Fort Stage Ride (MTB XC)

Low-Carbon Tourism Trail

What is Fort Stage Ride?

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. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Hariharpurgadhi, Sindhuligadhi, Makwanpurgadhi Fort, 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.

Pre-Ride –  25 to 31 December 2025 

390 km | 10-day experience | Culture x Climate x Community (Form)

The Route
The Fort Stage Ride is a circular route that begins and ends in Patan (Mangalbazar), covering a total distance of 390 kilometers over 7 days. The trail connects three historic forts — Hariharpurgadhi, Sindhuligadhi, and Makwanpurgadhi — and follows trails once used by traders, warriors, and cultural pilgrims.

Fort Stage Ride is Nepal’s first cross-country mountain biking adventure designed to blend heritage, sustainability, and endurance. This 390 KM circular route starts and ends in Patan (Mangalbazar) and connects three historic forts — Hariharpurgadhi, Sindhuligadhi, and Makwanpurgadhi.

Over 7 days, riders will pedal through ancient trade routes, forested hills, panoramic ridgelines, riverside trails, and living cultural villages — staying with local communities along the way.

Why Join?

• Explore Nepal’s forgotten fort corridors on two wheels
• Support low-carbon tourism and local livelihoods
• Stay in homestays run by Tamang, Newar, Gurung, and Magar communities
• Engage with history, biodiversity, and community resilience
•  Be part of a ride that celebrates culture, climate action, and community pride

Who Should Apply?

✅ Passionate mountain bikers
✅ Physically fit and experienced with multi-day rides
✅ Interested in eco-tourism, Nepalese heritage, and climate action
✅ Ready for a self-managed but coordinated expedition (no luxury, all adventure)

What to Bring

• Mountain Bike (XC preferred)
• Helmet & safety gear
• Refillable water bottle
• Eco-kit (no single-use plastic)
• Trail snacks & basic repair kit