StoryCycle, Samriddha Sindhuli launch feasibility study for 390-km 'Fort Stage Ride' cycle trail

KATHMANDU: StoryCycle and the Samriddha Sindhuli campaign have launched a feasibility study and campaign for the 'Fort Stage Ride'. The proposed 390‑kilometre eco‑friendly cycle trail will link 15 local levels and historical forts across Bagmati Province.

The study, announced on December 24, 2025, aims to promote Nepal’s historical heritage and sustainable tourism while advancing public health and local economic benefits. Deepak Shrestha, campaign team leader, said the work builds on previous in‑depth studies and will focus on three main pillars: low‑carbon tourism, supporting the local economy and heritage revival.

The low‑carbon tourism pillar seeks to reduce carbon emissions in the tourism sector by 20–30%. The campaign aims to ensure that at least 80% of tourism income reaches local communities, with a particular focus on homestays and youth entrepreneurs. A strategic plan has been proposed to establish historical forts and old trails as new destinations for modern tourism.

Public health is a central element of the project. Deep Raja Thapa, study team member and public health expert, said, "This journey will provide inspiration for physical and public health. We will be able to showcase the permaculture, mindfulness and history present in our settlements to tourists from all over the world." He added that the novelty and social‑health link lie in conducting the tour and research on bicycles.

Devendra Basnyat, secretary of Nepal Cycling Association and the campaign’s technical team leader, said, "This trail will highlight the dual potential of developing cycling as a long‑distance organised sport in Nepal and promoting environmentally friendly adventure sports tourism."

The circular trail concept integrates the Unification Trail previously studied by the Samriddha Sindhuli campaign with the Great Mahabharat Trail that spans from Namobuddha to Sunkoshi, Sindhuligadhi and Fikkal. Saurav Dhakal of StoryCycle said, "After completing feasibility studies for various routes in the past, we are now working on developing this circular route by integrating those trails."

The study journey will begin in Kanibahal in Lalitpur Metropolitan City‑6 and will pass through Lubhu, Lamatar, Panauti, Namobuddha, Baluwatar, Hayugaun, Kotgaun, Bandipur, Nagi Majuwa, Sindhuligadhi, Sindhulimadhi, Marin, Panchakanya Pokhari, Ghante, Hariharpurgadhi, Phaparbari, Phurkechaur, Makawanpurgadhi and Tikabhairav before returning to Kanibahal.