Detailed description (English): Drawing inspiration from the iconic Hariharpurgadhi, Sindhuligadhi, and Makwanpurgadhi forts — as well as Nepal’s growing Low Carbon Initiatives — the Fort Stage Ride is a cross-country mountain biking (MTB XC) event designed to challenge riders while immersing them in the rich heritage and dramatic terrain of Nepal’s Bagmati Province.
this ride combines endurance, history, and the rugged beauty of Nepal’s hills.
Whether you're a competitive cyclist or a passionate explorer, Fort Stage Ride offers a unique route that celebrates adventure, culture, and conservation.
Pre-Ride Activities – September 17 -22, 2025
We’re kicking off with urban practice rides, gear workshops, and youth events to promote clean mobility and raise awareness.
Main Ride – December 24, 2025 to January 3, 2026
390 km | 12-day experience | Culture x Climate x Community
Target group(s): What is Fort Stage Ride?
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Hariharpurgadhi, Sindhuligadhi, and Makwanpurgadhi forts — as well as Nepal’s growing Low Carbon Initiatives — the Fort Stage Ride is a cross-country mountain biking (MTB XC) event designed to challenge riders while immersing them in the rich heritage and dramatic terrain of Nepal’s Bagmati Province.
this ride combines endurance, history, and the rugged beauty of Nepal’s hills.
Whether you're a competitive cyclist or a passionate explorer, Fort Stage Ride offers a unique route that celebrates adventure, culture, and conservation.
????️ Context and Regional Diversity
Bagmati Province is rich in religious, cultural, and geographic diversity. Stretching from the high Himalayas to the mid-hills and the Inner Madhesh, it is blessed with tremendous tourism potential. The region is home to historic forts, sacred temples, biological diversity, and vibrant cultural heritage. Yet many of these sites remain underdeveloped due to a lack of promotion, preservation, and accessible information.
The Fort Stage Ride aims to revitalize tourism, promote historic preservation, and foster adventure tourism by connecting strategic fort locations through a scenic and challenging cycling route.
⛰️ The Route
The Fort Stage Ride is a fully immersive mountain biking experience that begins and ends in the historic city of Patan (Mangalbazar) in Nepal’s Bagmati Province. Spanning 390 kilometers over 8 riding days and 12 days in total, this route is designed to challenge the body and awaken the spirit by combining rugged terrain with rich cultural heritage.
The trail passes through some of Nepal’s most historically significant fort locations: Hariharpurgadhi, Sindhuligadhi, and Makwanpurgadhi—sites that played key roles during Nepal’s unification and resistance movements. These forts are not just architectural marvels but also living testaments to Nepal’s resilience and cultural depth.
Along the way, riders will navigate:
Forested hill climbs and elevated ridgelines offering panoramic views of the Mahabharat range
Winding descents and technical single tracks through rural settlements
Riverside crossings, sacred groves, and cultural landmarks
The route also integrates homestay experiences with ethnic communities such as the Tamang, Danuwar, Newar, Gurung, and Magar people, providing an authentic window into Nepal’s rural life. Each village offers opportunities to taste local cuisine, witness traditional crafts, and participate in age-old customs.
In addition to its adventure appeal, this ride serves as a living heritage corridor, bringing attention to under-promoted sites and encouraging their protection through responsible tourism.
Start/End Point: Mangalbazar, Patan (Lalitpur)Key Forts En Route: Hariharpurgadhi, Sindhuligadhi, MakwanpurgadhiTotal Distance: 390 KM
Objectives: This initiative is aligned with the 2025 European Mobility Week theme — "Efficient, Healthy and Clean Mobility" — by encouraging active travel, reducing emissions, and promoting more sustainable lifestyles through adventure-based cultural tourism.
The Fort Stage Ride is built around a set of core objectives that align with Nepal’s growing focus on sustainable, inclusive development:
Promote Low-Carbon Tourism: Encourage climate-responsible travel through non-motorized mobility and eco-conscious planning.
Preserve Cultural Heritage: Revitalize interest in historic forts and cultural corridors that played a vital role in Nepal’s unification.
Empower Local Communities: Strengthen rural economies through homestays, local food, and artisan products.
Foster Adventure-Based Learning: Provide participants with immersive experiences that connect them with local history, geography, and traditions.
Strengthen Regional Tourism: Showcase Bagmati Province as a hub of cultural and ecological diversity.
Nepal