Rare Initiative For Humanitarian Cause

From the very first day of the English New Year 2026, an important campaign with a truly exemplary purpose is set to begin. A group of adventurers will undertake a journey of 1,800 kilometres along Nepal’s Mid-Hill Highway by bicycle. What makes this campaign even more remarkable is that two of the cyclists are cancer survivors themselves.

In collaboration with Dhulikhel Hospital, the Cycle Culture Community is organising such an expedition. The campaign will commence on January 1, 2026, from Chiwabhanjyang in Panchthar and will conclude at Jhulaghat in Baitadi. This adventure journey is expected to take nearly one month to complete.

The expedition will pass through various stops along the Mid-Hill Highway, including Tharpu, Phidim, Sankranti Bazar, Myanglung, Leguwaghat, Bhojpur, Dorpachiuridanda, Halesi, Ghurmi, Lubhughat, Melamchi, Bidur, Arughat, Sundarbazar, Pokhara, Achhatikhola Bridge, Burtibang, Rukumkot, Chaurjahari, Bhagwatimai, Jambhukadh, Mangalsen, Sajghat, Amargadhi, Patan, and finally reach Jhulaghat. Although the total distance of the cycling tour is approximately 1,800 kilometres, it includes a cumulative elevation gain of nearly 52,000 metres.

The campaign will include Tribhuvan University’s Professor Dr. Taralal Shrestha, orthopedic specialist Dr. Bikash Parajuli from Dhulikhel Hospital, and cancer survivors Harka Lama and Kavita Chitrakar as cycling expedition participants. A separate cancer awareness program team and a dedicated medical team will also accompany the expedition.

Cancer survivors' journey 

The journey will be led by cancer survivor and accomplished cyclist Harka Lama. In 2020, Lama was diagnosed with bladder cancer and received treatment at Dhulikhel Hospital. After recovering from cancer, he returned to cycling with renewed vigour and has since won various cycling competitions. Actively participating in international cycling events, Lama is recognised as one of Nepal’s finest cycling athletes, especially known for cycling in high Himalayan terrains. Just a few months ago, he participated in the world’s largest cycling race, the “Cape Epic” held in Africa. He regularly takes part in Nepal’s internationally renowned mountain biking event, the “Yak Attack.”

Like Lama, another cancer survivor cyclist participating in this campaign is Kavita Chitrakar. Once considered a fatal disease, cancer has now become treatable in many forms due to continuous advancements and innovations in medical science. However, in developing countries like Nepal, cancer patients still face immense challenges due to limited resources and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals. In such circumstances, a cancer diagnosis often brings not only physical suffering but also severe mental stress, depression, and trauma. Maintaining mental strength before treatment or after radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery is extremely difficult. Yet, Chitrakar stands apart from this harsh reality.

She is not only a cancer survivor but also a living example that life can remain energetic and purposeful even after cancer treatment. She demonstrates that with determination and goals, cancer survivors can move forward just like anyone else. Kavita was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer. However, after recovering from treatment, she did not allow fear to dominate her life. Instead, she is resolved to dedicate her life to cycling and remain actively engaged in it. She has already participated in the “Yak Attack,” held in some of the world’s highest Himalayan terrains. Among Nepali women cyclists and campaigners, Kavita is recognised as a role model.

Even before her own diagnosis, Kavita had endured the painful reality of losing both her mother and sister to cancer. When she later learned that she herself had cancer at an advanced stage, it is easy to imagine the emotional turmoil she must have experienced. Yet, she confronted every struggle head-on. After adopting cycling as her lifestyle post-treatment, the positive transformation she underwent astonished even the doctors involved in her care. Now, as a woman, a cancer survivor, and an inspiration to women worldwide, Kavita is participating in this month-long cycling campaign. Through this journey, she is prepared to share her personal story while raising awareness about cervical cancer and breast cancer at various locations along the route.

In this context, following a morning cycle rally in Kathmandu, followed by a musical goodwill programme at Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikutimandap will be held on tomorrow (December 27, 2025). During the campaign, cycling enthusiasts and supporters from across the country can contribute physically, financially, or emotionally. Local organisations as well as local and provincial governments can support the cycling team by organising various programmes within their respective regions. Throughout this one-month-long cycling expedition from the eastern border (Chiwabhanjyang) to the western border (Jhulaghat), cancer prevention awareness programmes will be organised at multiple locations. Health screening programmes are also planned in certain areas. 

According to 2022 data, approximately 22,000 new cancer cases are added annually in Nepal, while nearly 15,000 cancer patients die each year due to the disease. Lung cancer, oral cancer, and cervical cancer are the most common cancers among Nepalese. Comparatively, cancers of the lung, stomach, gallbladder, breast, and cervix have proven to be particularly fatal. On one hand, unhealthy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and harmful addictions are major contributors to cancer. On the other hand, despite many cancers being preventable or treatable, lack of access to healthcare and negligence toward regular health checkups have caused the number of cancer patients to rise steadily. Although all three levels of government have recently begun providing limited financial assistance, many cancer-affected Nepalese still struggle to receive adequate treatment due to financial constraints.

Contribution 

Anyway, this cycling campaign will contribute, directly or indirectly, to all four dimensions of healthcare: prevention, promotion, treatment, and rehabilitation. The involvement of cancer survivors themselves, doctors who work tirelessly in cancer treatment, and professors who spread awareness through teaching will make this campaign truly unique and rare on a global scale. The initiative will not only be a courageous event but may also be the first of its kind in the world in terms of its scope and impact.

What makes this cycling campaign especially exemplary is that funds collected through individual or institutional donations, charity contributions, and financial support during the campaign will be handed over to Dhulikhel Hospital. These funds will be used to support cancer patients receiving treatment at the hospital. The collected funds will be formally handed over on World Cancer Day, which falls on February 4.

(Dr. Tamrakar is a senior gynaecologist in Dhulikhel Hospital.)