The Spectacular 3rd Pokhara Enduro Race

A Himalayan Legend in the Making

The dust has finally settled on the trails of the 3rd Pokhara Enduro Race, but the energy? That is still buzzing through the lakeside air.

If you were there, you know exactly what we are talking about. If you missed it, grab a coffee (or a cold one) because we are about to take you back to the start line of what participants are calling the most epic “race-cation” of the year.

From the first drop-in to the final podium announcement, this wasn’t just a race. It was a celebration of mountain biking culture set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Annapurna range. We saw limits pushed, friendships forged, and a community that proved, once again, why Pokhara Enduro Race is fast becoming a bucket-list destination for riders worldwide.

Here is everything that went down during an unforgettable week during the 3rd Pokhara Enduro Race week.

A Global Tribe Descends on Nepal

When we say “global tribe,” we mean it. The 3rd Pokhara Enduro Race welcomed its most diverse roster yet. We had riders fly in from over eight countries, each bringing their own style, language, and stoke to the trails.

The vibe in the race village was electric. It was common to see a rider from Australia swapping line choices with a local shredder from Kathmandu, or a group from Singapore planning their next run with pros from the UK. This is the heart of what we do. We build bridges through bikes.

We saw a fantastic mix of participants:

• Elite Racers: Chasing podium finishes and glory, tearing up the track with mind-bending speed.
• Weekend Warriors: Here to test their mettle against the mountain and enjoy the camaraderie.
• Masters Categories: Proving that age is just a number when gravity is on your side.

The inclusivity was palpable. Whether you were fighting for the top step or just fighting to stay upright in the rock gardens, everyone was cheered across the line with the same deafening enthusiasm.

The Trails: Technical, Fast, and Unforgiving

Let’s talk about the dirt. The trail crew outdid themselves this year. After months of grooming, shaping, and testing, the course for the 3rd Pokhara Enduro Race was a masterpiece of Himalayan terrain.

The stages offered a little bit of everything to challenge the elite and excite the adventurous:

Stage 1: The Pro Trail ( Seeding stage)

We eased riders in with fast, flowy sections through community forests. But don’t let the word “flow” fool you—chunky rocks and off-camber corners kept everyone honest. It was a test of rhythm and braking control.

Stage 2: The Predator’s Path

This trail traverses a scenic 800-meter journey across a thick forest. It unfolds with a gentle 1-metre elevation gain and a 73-metre descent, revealing a nuanced landscape.

The lack of significant declines, except for the entry Chute, underscored the trail’s personality, defined by a series of switchbacks that each require a delicate body stance.

Stage 3: The Butterfly

This was a new addition to the Pokhara Enduro Trail. Freshly built by the hands of those who carve magic in the mountains and tested and audited by the local free rider legend Tenzing Gurung. The trail is aptly named, as riders seem to flutter along its entire length.

The 910-metre-long trail has no elevation gain, a drop of 174 metres, and a gradient of 19.1%

Stage 4: The Rock & Roll

This trail unfolds over 1.95km, offering an exhilarating journey with a sequence of switchbacks, a massive rock garden descent, technical single tracks, and a drop immediately after the start line.

It presents riders with playful contours, inviting them to navigate with skill and enjoyment. Despite the initial excitement, the trail poses a significant challenge with its descent. Cyclists must maintain control as they descend through a gauntlet at the halfway mark. The rocky excitement continues all the way to the finish line, some 0.5km from the gauntlet.

Stage 5: The Khel Maidan (Sports ground)

With its trailhead at an elevation of 1,360 metres, this trail offers an exciting experience, with an excellently maintained distance of nearly 1km. The trail starts with a steep chute through a wooded and loamy area. A fast-paced trail with rock gardens and a few drops joins a lower section trail with multiple switchbacks. With an elevation gain of 0 metres and a descent of 191 metres, the trail has a gradient of -12.9%.

Stage 6: The Tiger’s tail

It shares the trailhead at 1,360 metres with Stage 4 and descends fast and furious. The trail starts with a moderate jump section and rapidly descends through a wooded area before weaving through several hairpin bends in narrow singletracks through a lush forest. A fast-paced trail with many switchbacks will test your skills and keep you gritting your teeth till you hit the finish line.

In true Pokhara style, the final liaison ride drops riders right to the edge of the village, then on to the Bright Blue Finish Gate of Pokhara Enduro, with cheering locals lining the course creating a Tour de France-style atmosphere. The noise was deafening, the adrenaline was high, and the finish line felt like a festival.

Beyond the Tape: The “Race-Cation” Experience

We have always said that the Pokhara Enduro is more than just a race; it is a lifestyle event. This year really proved that concept.

Between stages, riders weren’t just sitting in a hotel room. They were out exploring. We saw groups taking paddle boats out on Phewa Lake to flush out the lactic acid. Others took paragliding flights to see the trails from a bird’s-eye view.

And let’s not forget the partners and families. While the riders were battling the clock, non-riding partners were enjoying wellness retreats, yoga sessions with mountain views, and guided cultural tours of the old bazaar. Seeing families reunite at the finish line, sharing stories of their different adventures, is what makes this event special.

Standout Moments

There are too many highlights to list, but a few moments will stick with us for a long time:

• The Veteran rider outdoes the elites: Mark Doughty from the UK did it again. He outpaced several Elite riders to finish 2nd overall.
• The Local Hero: A huge shoutout to the local Nepali junior riders who absolutely sent it. Seeing the next generation of Himalayan rippers hold their own against international talent was inspiring. The future of mountain biking in Nepal is incredibly bright.
• The After Party: Participants and crew finally let their hair down and partied hard to celebrate their conquest, and promised to do it all over again in 2026.

A Huge Thank You

Events like the 3rd Pokhara Enduro Race don’t happen by magic. They are built on the hard work of a massive team.

To our sponsors, thank you for believing in the vision and supporting the growth of the sport in this region.
To the volunteers, you are the backbone of this event. From course marshals standing in the sun all day to the medical team keeping us safe, we appreciate you.
To the local community, thank you for welcoming us into your backyard and cheering louder than anyone else.

What’s Next? The Legend Continues

The dust has settled, but we are already looking at the horizon. The success of this year has only fueled our fire to make the next one even better.

We are already deep in the planning stages for the 4th Pokhara Enduro Race, scheduled for the 1st week of December 2026. We’re talking new bonus trails, bigger events with music bands, and an even more seamless “race-cation” experience.

If you missed out this year, or if you’re already itching to get back, keep your eyes peeled.
Early Bird Registration will be opening soon, and if this year was any indication, spots will go fast.

Until then, keep riding, keep exploring, and we will see you on the trails!

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Did you race with us this year? Check out the full photo gallery and race results on our main site. Tag us in your photos—we love seeing your perspective of the adventure!