The Poker Run Nepal (Rebranded from The Enfield Rendezvous & Poker Run in 2021) is one of, if not the biggest, motorcycle events in the country. As the 14th edition of this grand Thunder Ride in the Himalayas approaches, mark your calendars for the upcoming event, scheduled from April 12th to 14th, 2024.

Poker Run Nepal is the first-ever event of its kind in this part of the world. It is a non-competitive annual motorcycle riding event to bring Royal Enfield and other classic and vintage motorcycle riders together for a day’s ride through the Nepali countryside. It provides a perfect opportunity for riders to come together once a year to swap bike riding stories, share the road with fellow local and international riders in this fun event and celebrate the Nepali New Year in style (13th April).

Poker Run Nepal: The Inception

This classic motorcycling event was Initiated in Kathmandu Nepal in April 2009 by Rabi Thapa, CEO of Sacred Summits Pvt. Ltd Nepal, promoter of Motorcycle tours in the Himalayas and Stewart Mclean, an avid Harley rider from Australia, in memory of their riding buddy Binod Acharya Chhetri, an adventurer and a die-hard fan of the Royal Enfield Motorcycle who had an untimely death in October 2008.

With a modest participation of 22 persons in the 1st (2009), the Poker Run Nepal sees an overwhelming turnout from Royal Enfield Riders and Clubs from across Nepal and India, local expats, travelling tourists and riding enthusiasts from  Australia, Denmark, India, France, Japan, UK, USA and other nationalities.

Over the years, it has gained much popularity and is now a ‘must-attend’ event for Royal Enfield enthusiasts. Riders (men and women) of all age groups with friends, spouses and families participate, thus making it one of Nepal’s biggest and most enjoyable riding fest.

14th Poker Run Nepal: Dates and Destination

The destination for the 14th Poker Run Nepal is Pokhara.  The 200-kilometer route from Kathmandu to Pokhara along the Prithivi Highway is scenic by the rolling hills, valleys, fast-flowing Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers, Nepal’s typical rural landscapes of local ethnic villages, small busy settlements and amazing mountain scenery.

14th Poker Run Nepal: Format, Prizes and Awards

This event also provides an opportunity to show off one’s motorcycle and vie for the top prize for the best-looking motorcycle. The Poker Run is also aimed at finishing up with the best hand of Poker Cards.  One card is dealt at each stop along the way to the destination and whoever has the highest Poker Hand wins a prize.

Spot prizes, donated by Hotels and Resorts, Wildlife Resorts, Restaurants & Bars, Spa, Yoga and massage centres, Rafting, Canyoning, Bungy and  Paragliding Companies and tickets for the mountain flight by domestic airlines are also drawn and given away in a lucky draw, to add to the socializing and excitement during the ride.

The winner of the Poker hand is awarded a special prize including a personalized riding Jacket (courtesy of Kavach, the official Riding Gear Partner of Poker Run). As in the past years, there will be a special prize for the best supporting / enthusiastic Woman Enfield Rider, Senior Citizens award and Longest distance Rider. There’s also a ‘Hard Luck Award’ which is presented to the motorcycle that has the most breakdowns.

14th Poker Run Nepal: Sponsors

Alpha Automotive Pvt Ltd, the sole authorised distributor of Royal Enfield in Nepal, is the main title sponsor of the event. This event is affiliated with the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Nepal Tourism Board Pokhara & Pokhara Tourism Council. Saras Beverages will provide (Red Bull), and Dabur Nepal will contribute Real Juice to the participants during breakfast and the New Year’s Eve celebrations.