The Tour-de-Khijidemb Pikey 2025 competition successfully concluded today at Khijidemba Rural Municipality in Okhaldhunga, marking a historic moment for Nepal's tourism sector. The four-day event has placed the Khijidemba and Pikey-Tholedemba regions on the map as major adventure tourism destinations in Nepal. By redefining the concept of Ultra Trail Race Marathon, the event has introduced mountain biking and adventure sports as new ways to explore the area. Made for Nepal, powered by global tech: Panchakanya's bathware revolution Captain Um inaugurates renovated Khijidemba School Khijidemba has already organized five editions of the Ultra Trail Race Marathon, which have attracted adventure enthusiasts from around the world. The success of this event has now established Khijidemba as a prominent destination for both mountain biking and adventure sports. Additionally, just a few days ago, Khijidemba Rural Municipality also organized a golf tournament, further strengthening the region's tourism diversity and opportunities. The success of Tour-de-Khijidemb Pikey 2025 marks the beginning of a new era for Khijidemba's tourism. Previously known for its Ultra Trail Race Marathons, where runners traversed over 50 kilometers of rugged Himalayan terrain, Khijidemba is now also recognized as a major destination for mountain biking and other adventure sports. The 67 km trail, passing through dense forests, cultural villages, and Buddhist heritage sites, showcases the region's rich cultural and natural beauty. Particularly iconic was the sunrise ride at Pikey Peak (4,065 meters), which offered participants breathtaking views of Mount Everest and the surrounding Himalayan range. The shift from Ultra Trail Race Marathons to the mountain biking challenge adds a new adventurous chapter, presenting the region's natural beauty and adventure opportunities in a fresh and exciting way. This event was not just about adventure; it was also a celebration of community involvement. With the support of Khijidemba Rural Municipality and the local tourism committee, local homestays, guesthouses, youth volunteers, and cultural performers played a crucial role in making the event a success. The active involvement of local businesses and employment opportunities has firmly established this event as a sustainable and inclusive activity. Event coordinator Ngawa Ngima Sherpa (Nima) said, "We're not just organizing an adventure competition. It's about our community's identity, pride, and our commitment to sustainable tourism." Khijidemba Rural Municipality's Chairman, Gambu Sherpa, shared plans for the future, aiming to make Khijidemba a sustainable tourism destination. He stated, "Our municipality holds immense potential. We want to showcase Khijidemba as a top-notch tourism destination, strengthening our identity while opening new doors for local employment and economic prosperity." Under his leadership, the municipality is dedicated to promoting eco-friendly, sustainable, and inclusive tourism. Plans are in place to enhance trail conservation and regional development, with future events like the Ultra Trail Race Marathon and mountain biking being part of the ongoing effort. Khijidemba's recent golf tournament has also broadened its tourism and sports potential, presenting it as a diverse sports destination where adventure sports, cultural activities, and sports tourism come together to form a new tourism model. Tour-de-Khijidemb Pikey 2025 saw participation from 62 international and national riders, including Kim Young Sik, President of the Chungbuk Mountaineering Association (South Korea) and a professional mountain biker. The event successfully presented Khijidemba as an international adventure tourism destination, attracting global attention. The presence of international athletes provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration with local tourism stakeholders, further promoting regional development and sustainable tourism. Following the success of Tour-de-Khijidemb Pikey 2025, local authorities and tourism committees are planning to expand the region's infrastructure and tourism framework in the coming years. Their goal is to establish Khijidemba as a year-round destination for adventure sports. Plans include adding trail running, mountain biking, golf, cultural homestays, and nature-based retreat centers to support sustainable tourism development. At the closing ceremony of Tour-de-Khijidemb Pikey 2025, Gambu Sherpa, Chairman of Khijidemba Rural Municipality, and a Provincial Member presented gold medals and certificates to the 62 winners. This award ceremony marked a historic moment, recognizing the hard work and success of the participants. The distribution of these awards was not just about honoring the winners; it was also about inspiring the local community and adventure tourism. This event marks the beginning of a new era for Khijidemba's tourism, boosting morale and encouraging local youth and aspiring adventurers. According to organisers, the closing ceremony brought together local leaders, tourism advocates, and provincial representatives to celebrate the success of the event. It was not only a time to honor the achievements of the riders but also to reaffirm the region's commitment to growing as a global tourism destination. The ceremony highlighted future plans and long-term development objectives for Khijidemba.