Nepal, July 18 -- Kathmandu's annual bicycle Kora was flagged off at Patan Darbar Square on Saturday morning, with more than 7,000 cyclists taking part-some of them attempting the 165km circumambulation of the Valley.

The Kora adds to Kathmandu Valley's vibrant monsoon festivals, with thousands of participants, sponsors, and onlookers present at Mangal Bazar despite the rain and cloudy weather.

"This year we have a record turnout. It shows that bicycling as a form of sustainable transport, an adventure sport, and a pathway to good health is catching on," said main organiser Raj Gyawali of SocialTours.

Kora means taking a prayerful walk around a shrine or a sacred mountain and blends easily with the many Jatras of Kathmandu Valley. Part...