Kora Cycling Challenge: Biggest Cycling Event In Nepal

Pratap SharmaJuly 19th, 20238 mins read

#kora challenge | The Journey since 2011

In 2011, this ride began with a humble gathering of 35 riders cycling to raise funds for charity. Today, it has evolved into the largest charity ride in the Himalayas, attracting a staggering number of 4000 to 5000 riders annually. Together, these riders cover an impressive distance of close to 175,000 kilometers each year, participating in various locations across Nepal and around the globe. The event's growth and impact on charitable causes have been remarkable, making it a significant and widely recognized cycling event in the region and beyond.

In the #kora challenge of 2023, I and my friends decided to challenge ourselves by participating in the 50-kilometer ride. The team included Madhav, Shiva, Abhishek dai, Prajwal, and a few of my colleagues who joined us for this adventurous journey. Together, we embraced the challenge, pushing our limits and enjoying the experience as a close-knit group. It was a memorable and rewarding event that brought us closer and left us with a sense of accomplishment.

Highlights of the kora challenge

Ride around the Kathmandu valley

Choose between 50kms, 75kms or 100kms ride

Challenge yourself

Meet riders from different part of Kathmandu Valley

Location and route of the kora challenge

In the #kora challenge, participants have the opportunity to challenge themselves by selecting a ride from three different options: 50 kilometers, 75 kilometers, or 100 kilometers. The starting and finishing point for each route is set at Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur. Here are the route details for each of the rides:

50 kilometers ride: This route covers a distance of 50 kilometers, taking cyclists through picturesque landscapes and scenic spots before returning to Patan Durbar Square.
75 kilometers ride: Cyclists opting for the 75 kilometers ride will enjoy an extended journey, exploring more captivating locations and taking in the beauty of the surroundings before completing the route back at Patan Durbar Square.
100 kilometers ride: For the most adventurous participants, the 100 kilometers ride offers an even more challenging and exhilarating experience. This route takes riders on a longer journey, passing through diverse terrains and stunning vistas, culminating at the renowned Patan Durbar Square.

The #kora challenge provides a thrilling opportunity for riders to test their endurance, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Lalitpur, and accomplish personal milestones on their chosen routes.

50km Route

In the 50kms ride we will ride through these places in the Kathmandu Valley.

Patan Durbar Square - Bhaisepati - Chovar - Panga - Kirtipur Suspension Bridege - Syuchatar - Sitapaila - Balaju - Tokha - Golfutar - Boudhanath Stupa - Pepsicola - Patan Durbar Square

75kms Route

In the 75kms ride we will ride through these places in the Kathmandu Valley.

Patan Durbar Square - Bhaisepati - Chovar - Panga - Kirtipur Suspension Bridege - Macchegaon - Matatirtha - Kankali - Balaju - Nagarjun - Dharmasthali - Phulbari - Budhanilkantha - Tinchuli - Boudhanath Stupa - Pepsicola - Patan Durbar Square

100kms Route

In the 100kms ride we will ride through these places in the Kathmandu Valley.

Patan Durbar Square - Bhaisepati - Chovar - Panga - Kirtipur Suspension Bridege - Macchegaon - Matatirtha - Kankali - Balaju - Nagarjun - Dharmasthali - Phulbari - Budhanilkantha - Gokarneshwor - Sundarijal - Gagalphedi - Mulpani - Madhyapur Thimi - Lubhu - Gwarko - Patan Durbar Square

How I challenged myself for kora?

My colleagues, friends, and I decided to take on the #kora challenge by selecting the 50-kilometer ride. The adventure commenced at 7:45 am, as we embarked on our cycling journey from the iconic Patan Durbar Square. Our route took us through the scenic paths of Bhaisepati and Chovar, allowing us to savor the breathtaking surroundings as we pedaled forward.

After covering a distance of 6.25 kilometers from our starting point, we reached the first designated checkpoint beneath the Kirtipur Suspension Bridge. Taking a well-deserved break, we quenched our thirst with refreshing water and joined in the festivities with fellow riders during an enjoyable dancing session.

The camaraderie among participants added an extra layer of excitement and motivation, making the #kora challenge an unforgettable experience. Energized and ready to continue, we embraced the rest of the journey with enthusiasm, looking forward to more memorable moments and personal accomplishments ahead.

Following a rejuvenating break filled with dancing and camaraderie, our cycling adventure resumed. We continued our journey, pedaling towards Syuchatar and then onward to Sitapaila. As we approached Sitapaila, we decided to refuel with a delicious breakfast of Chana and Aalu (chickpeas and potatoes). To replenish our energy levels further, we enjoyed a few cups of Jivan Jal (Energy Drink) as we had already covered a considerable distance of 16 kilometers.

Feeling revitalized and ready to take on the next leg of our ride, we set our sights on Balaju, excited to explore new landscapes and create more cherished memories along the way. The #kora challenge was proving to be an incredible experience, pushing our limits and bringing us closer together as we shared the joys of cycling and exploration.

Our adventurous journey continued, and at Balaju, which was approximately 24 kilometers away from our starting point, we decided to take a pit stop to give our bikes some much-needed servicing. We had covered nearly half of our 50-kilometer ride by this point. During the break, our bikes were thoroughly checked, including the tires, chains, and brakes, to ensure they were in perfect condition for the remainder of the trip. While waiting, we refreshed ourselves with glucose water and rested for about 30 minutes, preparing ourselves for the next stretch.

Once the servicing was complete, we resumed our ride with renewed enthusiasm, heading towards Tokha. After approximately three hours of cycling, we reached a restaurant where they offered discounts to #kora challenge riders. Hungry and tired, we eagerly ordered momos, fried rice, and other delicious dishes, savoring the much-needed meal that replenished our energy.

However, as we progressed further, we encountered challenging uphill sections. Fatigue began to take its toll, and some of us had to push our bikes up the slopes as pedaling became arduous.

Finally, after a ride of about 40 kilometers, we reached the awe-inspiring Boudhanath Stupa. Capturing memories in photographs, we performed the traditional Kora (circumambulation) around the stupa before continuing towards the finishing line.

With a sense of achievement and elation, we completed the 50-kilometer ride in 4 hours and 57 minutes, with a total time of 8 hours and 30 minutes. It was an incredible feeling to successfully accept and conquer the #kora challenge.

As we returned to Patan Durbar Square, we were humbled and proud to receive the well-deserved "Kora Finisher" medals. This achievement was a testament to our determination and teamwork, and it left us with a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that we will cherish for a lifetime. The #kora challenge had brought us closer together, pushing our limits, and creating cherished memories that will forever inspire us to take on new adventures.

We are looking forward to take part in the next #kora challenge 2024.

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