Preparations for the eighth edition of the ‘Tour de Pokhara’ cycle rally, scheduled to be held on Poush 5 (December 20), have entered their final stage, with organizers reaffirming the event’s core message of promoting cycling for health, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism. The annual cycling event is being organized in the context of Pokhara Visit Year 2025, aligning closely with Pokhara Metropolitan City’s vision of a ‘Clean City and Green City’.
Details of the upcoming rally were shared during a press conference held in Pokhara, where organizers highlighted the growing participation and increasing national and international interest in the event. The rally is being organized under the theme “Cycling for Health, Environment and Tourism” by Cycle City Pokhara, which has been consistently promoting cycling culture in the tourism capital of Nepal.
Growing Participation from Nepal and Abroad
According to Shyam Krishna Shrestha, Chairperson of Cycle City Pokhara, a total of 860 cyclists from 32 districts of Nepal and abroad have officially registered for this year’s event. In addition, more than 1,000 local cyclists are expected to participate informally, taking the total number of participants well beyond 1,800.
“This year too, participation from neighboring India and other third countries has been confirmed,” Shrestha said. “The event not only promotes cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transport but also showcases Pokhara and its surrounding tourist destinations to both domestic and international visitors.”
Promoting Green Mobility and Destination Branding
Organizers believe that the ‘Tour de Pokhara’ has become a powerful platform to promote Pokhara as a cycling-friendly tourist city while encouraging residents and visitors to adopt sustainable mobility practices. Through the cycle rally, participants will explore various scenic and touristic locations in and around Pokhara, helping strengthen destination branding through experiential travel.
Shrestha explained that the core objective of the rally is to identify and promote tourist destinations through cycling, inspire invited domestic and international cyclists to experience Pokhara firsthand, and initiate a broader green movement by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Environmental and Economic Benefits Highlighted
The program Secretary Ram Chandra Bhatta emphasized the environmental and economic significance of promoting cycling in urban areas like Pokhara. He noted that the increasing dependence on motorbikes and cars, even for short distances, has contributed to environmental degradation and increased fuel imports.
“We have become overly dependent on vehicles even where walking or cycling would be enough,” Bhatta said. “This habit has polluted our environment and drained our economy. By saving even small amounts of fuel through cycling, we can protect our environment and reduce money flowing abroad. That is why we have continued this program every year.” He added that the event contributes directly to maintaining a healthy environment, while also raising awareness about personal health and sustainable lifestyles.
51-Kilometre Scenic Cycling Route
The cycling rally will cover a total distance of 51 kilometres, passing through various key locations within Pokhara and extending up to Bhurjungkhola in Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality. The route has been designed to offer cyclists a blend of urban landscapes, natural scenery, and rural charm, highlighting the diversity of Pokhara as a tourism destination.
Sustaining a Cycling Culture
Now in its eighth year, ‘Tour de Pokhara’ has established itself as a flagship event promoting cycling culture, fuel conservation, and climate-friendly tourism in Nepal. Organizers are confident that the rally will further strengthen public awareness about sustainable transportation while reinforcing Pokhara’s image as a forward-looking, environmentally conscious tourist city.
With the event just days away, organizers have called upon residents, cycling enthusiasts, and visitors to actively participate or support the rally, contributing collectively to a healthier, greener, and more sustainable Pokhara.
