Continued learnings from bikepacking

[GirishH]

@Flowrider, ​It’s funny you asked.

The strange but best trait among Himalayan drivers and pedestrians is patience. These people know they can't win against the terrain, so they adapt.

I have often seen vehicles back up until they find a spot wide enough to let others pass safely. Most of the time, there is no anger or even honking. It is just a part of life here.
When letting a vehicle, a herd of yaks, or horses pass, I always pull over to the hillside—never the valley side. Always, always the hillside! :-)

I think I have some photos, I will dig for them..

(05-25-2026, 04:26 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  Hey @GirishH . I've seen on TV shows the single road on the side of hills and mountains with a truck on it and no space on either side to pass.

Have you come across this, and if so, what did you do?

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Hello @Flowrider,

Here’s a video of animals marauding while I take to the hillside.

https://youtube.com/shorts/llhNeBoYzO8?si=OH5rgAIBr-YiFCj4

The attached picture shows a section on the middle Annapurna Circuit where much of the road looked like this—either overhung by cliffs or carved directly through solid rock.

   

Whenever I needed to let the big rigs pass, I would always find a nook to tuck into and wait. The lower section of the circuit had heavy truck traffic, with massive rigs hauling construction materials for the tons of hydroprojects happening in the region.

The upper sections see more passenger or goods-carrying pickup trucks, but the rule remains the same: they pull into a nook when things get tight, and so do I.

Staying on the valley or river side is always a gamble!

I am hoping to redo this ride again this year. It was so much fun, and I learned so much about life, patience, and myself.

(05-25-2026, 04:26 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  Hey @GirishH . I've seen on TV shows the single road on the side of hills and mountains with a truck on it and no space on either side to pass.

Have you come across this, and if so, what did you do?

[GirishH]

@meamoantonio , it's fascinating how many variations of this roasted protein shake I've encountered.

​First, there is a simple roasted pea powder dissolved in hot water or milk, seasoned with Asian spices, chopped onions, and cilantro.

​In the Himalayan Buddhist regions, a popular variation uses roasted Himalayan wheat or barley. Many local ultra-runners eat this powder straight. It is called tsampa (sometimes spelled champa), and locals occasionally mix it with leftover rice, soft cheese, or cooked eggs. This is eaten as a breakfast or snack..

   

​Meanwhile, in Kathmandu, I discovered yet another twist: a blend made from mixed grains and roasted nuts like cashews and peanuts.

(05-29-2026, 11:45 AM)meamoantonio Wrote:  @GirishH I have never seen roasted pea protein shakes ever, it sounds rather lovely after a long day of riding, what is the flavor profile of this? is it kinda toasted or does it taste more like coffee?

[Flowrider]

Hey @GirishH . That video was crazy! And look at the tracks you ride on! Huge kudos to you mate! Honestly don't believe many people are able to do what you're doing. Well done!

[GirishH]

Thanks, @Flowrider .

​I feel truly blessed to have experienced the circuit and grown last year, which is why I am so eager to return.

​Sadly, I didn't know back then that the towering Himalayas were hidden just behind the clouds. But here are a few more videos of the same route:

https://youtube.com/shorts/BjUZF7bscUk?si=DYCEEQrHPD6-2w23

​This is at some 4,000 meters high, running away from a storm. That storm is the only reason I am riding MisterGordo down this off-road trail—otherwise, I am a total chicken, a well-known fact.

​Frankly, I am doing this because my heart and body still can. A mountaineering friend of mine has been hospitalized with a slipped disc, and others can't make it due to various obligations.

Because I am able, I feel blessed—and almost obligated—to do this..:-)

Towards the end, I even got this little surprise..
https://youtube.com/shorts/Sv8Ge_UD4jE?si=D0BuO_MXJu9DOTpi

(05-30-2026, 07:07 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  Hey @GirishH . That video was crazy! And look at the tracks you ride on! Huge kudos to you mate! Honestly don't believe many people are able to do what you're doing. Well done!

[Flowrider]

That's incredible! And I'm sure everyone on here doesn't think you're a chicken! That's bravery at another level!