The Golden Triangle International Bike Tour team has arrived in Pokhara, completing a scenic journey through Kathmandu and Chitwan as part of a campaign to promote domestic tourism and community-based destinations in Nepal. The team was warmly welcomed on Saturday by the Tourism Entrepreneurs Women Association Nepal (TEWAN), marking a meaningful moment of interaction between adventure tourism promoters and local tourism stakeholders.
The bike tour is being organized by the Xpulse Rider Nepal Club to revitalize tourism through adventure-based travel. A total of 12 bikers are participating in the journey, which connects Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara, three of Nepal’s most popular tourist hubs, collectively promoted as the “Golden Triangle.” The initiative is being supported by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and partially funded by the riders themselves.
Interactive Session Focuses on Pokhara Tourism
Following their arrival in Pokhara, the bike tour team participated in an interactive discussion with TEWAN members, focusing on ideas and strategies to strengthen tourism promotion in Pokhara. The discussion highlighted the city’s year-round tourism potential, adventure offerings, and the importance of collaboration between tourism entrepreneurs and promotional campaigns.
Kundan Shrestha, President of Xpulse Rider Nepal Club, said the team began its journey from Kathmandu on Friday and stayed overnight in Sauraha, Chitwan, before riding to Pokhara on Saturday. From Pokhara, the team proceeded to Ghalegaun in Lamjung on Sunday, adding a rural and community tourism dimension to the tour.
“This bike tour aims to promote not only major cities but also nearby destinations with high tourism potential,” Shrestha said. “The idea of the Golden Triangle allows us to showcase diverse experiences, from wildlife and culture to adventure and village tourism.”
Promoting Tourism Recovery Post-Pandemic
The tour was originally planned for September 27, World Tourism Day, but was postponed due to the Gen-Z movement. Shrestha noted that Nepal’s tourism sector suffered heavily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent disruptions, and such initiatives play an important role in reviving domestic tourism.
“Bike tours like this help encourage Nepali travelers to explore their own country and support local economies,” he said. “Adventure tourism combined with community engagement can significantly contribute to tourism recovery.”
Experiences Along the Route
During their stay in Chitwan, the riders experienced a jeep safari, canoeing, wildlife observation, and stayed at Kumal Homestay, where they also interacted with residents. In Pokhara, the team visited key tourist attractions, including Lakeside, the World Peace Pagoda, and other notable sites, before heading towards Ghalegaun.
Local Leaders Applaud the Initiative
Local tourism leaders praised the bike tour for its positive impact. Manhar Kadariya, Chief of the Economic Division at Pokhara Metropolitan City, said such activities send a strong positive message and help energize the tourism sector.
“Initiatives like this will support the success of Pokhara Visit Year 2025 and strengthen the city’s tourism image,” he said. Similarly, Chau Bahadur Gurung, Vice President of the Pokhara Tourism Council, expressed confidence that the tour would help promote Pokhara and Nepal on the international stage.
TEWAN Highlights Pokhara’s Year-Round Appeal
Former TEWAN President and tour advisor Kamala Giri said the continuity of such tours significantly supports Pokhara’s tourism promotion. TEWAN President Shobha Pandey echoed this view, stating that the program effectively presents Nepal’s tourism potential to the world. “This tour proves that Pokhara is a destination for all seasons,” she said, adding that the role played by the bike tour in promoting both domestic and international tourism is commendable.
TEWAN General Secretary Shobha Adhikari Poudel expressed happiness at welcoming the riders to Pokhara and appreciated the collaboration between tourism entrepreneurs and adventure tourism promoters.
A Legacy of Large-Scale Bike Tours
Xpulse Rider Nepal Club has a strong history of organizing large-scale bike rallies. In 2019, the club organized a tour involving 100 riders who traveled across all 77 districts of Nepal. The club has also hosted international riders, including participants from Bangladesh, who previously rode up to Mustang.
The Golden Triangle International Bike Tour team is scheduled to return to Kathmandu from Ghalegaun on Monday, concluding another chapter in Nepal’s growing adventure and community-driven tourism initiatives.
