Nepal Tourism Board and Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) have provided incredibly generous support for the adventure's arrival and made all the teams incredibly welcome on their arrival, so a very big thank you from all at The Adventurists.
The first team arrived at the finish just seven days after leaving from Colva Goa, and a tail wind must have helped the rest up the hills; most of the brave runners arrived in the two days before the finish party.
When they first arrived there were looks of disbelief followed swiftly by amusement from the local population. The slightly bedraggled three-wheeled adventurers were unlike the usual mountain seeking tourist commonly seen in Pokhara, and the Rickshaw Run provided an entertaining start to the Autumn tourist season. For the teams, the spectacular mountain town surrounded by Himalayan peaks and lake Phewatai was an ideal location to finish the adventure.
The closing ceremoney and party was held in a lakeside venue lit up with oil lamps. Live music summoned some impressive dance moves and after a fair few drinks a spot of crowd surfing was enjoyed.
One of the official charities Maiti Nepal made a presentation about their activities in curbing human trafficking for the teams. The Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) president, Mr Bacchuram Tiwari was present to personally welcome the participants and handed over a souvenir to every team member present at the party on behalf of the PTC.
The traditional 'Legend of the Run' award was decided by a team ballot and the winners were Floppy Giraffe. The award for the best pimped rickshaw went to team Karma Payment Plan.
There was also an award for excellence in the field of charity fundraising which went to team Trati de Arrancarlo who raised an impressive £3382.
There was also much back slapping and even chest thumping as tall tales from the road were told over many-a-beverage into the small hours.
The following day an arrival parade was held in the centre of Pokhara and everything came to a standstill. Men, women and children dropped everything and rushed out to watch the colourful procession of 38 teams and rickshaws that took part.
The procession was led by local musicians playing traditional instruments. Runners climbed on the roof of their rickshaws and waved at the crowds that cheered them on.
Nepal Tourism Board and Pokhara Tourism Council (PTC) were greatly involved in the event, which made everyone feel even more welcome.
Later the PTC played a friendly match of football with the indomitable Rickshaw Run team. The PTC members put up a spirited fight but the match was clinched by RR team with an honourable 4-2 victory. And this was our team playing bare feet against rivals strapped in the normal sporting armory! Oh yes and with very bad hangovers.