Mega Polio Cycle Rally: Riding Across Kathmandu Valley’s 7 Heritage Sites

Kukudu koo…

The first light of October 24 had not yet touched the rooftops of Kathmandu when my eyes flew open. My heart was already racing. Outside, the valley still slept under a soft blanket of mist, but inside me a storm of excitement and purpose had broken loose. Today was World Polio Day. Today was the Mega Polio Cycle Rally organized by Rotary International District 3292 Nepal, Bhutan.

I was not riding a bicycle. I swung my leg over my scooter and helmet on. My mission was different but no less meaningful: to cover every moment of the rally, to stay close to the cyclists, to document their energy, their struggle, and their purpose from the first pedal stroke to the last.

Before I joined Rotary, I had never truly understood how deeply Rotary was woven into the fight against polio. I knew polio as a childhood fear, a virus that once paralysed thousands of children every year, stealing their ability to walk, to run, to dream without limits. I knew the world had almost defeated it. But I did not know that Rotary International had been one of the earliest and most relentless partners in this global battle since 1985. I did not know that Rotarians had raised over two billion dollars, mobilized millions of volunteers, and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with governments, WHO, UNICEF and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to push polio to the brink of extinction. That truth hit me only after I became a Rotarian. And today, moving alongside the riders on my scooter, I wanted the whole valley to feel it too.

This rally is not only a celebration of World Polio Day. It is a living announcement: Rotary is still here. Rotary is still fighting. Rotary remains one of the major partners in the final push for a polio-free world. Events like this create and strengthen Rotary’s brand values; service above self, community partnership, and unwavering commitment to a healthier world.

By 6:00 AM more than 500 cyclists and other participants from different Rotary clubs, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary had already gathered at Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Cyclists, volunteers, supporters, media teams and families filled the square with vibrant red “End Polio Now” t-shirts and electric energy. Flags fluttered, cameras clicked and voices echoed across the ancient courtyards.

The program was formally inaugurated by District Governor Vishnu Bahadur Karkee. His words carried both pride and urgency as he addressed the crowd: “We have already eradicated 99.9% of polio worldwide, with only a tiny fraction remaining. Today is both an awareness drive and a celebration of how far Rotary has come.”

The Mayor of Bhaktapur personally welcomed the participants, highlighting the cultural richness of Bhaktapur and wishing everyone a safe journey: “Bhaktapur is a living cultural capital, rich in tangible and intangible heritage. To host over 500 cyclists starting a 42-km rally across seven World Heritage Sites carries a strong message to the entire world.”

Adding grace to the event, Miss Nepal World 2026 Deep Mala Dhakal, Brand Ambassador for Rotary District 3292 and the End Polio Now campaign, shared her pride: “I am so proud to be part of the Mega Polio Cycle Rally. Rotary’s core value of ‘Service Above Self’ deeply resonates with me. With only two countries left to eradicate polio, let’s work together to end polio now for all future generations.”

At 8:00 AM, the whistle blew. The peloton rolled out and I rolled with them on my scooter, weaving carefully through the group, capturing faces, conversations, and the quiet determination in every rider’s eyes.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The royal square of the Malla kings, breathing with carved wooden windows and temples. We climbed toward Changunarayan, the oldest Hindu temple in the valley, perched on a hill and surrounded by ancient stone inscriptions that have watched over this land for more than fifteen centuries. At the top, I caught up Rider Rtn Khadak Bist. Catching his breath after the grueling uphill ride, he shared with a smile: “It was a steep climb and tough on the legs, but the experience is unforgettable. Missing this would have been a huge regret!”

After Changunarayan, participants gathered at the Nepal Engineering College (NEC) ground around 10:00 AM for a well-earned breakfast break of eggs, chickpeas, bananas, drinks, and traditional sweets (Jerry, swari and haluwa) before heading back down.

Then the golden spire of Boudhanath rose into view; the great stupa, one of the largest in the world, its all-seeing eyes watching every rider pass with calm compassion. The volunteers had set up hydration stations. The energetic youth volunteers handed out water bottles to tired riders under the watchful eyes of the stupa.

A short distance later we entered the sacred precincts of Pashupatinath, where the holy Bagmati flows and the temple of Lord Shiva has stood for ages as a place of life, death and renewal.

Crossing the city, we reached Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, crowning a hill like a white and golden crown. Prayer flags danced in the wind as hundreds of wheels spun below.

In the heart of the capital waited Kathmandu Durbar Square; the living museum of kings, courtyards and centuries of artistry. Here the many Rotarians stood ready to welcome the riders, offering words of encouragement and solidarity.

Finally, after 42 kilometres of heritage, sweat and shared purpose, the cyclists rolled into Patan Durbar Square. The Mayor of Lalitpur and local club leaders received the participants with warm hospitality. A traditional Newari lunch was served, filling tired bodies with local flavors and the satisfaction of a mission completed.

Throughout the entire route, health check stations, water and juice distribution points had been carefully arranged at all seven heritage sites, ensuring every rider stayed safe, hydrated and supported. I watched volunteers work tirelessly at each stop, offering care with quiet efficiency.

As I stood among more than a hundred Rotarians and friends of Rotary at the finish, camera full of images and heart full of stories, I looked around and thought: this is what hope looks like not only on two wheels, but in every person who chooses to be part of the journey.

Kukudu koo.

The valley has spoken.

The ride continues until the last case of polio is history. Hats off to Binita Hada, Chair of the Rotary District 3292 PolioPlus Subcommittee, for taking the initiative.