along the way, transformed into serene, high-altitude world of crystal-clear rivers, forests, and ancient monasteries to snow capped mountains surrounded with bare rocky outcrops. The steep climbs were tough, but the sense of accomplishment made each one worthwhile. The descent was equally thrilling, racing down rugged trails, one being the famous Lupra trail. Despite the physical toll, mainly exhaustion—the journey was unforgettable. The combination of challenging rides, stunning vistas, and the kindness of the locals made the experience deeply rewarding. This adventure wasn’t just about mountain biking; it was about pushing personal limits, building friendships, and being grateful for being able to undertake such an adventure. If you’re thinking about going on an adventure like this, just do it. You’ll never regret it.”

Tash

“My highlights were the incredible scenery we saw everyday, the kindness and care we received from the Nepalese people, the Lupra Trail - Amazing downhill, completely surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and views of Dhaulagiri Peak - seventh highest mountain of the world at 8167m. After all the tough days riding up to summit Thorong La Pass enjoying some downhill felt like such a treat. The altitude was a real challenge however, it was worth it for the incredible adventure we experienced in Nepal.”