Tiv Dararith’s extraordinary mission to cycle 25,000 kilometres from Cambodia to Europe to raise funds for medical care for Cambodian children has been filled with unpredictable challenges. He has encountered many difficulties as he passes through various countries, but none presented more formidable obstacles than Nepal.

This leg of his journey, initially unplanned, became one of the most testing experiences of his life.

Dararith's original route did not include Nepal. However, as he prepared to fly from Bangkok, Thailand, to Dhaka, Bangladesh, but sudden political turmoil in Bangladesh forced him to alter his plans. 

“My cycling plan did not include Nepal, but coincidentally, just as I was preparing to depart from Bangkok for Dhaka, a political crisis in Bangladesh erupted,” Dararith recalled. 

With Bangladesh aflame, he opted for an unexpected detour to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Upon his arrival in Nepal, Dararith was struck by the kindness of the people and the vibrant community of cyclists in Kathmandu. 

“I’ve met many people here, and they’re very kind and welcoming to cyclists like me,” he shared. 

Among those he encountered was Carson Cook, an American living in Nepal who previously worked as a baseball coach in Phnom Penh. 

Cook introduced Dararith to the local culture and community, making his stay in Kathmandu more memorable.

Despite the warm hospitality, Nepal's challenging terrain soon tested Dararith’s resolve. The road conditions were far from ideal, with damaged and muddy roads, particularly during the rainy season. 

“The road conditions in Nepal are awful for cyclists. There are bad road conditions and damaged roads almost everywhere,” he remarked. 

Traffic congestion, both inside and outside of Kathmandu, added to the difficulties, but Dararith, an experienced adventurer, was determined to push through.

As part of his journey, which has now spanned more than two months, Dararith planned a cycling route from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a city near the Annapurna Conservation Area, part of the majestic Himalayas. The route, however, proved to be gruelling. 

“It was not simple to ride my bike from Kathmandu to Pokhara. I spent up to 3 days covering a distance of only 200 km,” he recounted. 

His difficult journey was rewarded when he finally reached the serene lakeside of Pokhara, a city he found to be one of the most attractive in Nepal.

Determined to explore the Himalayas, he cycled towards the conservation area, where he planned to visit the ancient Muktinath Temple. 

In a challenging adventure through the rugged landscapes of Nepal, Dararith braved the gravel road from Jomsom to Muktinath via Mustang. 

The cyclist, adorned with protective gear and reflective sunglasses, remained determined as he navigated the desolate, mountainous terrain. The winding road stretched ahead, flanked by towering cliffs and barren earth, under the vast, cloud-dappled sky.

This part of his journey took him through the Mustang District, a region known for its harsh terrain and high altitude. 

“The gravel road from Jomsom to Muktinath via Mustang was the most challenging road I’ve ever ridden,” he acknowledged.

The altitude, freezing temperatures and rugged paths were obstacles that only a few would dare to confront, but Dararith was undeterred.

His journey through the Himalayas was not without its setbacks. The weight of his gear caused his bike’s rear rack to break midway down the mountain. 

Stranded and uncertain of how to proceed, Dararith relied on the kindness of a passing tourist bus driver to help him and his bike back to Pokhara. 

“I am so fortunate; it appears that an angel is guarding me,” he reflected, grateful for the assistance that allowed him to continue his journey.

Dararith's arduous journey through Nepal was not just about personal achievement; it was driven by a greater cause. 

His ambitious mission, which began on June 9, aims to raise $250,000 for the Angkor Hospital for Children to celebrate the hospital's 25th anniversary and help children who are threatened by serious illnesses.

 “I must persevere, even if it means traversing hundreds of mountains and rivers filled with numerous dangers and obstacles because I am doing this to benefit many Cambodian children in hospitals,” he said.

As Dararith prepared to leave Nepal for his next destination, India, he reflected on the difficulties he had overcome and the new challenges that lay ahead. 

“Do you know that cycling in Nepal is the most challenging thing to do? If you can challenge the extreme roads of Nepal, you could travel anywhere in the world by bicycle,” he stated.

Yet, the experiences he gained in Nepal, the friendships he made and the stories he collected will remain with him forever. 

“Now still in trouble in this country. I think I’ll be in India next 10 days. India is my next destination,” Dararith told The Post.