Kathmandu: A cycling campaign aimed at spreading the message of peace will be held from Kathmandu to Lumbini starting from April 28 .
The event, titled “Tour de Lumbini: Pedal for Peace 2026,” will take place from April 28 to May 2, according to founder Megh Ale. The campaign will see active participation from cyclists, youth, corporate representatives, and media personnel from both Nepal and abroad.
Launched in 2012, the initiative aims to promote messages of peace, coexistence, and reconstruction at the grassroots level. It was conceptualized by social entrepreneur and Ashoka Fellow Megh Ale and is led by renowned world cyclist Pushkar Shah.
The campaign seeks to spread the message of peace globally from Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, and aims to establish Nepal as an international hub for peace.
Speaking at a press conference, Ale highlighted that Nepal situated between two major economies, China and India has the potential to play a significant role in promoting global peace. He added that the campaign also aspires to position Nepal as a center for peace dialogue.
This year’s edition will particularly focus on youth participation, encouraging young people to combine physical endurance with social responsibility in the digital age. The campaign also aims to serve as a platform for advocating a sustainable, transparent, and peaceful future, with involvement from local communities along different stages of the journey.
Ale emphasized that amid rising global tensions, such as the Russia–Ukraine War, the importance of peace initiatives like this has grown significantly. He also announced plans to introduce a “Lumbini Peace Award” in the future to honor individuals contributing to peace efforts.
Senior Officer at the Nepal Tourism Board, Robin Regmi, expressed confidence that such initiatives would help strengthen Nepal’s international branding. He noted that increasing international participation would further boost the campaign and support tourism promotion.
Similarly, media consultant Dilip Prakash Karki stated that bringing conflicting global parties to Lumbini for peace dialogue could significantly enhance the campaign’s impact.
The Tour de Lumbini: Pedal for Peace campaign continues to promote messages of peace, coexistence, and global solidarity through cycling.
