Cycling for Cancer Survival Support in Nepal

Organized by: Cycle Culture Community in collaboration with Dhulikhel Hospital, Nepal.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Nepal. In 2022, an estimated 22,000 new cases and 14,700 deaths were reported, with the disease burden having almost doubled since 1990. Even more concerning is the financial strain of treatment. The average annual cost of cancer care in Nepal is approximately 3,687 USD (479,310 Nepalese rupees), an amount far beyond the reach of many patients. To address this urgent need, Cycle Culture Community, in collaboration with Dhulikhel Hospital, is organizing a mega cycling event in January 2026. The purpose is to establish a cancer relief fund to support survivors.

Meet Our Riders

Harka Lama & Kabita Chitrakar are both cancer survivors who have intimately experienced the physical, mental, and financial ordeals of the disease in Nepal.

Harka, a professional cyclist since 2016, was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder in 2021 after experiencing episodes of blood in his urine. He underwent a transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) at Dhulikhel Hospital, followed by Mitomycin drug instillations as part of his treatment. He remains in regular follow-up and, fortunately, has had no recurrence to date. He will be declared cancer-free after a final cystoscopy.

For Harka, the two-year break from cycling was a profound challenge. The physical weakness from treatment, mental fear of recurrence, and the difficult task of rebuilding his professional fitness were the real challenges for him. Returning to cycling life became a symbol of reclaiming his life from cancer. He started slowly, using cycling as physical as well as psychological therapy. His return to professional cycling has been extraordinary; he has won multiple national and international races since his recovery, proving that life after cancer can be not just normal, but victorious.

Kabita Chitrakar was diagnosed with triple-negative, invasive breast cancer and underwent surgery (modified radical mastectomy) in 2022. She endured 8 cycles of chemotherapy, followed by 21 cycles of radiotherapy, and is currently in regular follow-up at Nepal Cancer Hospital, Kathmandu.

During her recovery, Kabita sought a gentle yet empowering way to rebuild her strength and mental peace. Overcoming fatigue, managing the lingering effects of chemotherapy, and finding the confidence to engage in a new physical activity were the real challenges initially. For her, cycling is not a competition but a source of healing. She describes it as a moving meditation that clears her mind and reconnects her to her body’s strength. While not a professional cyclist, she has found a new community and a joyful purpose on two wheels, embracing each ride as a celebration of survival.

Both Harka and Kabita are now embarking on a monumental cycling challenge: a demanding east-to-west journey along Nepal’s Mid-hill Highway. Covering a grueling 1,800 kilometers with a total climb of 52,000 meters, their mission is clear—to raise vital funds for cancer survivors across Nepal.

Let’s support their noble cause. Together, we can bring hope and tangible help to financially struggling cancer patients, offering them a stronger chance at survival.

For Further Details:

Email: [email redacted]

Website: https://www.ridetolife.cccnepal.org