Pokhara
The third leg of the KVR 100 Stage Race takes runners to another demanding 30-km course featuring 1,700 metres of elevation gain. Starting in Jhule, perched on the ridge dividing Kathmandu and Sindhupalchok districts, the race concludes in Ranikot, a scenic destination in Bhaktapur district.
True to its name, the course takes you past five monasteries and a hermit’s cave, blending natural beauty with cultural allure. With 3 UTMB points on offer, it’s an excellent choice for a speed hike or a first 50 km trail run. Most of the route meanders along the hillsides, with just one notable climb at the beginning.
This two-day event marks a new milestone for Nepal’s cycling community. It provides a global platform that celebrates elite competition, nurtures local talent, and inspires riders of all levels. Beyond the race, it showcases cycling’s powerful role in uniting communities and promoting positive social impact.
The Mersing Enduro Challenge, the third leg of the Mountainbiker Enduro Championship series, has already drawn more than 200 riders, with the entries capped at 300.
K-Enduro 2024 is the third round of the Asian Enduro Series, featuring eight categories. The races will be held over seven stages, four of which take place on the event's opening day.
Established in 2007, the Kathmandu Marathon has grown into a prominent event, promoting running, sponsorship, charity, and social responsibility, while boosting the city's economy through national and international participation.
Set in the breathtaking Annapurna Natural Park—one of the world's most beautiful circuits—the Yeti races pass through stunning villages and scenery in Nepal.
The Manaslu Trail Race is a demanding multi-stage event set amidst Nepal's breathtaking Himalayan scenery. This ITRA-approved race (4 qualifying points) features a route that partially circles Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world.
Nestled in the captivating landscape of Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India, this annual event guarantees an unforgettable experience for mountain biking enthusiasts. This year’s theme, 'Blossom Fury: The Rhodo Rush,' invites participants to fully immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of nature.
If the challenging weather on September 28 kept you from the Kathmandu Marathon, don't worry—you've got another chance! Whether you're an experienced runner or just want to join in the fun, now's the time to get involved. Let’s come together, hit the road, and celebrate the marathon spirit!
XTERRA Nepal in Pokhara offers the ultimate outdoor challenge, set against the breathtaking Himalayan landscape. Participants will swim in Lake Begnas, followed by thrilling mountain biking and trail running. This event blends athleticism, nature and culture for an unforgettable experience.
Earlier this month, during a visit to the site of the upcoming Pokhara Enduro Race, Sunil Chandra Sharma stood in awe.
The once-quiet Mahaprabhu Dham in the Arba Hills, where he had launched the inaugural race just 10 months earlier, transformed into a vibrant hub of energy and development.
The inaugural Pokhara Enduro Race in 2023 drew 56 riders from 11 countries. Beyond the riders' tyre marks, the race has woven a legacy into the fabric of the local community. New resorts, infrastructure, and a surge in tourism are breathing new life into the region.
“Watching Mahaprabhu Dham evolve into a premier mountain biking venue is deeply rewarding. This event has brought far more than just competitors,” said Sharma, founder of the Pokhara Enduro.
Building on last year’s success, the 2024 edition—scheduled for November 27-29—promises even more excitement. The organisers are enhancing safety measures and streamlining logistics to improve the rider experience.
They aim to welcome 100 riders from 15 nations this time. With participants from 13 countries already registered, they are on track to reach that goal.
The transformation was possible thanks to the concerted efforts of sport, tourism, and local community engagement. It now offers visitors both challenges and charm, making it a vibrant destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Chris Stott is one of several riders returning for this year's event. “It’s an experience like no other in the heart of Nepal,” said the 73-year-old Australian based in Singapore. He is participating along with his wife, Eevon Chia.
For those having butterflies in the stomach, Stott has some reassuring words: “The Pokhara Enduro promises a rad yet manageable ride, mixed with the magic of Nepal.”
Sharma and fellow Yak Ru co-founder and mountain biking veteran Chhimi Urken Gurung conceived the Pokhara Enduro five years ago, aiming to create a platform for both elite athletes and newcomers alike. Their inviting motto, "Come, Play and Have Fun!" perfectly embodies the spirit of the event.
Set at an altitude exceeding 4,000 metres, the Yak Ru is arguably the world’s highest enduro race. The founders sought to transition the sport from the rugged, high-altitude trails of Manang to the more accessible terrain of Pokhara while preserving all the thrill and excitement.
Its central theme revolves around three key areas: providing young local riders with exposure to international races, fostering community engagement, and boosting the local economy through sustainable tourism initiatives in the region.
The project began in 2019, bringing together a team of international trail builders and local experts. They collaborated to design routes that not only showcase Pokhara’s stunning landscapes but also cater to riders of all skill levels, striking the right balance of difficulty.
The global pandemic in 2020 halted progress. However, Sharma and his team pushed forward, and by 2023, their vision had come to life. Volunteers, local businesses, and government officials all contributed to the project’s success through their dedicated efforts and collaboration.
Sharma extended his gratitude to the riders and volunteers from the inaugural race, acknowledging the valuable feedback that helped shape the event into what it is today.
It has ignited excitement among the residents of Mahaprabhu Dham. For the local community, the Pokhara Enduro represents more than just a race; it has become a beacon of opportunity.
Sachin Karki, a resort owner in Arba, expresses his enthusiasm for the upcoming event: "The second edition of the Pokhara Enduro will firmly establish Arba on the adventure map and open up new opportunities for local businesses."
Karki's excitement is palpable as his bamboo cottages are now nearing completion. They showcase how the race is driving development in overlooked areas. These eco-friendly accommodations reflect the race’s impact on local infrastructure and hospitality, attracting visitors to this region and encouraging sustainable growth.
