Tour de Pokhara cycling rally to be organised

By Our Correspondent,Kaski, Dec. 21: With the theme ‘Cycling for Health, Environment and Tourism,’ the 7th Tour de Pokhara cycling rally is set to be organised on December 29, 2024.

Organised by Cycle City Pokhara, the rally will cover a 24.5 km route within the Pokhara city area.

Shyam Krishna Shrestha, President of Cycle City Pokhara, said that the initiative aims to promote tourism through cycling-related activities. According to him, Cycle City Pokhara has been conducting various cycling events since its inception.

“We have been involved in several community projects, including the construction of cycle stands at tourist destinations in Pokhara including the creation of Nepal's first three km cycle lane from Zero Kilometer to Mahendrapul,” Shrestha said.

He added that discussions are underway with Pokhara Metropolitan City and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop a 150 km cycle route connecting the lakes of Pokhara, along with the necessary infrastructure, to establish Pokhara as a cycling hub.

The 8th edition of the rally will begin and conclude at the Pokhara City Hall, after passing through various parts of the city, said former president Prakash Shrestha. 

Participants are required to pay a registration fee of Rs. 1,000, which includes a cycling jacket. The rally is expected to draw participants from various districts of Nepal and there is also anticipation of participants from India.

“This event aims to promote cycling not only within Nepal but also internationally. Efforts are being made to include it as an international event to boost its visibility abroad,” added Shrestha.