Nepal’s ‘adventure capital’ sets its sights on becoming a global MTB hub following a successful inaugural Pokhara Enduro international race.

Time seemed to stand still at Mahaprabhu Dham, a quaint hamlet in the Arba Hills on the outskirts of Pokhara.

The only sounds in the otherwise serene environment were the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the occasional giggles of children in the meadows.

However, that tranquil rhythm was disrupted by a new and exciting event—the Pokhara Enduro Race.

The first-ever international enduro mountain bike race outside the capital, Kathmandu, marked the culmination of three years of meticulous preparations. The three-day event kicked off on November 23, with 56 riders from 11 countries competing across seven categories.

The atmosphere on race day was electrifying. A large crowd of spectators added to the festive ambience, eagerly observing the bikers navigate the intricate course for the finale.

“It isn’t every day that we get to witness such an event. An event that brings everyone together, showcasing the best of Arba’s spirit,” said Sita Sunar, who came along with her neighbours from a nearby place called Thapa Chautari to witness the race.

As the first riders set off, the crunch of tyres on the trail resonated through the air. As they moved deeper into the Arba Hills, the rhythmic hum of wheels on dirt soon took its place. After navigating the rugged terrain, the riders emerged in a cloud of dust, eliciting cheers and applause from the spectators.

Indonesia’s Rama Teguh Ady Pratama secured the Male’s Elite title against the breathtaking backdrop of the Annapurna mountain range. He stood out as the only rider to complete all five trails in under 10 minutes—9:59.52.

“The course was demanding, but I felt in sync with my bike and the terrain. I’m thrilled to come out on top,” Rama said, reflecting on his performance in the race.

Having opened up a seven-second lead at the top in a prologue on the 1.42km Pro Trail a day earlier, the Ertap Sports Management rider completed the 10.5km four-trail course in an impressive 7 minutes and 4.66 seconds on the race day.

That saw him finish more than 17 seconds clear of UK rider Christopher Keeling. Nepal’s Prachit Thapa Magar from Gnarly MTB clocked 10:36.16 to secure third place among the 13-man field.

The races for Masters ‘A’ (30-39 age group) and Masters ‘B’ (40–49) categories were conducted in the same manner, across two legs, spanning five trails.

Pokhara rider Rajan Bhandari put his knowledge of the trails to good use, winning the Masters ‘A’ by a margin of more than 25 seconds as he completed the course in 11:21.06. Mangal Lama (11:48.99) stood second in the category, and Kunga Woesar (12:10.29) was third.

Former Nepal downhill champion Suraj Panday clinched the Masters ‘B’ by finishing the loop in 12:18.39. Rabi Karki (13:11.89) and Nayan Manandhar (13:18.47) came home second and third, respectively.

An added element of fascination to the competition was the e-bike segment, in which Prashanna Gautam claimed victory with a time of 13:45.70.

The three other races were contested on a 10.5-km course consisting of four trails—SS1, SS2, SS3, and SS4.

In the Women’s Open category, Laxmi Magar showcased controlled descents and speed around corners, completing the course in 9 minutes and 53.48 seconds. Mingma Sherpa finished second in 11:25.31, and Singapore’s Eevon Chia was third in 15:35.36.

In the Junior Male (12–18 age group), Nepal’s Beepul Thapa beat favourite Elijah Steward of the US.

Making amends for an error on the SS2, Thapa put in strong performances in the last two stages to win the race by 17 seconds over Steward, who finished in 8:25.77. Nepal’s Deepesh Thapa crossed the line in 9:12.68 to complete the podium.

“Competing alongside international riders is always a learning experience,” winner Thapa said after the race. “The Arba Hills track was challenging, but it’s an incredible feeling to be part of such a competitive race.”

In the Veterans Male (50 plus) category, Singapore-based Nepali rider Lal Bahadur Ale won the race with a time of 11:10.05. Sulochan Rajbhandary (11:22.05) claimed the second spot, and Saisab Pradhan (11:36.39) was third.

As the dust settled and the cheers subsided, Mahaprabhu Dham returned to its peaceful serenity but with a new sense of connection to the world beyond.

“It’s not just about racing against the clock,” noted Johnathan Tan, a Singaporean rider who finished 12th in the Elite category, referring to the trails that seamlessly blend the thrill of the ride with the beauty of Pokhara.

The race organisers crafted six trails, varying in length from just under 1 km to 2 km, offering their own distinct set of challenges. The result was an adrenaline-pumping race that tested participants’ technical skills and resilience.

With expansive mountain vistas and varied terrain, Pokhara presents a perfect setting for an event that guarantees both challenging and breathtaking landscapes. He said, “Taking on challenges in these beautiful natural settings is a captivating experience. I can’t wait to return for another race here.”

The commitment from the city’s top authority promises a bright future for Arba as a hub for adventure sports.

“Pokhara Enduro is a celebration of our city’s commitment to fostering adventure sports,” said Pokhara Metropolitan City Mayor Dhanaraj Acharya.

“These mountain bike trails have added an exciting new opportunity for the area,” he said. “We are dedicated to turning Arba into a hub for such events and pledge all necessary support to make it happen.”