Around 300 people from Nepal and abroad took part in a charity hike in sweltering heat on Sunday to promote Nepal's tourism and raise funds for rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. 

Hong Kong - city nicknamed as Asia's world city, became Nepal fest for four hours on Sunday, 24 July 2016, due to the 'Hike for Nepal' programme.

The 13 kilometers walking event organised with a view to promoting Nepal's post-quake tourism (affected by the Gorkha Quake that shook the country on April 25, 2015 and was followed by two major aftershocks) was enthusiastically attended by around 300 people including local resident Nepalese, Chinese and other foreign citizens. The participants were adorned in 'We Will Rise' T-shirts as an emblem.

''Let's move our feet along with Nepal" was the theme of the noble event organised by the Miteri Sewa Samaj Pokhara Hong Kong under the banner of "We Will Rise Foundation."

The hiking event began from the Central Hong Kong Observation Wheel, located at the heart of the city, at 08:30, passed through Wan Chai Gap, Wang Nai, Chung Reservoir Park and through other main thoroughfares, roads, alleys, trekking routes and waded through the mountains before concluding in Repulse Bay near the sea.

The programme was inaugurated by Nepalese Consul General Mr. Kamal Prasad Bhattarai by hoisting Nepal's flag.

Phurba Tenzing Sherpa, the tenth time Everest submitter with world records of scaling the world's highest peak nine times within the age of 17 to 24 years, and Thaneshwor Guragain, who has 12 Guinness World Records in his name were the main attractions of the event.

On the occasion, in the process of establishing his 13th record under the category of longest time spinning basketball on elbow, Guragain moved a basketball for 6.62 seconds on his elbow.

Likewise, another rare record Phurba holds is the ascent of Mt Everest twice during 3 days period.

On the occasion, Tulsi Gurung, Chairman of Miteri Samaj said that the program was organized with a view to promoting Nepal's tourism from Hong Kong. He further added that the enthusiasm shown by local resident Nepalese and Chinese alike, despite scorching heat, had given a great impetus to the organizers.

Local Chinese national John Tsang, who has conquered the world's highest peak twice, also joined the hike.

'We Will Rise campaign', which was launched at the initiative of those wishing to help out the survivors of the last year's earthquake, has been gaining ground all over the world with each passing day. The campaign has been getting support and cooperation from all quarters of the world and it is continuing to hold various promotional programs.

Photos: Nora Tam /South China Morning Post