𝐁𝐮𝐦𝐤𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐊𝐌 𝐌𝐓𝐁 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐮𝐦𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

…𝒄𝒚𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒖𝒎𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚

By Tashi Tshewang

Bhutan is gearing up for another thrilling adventure as the 2nd Edition of the Bumkora 100KM Mountain Biking Challenge is set to take place on November 11, 2025, in the serene Jakar, Bumthang Valley. This high-altitude race promises a compelling combination of endurance, skill, and the nation’s remarkable natural beauty, drawing elite riders, national athletes, and passionate cycling enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. More than a sporting event, the Bumkora Challenge embodies Bhutan’s spirit of unity, resilience, and harmony with nature, as riders test their physical and mental limits along one of the country’s most demanding off-road routes.

The 100-kilometre course will take participants deep into the heart of Bumthang, through rugged landscapes, dense pine forests, open meadows, steep mountain passes, and ancient villages steeped in history and folklore. Riders will pass sacred sites such as Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang, where centuries of spirituality intersect with the modern pulse of adventure. With elevations exceeding 2,600 metres, each climb, descent, and technical turn will challenge participants’ endurance and determination.

True to its name, “Bum-Kora”- Bum for Bumthang and Kora meaning circumambulation- this challenge is more than a race; it is a pilgrimage on wheels. The route traces a spiritual journey once blessed by Guru Rinpoche and great masters such as Longchenpa, Pema Lingpa, and Dorji Lingpa. Starting from Chamkhar, riders will traverse the dramatic landscapes of Phomdrong (Tang Valley), Ura Valley, Chumey Valley, and loop back via the scenic Kekila Pass, covering all four gewogs of Bumthang in one epic circuit.

Organized as part of the National Day celebration, the event is jointly supported by the Bumthang Dzongkhag Administration, local communities, and tourism stakeholders, with a shared mission to promote eco-friendly sports tourism, support local livelihoods, and celebrate Bumthang’s cultural and natural wealth. Safety, environmental preservation, and community participation remain at the center of the event, ensuring that the challenge reflects Bhutanese values of sustainability, mindful living, and Gross National Happiness.

The Bumkora 100KM MTB Challenge is more than a competition; it is a celebration of Bhutan’s enduring connection between people, nature, spirituality, and adventure. Every pedal stroke through this sacred valley carries a deeper meaning, turning the race into a journey of purpose through the heart of the Himalayas.

Sonam Dendup, President of the Jakar Riders Cycling Club, said, “The Bumkora 100KM Mountain Bike Challenge is not just a sporting event it is a national movement that reflects Bhutan’s commitment to eco-friendly adventure tourism. Through this platform, we are able to invite cyclists into our valleys, forests, and historical villages in a way that respects nature and uplifts communities. What makes this event unique is that it goes beyond competition. Local residents play an active role offering home stays, providing logistics, serving as guides, and showcasing Bumthang’s culture and hospitality. This shared effort builds unity, instills pride, and ensures that benefits are felt directly by the people on the ground.”

The 2025 edition of the Bumkora 100KM Challenge, organized by the Dzongkhag Administration, Bumthang, in collaboration with the Jakar Riders Cycling Club, will be held on November 11, 2025, to commemorate the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and also serve as a build-up event to the 118th National Day celebration. Building on the success of the inaugural edition, the organizers have introduced several upgrades to enhance both rider experience and safety. These include clearer trail markings, a stronger medical and rescue response team, more marshals at critical junctions, improved hydration and logistics support, and a dedicated eco-waste management system to ensure a zero environmental footprint. Organizers emphasize that these measures are aimed at professionalizing the event while safeguarding Bumthang’s fragile ecosystem.

Sonam Dendup added, “Our long-term vision is to transform the Bumkora Challenge into a world-class annual race that puts Bumthang on the global adventure tourism map. We want international riders to look at Bhutan as a dream destination for mountain biking where challenge, spirituality, and natural beauty come together. At the same time, this event will continue to drive rural economic growth by creating opportunities for local businesses, youth groups, artisans, farmers, and home stay owners. If we nurture this event carefully, it has the potential to inspire healthier lifestyles, promote sustainable travel, and contribute meaningfully to Bhutan’s national goal of inclusive and environmentally responsible development.”

San Man Subba, one of the participants, said, “The route we are riding during the race is just mind-blowing. The beauty, the landscape, nature, and the scenery of the villages around are simply awesome. Just looking at all this motivates me to take on the challenge and create memories of one of the greatest events of the year in Bumthang, the 118 National Days build-up events. Physically, I prepare by training hard, and mentally, I motivate myself by thinking ‘You can do it, go for it.’ High altitude is a big challenge, especially the climb of Shetangla, which rises above 3,400 meters. The terrain is tough, yet rewarding, and though it’s cold, it’s manageable with just a long-sleeve cycling jersey.

The Bumkora 100KM Mountain Bike race is not only a personal challenge but also a way to preserve memories of the 2025 National Day celebrations in Bumthang. Riding through this sacred landscape is inspiring, and it is a chance to motivate other riders, including tourists, while feeling truly blessed by Guru Rinpoche to explore and experience the region. For me, this race is an opportunity to challenge myself, capture the beauty around, and celebrate the spirit of the event. I want to take full advantage of this race, not just for myself but to inspire others and honor the sacred landscapes of Bumthang. It’s truly a blessing to ride here, and I hope everyone participating can feel the motivation, the excitement, and the spirit of this special event.”

Pema Dorji, a participant from Chamkhar, Bumthang, said, “My motivation to take up one of Bhutan’s most challenging 100km high-altitude MTB races comes from my deep passion for cycling. This race, for me, is a chance to test my limits and strengthen both my physical endurance and mental resilience. I have been preparing for months, training on different terrains so that I can give my best when the day arrives. Taking part in such a major event in my hometown makes it even more special and emotional.

The race represents growth, discipline, and gratitude. Riders must be mentally strong to conquer unpredictable terrain, steep climbs, cold winds, and high altitude. The journey to the starting line itself has been transformational, filled with early-morning rides, continuous self-motivation, and a determination to overcome doubt and fear. I believe that mountain biking is not just a sport but a way to reconnect with nature, build character, and learn patience, humility, and grit. This event will also inspire youth to embrace an active lifestyle and explore the beauty and challenges that Bhutan’s unique landscapes offer.

The toughest challenge for me is the terrain. To overcome that, I have been mapping routes, training regularly, and preparing my body and mind for long climbs, rocky trails, and changing conditions. For me, this MTB race is not just about competing, it is a lifelong journey of self-reflection and discovery. Through cycling, I get to explore new places, new people, and new ideas. I want to enjoy every moment of this experience and create memories that will stay with me forever.”