The Doko route consists of a 5.6km ascent of almost 500m, to be completed within 46 mins following the road through the Bhalam-ko Jungle. The 15kg Doko basket is carried using the shoulder straps or namlo (head strap) in the traditional Nepali style of load carriage, still frequently used today by trekking porters. From the River Bridge, the runners pass the Bell which they ring for luck, up the famous flights of stairs, and then looping around the Hari Har Gumba Temple. Climbing past the final checkpoint of the pylon, the runners grasped their last cup of well needed water before the final ascent up to the short downhill sprint to the finish line, cheered on by supporters and spectators from across BGN. 2nd Lieutenant H. A. Smyth-Osbourne (The First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles), emerged victorious with an impressive time of 36:09, more than three minutes ahead of the runner-up. This won him the honour of blowing the Doko Horn and was first to be served a well-deserved Hunt Breakfast in the morning Nepali sunshine on the British Gurkhas Pokhara football pitch, a place so memorable to all those recruited into the Brigade of Gurkhas. It was an honour for SNCLC 25/01 students to participate in the Doko Run, an event that’s name echoes throughout the history of the Brigade. For years to come we will all remember this historic event, just as all those successful can still regale their times and the experiences many years later. For many, this event is the pinnacle of Gurkha Selection, and justly so. Exercise UKALI ORALI-SNLC

08th May 2025

Exercise UKALI ORALI – Survival Nepali Culture and Langue Curse 25/01 Doko Race

Before dawn on 4 April 2025, fifteen British Army Survival Nepali Culture and Language Course (SNCLC) 25/01 students rose ready to take on the auspicious challenge of running the gauntlet that is the Doko Run. After a brief warm-up, and wishing each other good luck, final adjustments to the Doko baskets were made. With a count-down from Commander British Gurkhas Nepal (BGN) first light appeared, and they were off!

Exercise UKALI ORALI – Survival Nepali Culture and Langue Curse 25/01 Doko Race

The Doko route consists of a 5.6km ascent of almost 500m, to be completed within 46 mins following the road through the Bhalam-ko Jungle. The 15kg Doko basket is carried using the shoulder straps or namlo (head strap) in the traditional Nepali style of load carriage, still frequently used today by trekking porters. From the River Bridge, the runners pass the Bell which they ring for luck, up the famous flights of stairs, and then looping around the Hari Har Gumba Temple. Climbing past the final checkpoint of the pylon, the runners grasped their last cup of well needed water before the final ascent up to the short downhill sprint to the finish line, cheered on by supporters and spectators from across BGN.

2nd Lieutenant H. A. Smyth-Osbourne (The First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles), emerged victorious with an impressive time of 36:09, more than three minutes ahead of the runner-up. This won him the honour of blowing the Doko Horn and was first to be served a well-deserved Hunt Breakfast in the morning Nepali sunshine on the British Gurkhas Pokhara football pitch, a place so memorable to all those recruited into the Brigade of Gurkhas.

It was an honour for SNCLC 25/01 students to participate in the Doko Run, an event that’s name echoes throughout the history of the Brigade. For years to come we will all remember this historic event, just as all those successful can still regale their times and the experiences many years later. For many, this event is the pinnacle of Gurkha Selection, and justly so.