Nirmala is a remarkable young woman from Nepal who refuses to let her disability define her abilities.
When she begins dreaming about sports and adventure riding, in particular, her smile and the glow in her eyes seem out of this world. You can sense her growing wings of freedom on her trail of passion for life, which takes her to heights she wouldn’t reach otherwise.
But that’s not the only remarkable thing about this young Nepalese woman who keeps challenging Nepal's society.
Her entire personality jingles like an upbeat spirit, even though she would have all the reasons to be cranky.
Nirmala met with a horrendous accident many years ago when she was a child. A truck seized her left leg while the driver committed a hit-and-run. Since then, Nirmala has relied on an ill-fitting hip-down prosthesis to get around. A meager paycheck from the vehicle owner was good for nothing, she recalls cooly, without any sorrow.
And nothing has ever stopped this bold woman from taking life firmly into her hands.
Nirmala’s eternal desire for freedom led her to ride. In 2018, she explored Nepal alone, swinging her adapted 4-wheeled pal around endless switchbacks and up and over many rugged mountain ranges. A time she vividly remembers when she felt at one with the universe.
An extraordinary triumph that deserves the highest respect. In more than just one way.
Because being a woman and traveling solo in Nepal is highly unusual.
Even more so on a scooter with such a noticeable handicap as Nirmala's. 2200+ km in heat, dust, and across challenging roads — not to mention several falls — are no mean feat. And neither was the dog bite to her chin, nor was the rescue flight back to Kathmandu, which ended her trip prematurely.
Since 2020, Nirmala has been a member of Nepal’s Women’s Nepal'stWomen'sotorcycle (WIMA), her gateway to a worldwide sisterhood of motorcycle- and scooter-crazy women who pursue their passion among like-minded.
Her next destination? Nirmala needs to get out of Nepal’s strict confines.
“Here, I have done everything imaginable. Now I’m focusing on the next level,” she says, her smile ever-present.
It might be challenging with a scooter, but Nirmala is bursting with confidence that one day, she will own a genuine motorcycle adapted to her unique abilities.
“It is hardcore for people like me to survive in Nepal. There are hardly any facilities; we depend more or less on ourselves.”
Her partner, Krish, keeps supporting Nirmala in whatever way possible. He can barely wait to grab Nirmala by the hand and take her to a foreign land. To go someplace where they can live, earn well, and afford a more powerful motorcycle for her.
The gallery on Nirmala’s smartphone is packed with images of her courageous life — with or without a bike. And if she can’t get to a place riding, Krish makes sure they’ll find a way. The fact that they both have no money right now does not worry them. They know what they are capable of and what they want.
And from there, they will ride their way.
In 2023, Nirmala joined us on the first day of our Hilltop Discovery adventure ride as we made our way up to Nagarkot, a renowned hill station overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. It was an extraordinary day brimming with challenges, hugs, and countless insights.
But check it out for yourself:
Today, Nirmala leads her own foundation in Nepal, motivating young women with disabilities by providing an accessible and empowering environment for them to grow and succeed. In this endeavor, she boldly embodies a radiant light — both for herself and all of humanity.
If you wish to witness this inspiring woman and Krish reach Mt. Everest Basecamp in autumn 2025, your donation to support her cause couldn't come at a time: https://bit.ly/NirmalaEverestBaseCampChallenge2025
“We just want to"live our dream.”
I have no doubt they will — because they’re doing it already.
PS: If you're a bold woman ready for the biking adventure of a lifetime in Nepal but would not want to do it alone, discover what we have in store for you.
Much love,
Kerstin
So proud of you, Nirmala! You will make the difference Nepal and the world urgently needs.
Keep shining ❤️🇳🇵❤️