The Himalayan Riders Society, a cycling-based organisation established in Hetauda, has been actively promoting Nepal’s lesser-known tourism destinations through adventure cycling while encouraging healthy lifestyles, environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
Formally organised over the past five years, the society has been working to identify and promote tourism destinations with untapped potential across the country. Through organised cycling expeditions, awareness campaigns and long-distance rides, the organisation aims to bring national attention to destinations that have remained largely overlooked despite their historical, cultural and natural significance.
Cycling as a Tool for Tourism Promotion
Established institutionally in 2021 (BS 2078), the Himalayan Riders Society has made cycling more than just a recreational activity. The organisation has positioned it as an effective means of promoting tourism, protecting the environment and encouraging physical fitness. According to Society President Raju Thapa Magar, the organisation has consistently focused on introducing both local and national tourism destinations that possess significant potential but have yet to receive adequate recognition.
He said the society has been working not only to promote destinations within Makwanpur district but also to highlight hidden tourism sites across Nepal through organised cycling campaigns. “Our objective is to encourage people to explore Nepal responsibly while promoting destinations that deserve greater attention,” he said.
Promoting Makwanpur’s Emerging Attractions
Over the years, the society has organised cycling tours to several important destinations in Makwanpur district. Among the sites it has promoted is the 42-foot-tall statue of Lord Krishna at Hatiya Jurethum in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City-17, which is regarded as one of the tallest Krishna statues in Asia.
The organisation has also promoted the historic Makwanpur Gadhi, a significant fort associated with Nepal’s unification history, and the Gorkha Durbar, both of which hold immense historical and cultural value. By organising cycling events to these destinations, the society hopes to attract more domestic and international visitors while increasing public awareness of their heritage significance.
Four-Hundred-Kilometre Cycling Expedition Highlights National Connectivity
One of the society’s most notable initiatives was a 400-kilometre cycling expedition along the route connecting Rasuwagadhi-Kerung on the Nepal-China border to Thori near the Nepal-India border. President Thapa Magar said the expedition was undertaken to promote what is considered Nepal’s shortest trade and tourism corridor connecting China and India.
“The office bearers of the society completed a 400-kilometre cycling journey from Rasuwagadhi-Kerung to Thori, which is regarded as the shortest route connecting India and China,” he said. The expedition not only promoted adventure tourism but also highlighted the economic and tourism significance of the strategic corridor.
Religious Tourism Destinations Also Promoted
Beyond adventure and heritage tourism, the Himalayan Riders Society has also contributed to the promotion of several important religious tourism destinations across Nepal. The organisation has successfully completed cycling campaigns covering the Mechi-Mahakali Cycling Journey, which traverses the country from east to west.
It has also promoted major pilgrimage destinations, including the Gadhimai Temple, known as one of Asia’s largest religious sites for animal sacrifice traditions, Chatara Dham in Dharan, an important Hindu pilgrimage destination, and Someshwar Gadhi in Chitwan, another site of religious and historical importance. According to the society, these cycling expeditions help introduce pilgrims, adventure enthusiasts and domestic tourists to destinations that often receive limited promotional attention despite their cultural significance.
Promoting Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tourism
The Himalayan Riders Society believes cycling offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional travel while creating opportunities for sustainable tourism development. By encouraging travellers to explore destinations on bicycles, the organisation promotes low-carbon tourism that minimises environmental impact while allowing visitors to experience local culture, nature and heritage more closely. The society also emphasises that cycling contributes to healthier lifestyles, reduces pollution and supports community-based tourism by encouraging longer interaction with local communities and businesses.
Growing Membership Reflects Rising Interest
The organisation has witnessed steady growth since its establishment. According to the society, it currently has 150 members, of whom 50 are lifetime members. The growing membership reflects increasing public interest in cycling as both a recreational activity and a means of exploring Nepal’s diverse landscapes and tourism attractions. The society regularly organises group rides, awareness programmes and promotional events that bring together cyclists from different parts of the country.
Supporting Nepal’s Tourism Diversification
Tourism stakeholders have increasingly emphasised the need to diversify Nepal’s tourism products beyond traditional trekking and mountaineering. Adventure cycling has emerged as one of the country’s promising niche tourism segments, offering opportunities to explore rural landscapes, historical monuments, wildlife areas and religious sites while generating economic benefits for local communities.
Through its continued efforts, the Himalayan Riders Society has demonstrated how community-based cycling initiatives can contribute to destination promotion, environmental awareness and sustainable tourism development. As Nepal continues to expand its tourism offerings, initiatives like those undertaken by the Himalayan Riders Society are expected to play an important role in showcasing lesser-known destinations, encouraging domestic travel and positioning cycling as an integral part of the country’s adventure tourism portfolio.