With local businesses like Karki’s resort aligning with the growing demand for adventure tourism, local authorities view the event as a crucial catalyst for transforming Arba into a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
“It invites visitors to experience Nepal’s natural beauty while contributing to the local economy,” said Kiran Baral, the chairman of Ward No. 13. Arba Village comes under its jurisdiction. “The race’s allure lies not only in its challenging trails but also in its inclusivity.” The ward office has established a 13-member committee tasked with coordinating with the main organizers to ensure the smooth running of the event.
As the countdown to the 2024 Pokhara Enduro Race begins, it's clear that the event represents far more than just an athletic challenge. It's a celebration of community, culture, and collaboration—uniting local residents, international riders, and tourism stakeholders in a shared vision of growth and adventure.
With every rider crossing the finish line, the race continues to cement its role as a driving force for sustainable development, fostering connections that extend beyond the trail.
Inviting riders, supporters, and adventure seekers to join the event and make it a race to remember, Sharma concludes, “This race is not just about competition. It’s about building lifelong friendships and immersing yourself in the beauty of Nepal."
The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) is the premier mass participation run in Southeast Asia, distinguished as the region's only World Athletics Gold Label race.
The fifth and final round of the Asia Enduro Series unfolds in Nepal's stunning Nagarkot Hills, with the Himalayas as a breathtaking backdrop. Now in its 6th edition, this winter event promises pristine trails in peak condition, offering an unforgettable experience for riders of all levels.
The third leg of the KVR 100 Stage Race takes runners to another demanding 30-km course featuring 1,700 metres of elevation gain. Starting in Jhule, perched on the ridge dividing Kathmandu and Sindhupalchok districts, the race concludes in Ranikot, a scenic destination in Bhaktapur district.
Nepal’s peaks have revealed themselves from their misty veils, inviting adventurers from around the globe to chart their next epic outdoor journey. With clear skies promising breathtaking valleys and towering summits, the stage is set for the year's most anticipated event: the Nepal Adventure Expo.
“This is your gateway to exploration, connection and endless outdoor possibilities,” says Ajay Narsingh Rana, a co-organiser of the day-long annual event. The 2024 Nepal Adventure Expo takes place at the Aranya Boutique Hotel in Nagpokhari, Kathmandu, on December 14.
Building on past achievements, this year’s expo is set to be a game-changer, showcasing cutting-edge trends, products and services that will ignite countless new adventures, he claims. “The Nepal Adventure Expo is not just an event; it’s a celebration of nature, adventure and the human spirit!”
Rana and his business partner, Sonam Jangbu Sherpa, put together the show in 2021. However, years of vision and passion ignited the inspiration for this transformative event much earlier.
It was around 2005 when Rana attended a Biker’s Day Out at the Jawalakhel grounds in Lalitpur, a district adjoining Kathmandu. The event, filled with motorbikes gleaming under the sun, left a lasting impression on the avid cyclist.
In the years that followed, Rana advanced to become an elite mountain bike commissaire and national coach for Nepal. He would light up with excitement at the sight of vibrant stalls lining the race venues of international cycling competitions. Brimming with top bicycle brands, innovative apparel, precision bicycle gear, and nutritional products, those stalls created an atmosphere charged with energy and innovation.
“The energy was electric,” Rana recalls. “The buzz and innovation at those events in Southeast Asia and China were truly captivating.”
It was in those moments, surrounded by the pulse of global cycling culture, that Rana envisioned a bicycle expo for Nepal—a dream that would soon ignite a new chapter in the country’s cycling scene.
The idea lingered in his mind, growing stronger over the years until the COVID-19 pandemic offered him the time and space to truly contemplate his vision. Although disruptive, the pandemic became a period of reflection and planning, allowing him to turn this vision into reality.
When the opportunity finally came in 2021, Rana was ready. He collaborated with tourism entrepreneur Sherpa to launch the Nepal Bicycle Expo at the Outdoor Adventure Center in Thamel. The event was a success thanks to a cycling community that trusted his vision and leadership.
In addition to product displays, the event featured stalls offering coaching and training on cycling techniques, as well as consultations on physiotherapy and nutritional supplements. These additions aimed at helping riders improve their technical skills and overall health, reflecting the growing trend of cycling as a means to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The innovative show quickly captured the public’s imagination, and the second event, hosted at Chhaya Center, drew an even larger crowd. That inspired the organisers to broaden their vision, focusing on more than just bicycles.
Rana and Sherpa, both passionate about outdoor pursuits, realised that a bicycle alone was not enough to fully explore the possibilities of adventure sports. They recognised the need to build a supportive ecosystem to fully unlock this potential.
This led to the creation of the Nepal Adventure Expo in 2023. The event blended the Nepal Bicycle Expo with a broader showcase of outdoor and adventure-related products and services. It provides a dynamic space where enthusiasts and businesses can gather, explore, and fully immerse themselves in the world of outdoor adventure.
“To make any adventure activity truly complete, we need to build a comprehensive ecosystem,” Rana explains. “When visitors step into the exhibition, they’ll be able to see and understand this entire ecosystem in action.”
Rana, who is also a wildlife photographer, observed that Nepal’s outdoor adventure scene was fragmented, with information and resources scattered across various platforms. His goal was to consolidate these elements, creating a one-stop hub for adventure lovers.
“This would create a dynamic environment for networking, B2B interactions, and B2C engagements,” he adds. “The expo not only showcases the latest in adventure gear and services but also introduces new concepts for exploring Nepal and its immense tourism potential.”
