In the remote mountains of Mugu district, where Nepal’s largest lake mirrors the sky in pristine blue, a remarkable story of perseverance and patriotism unfolds. Akkal Bohara’s journey from a six-year-old child laborer in Kathmandu to a successful entrepreneur in Spain, and now an Everest aspirant, embodies the spirit of never giving up on one’s roots.
A Childhood Forged in Struggle
Born in Tharp village, Chhayanath Rara Municipality-13, Akkal’s story begins with a harsh reality familiar to thousands of Nepali children. At just six years old, he was sent to Kathmandu not for education, but for survival. Instead of holding books, his small hands grasped dirty dishes; instead of wielding pens, he carried brooms. In a family of eleven siblings, where hunger was a constant companion, young Akkal learned that dreams require more than hope—they demand unwavering determination.
“I rarely made it to school, but I never let go of my dreams,” Akkal reflects, now 47 years old. His childhood taught him lessons no university could provide: the value of hard work, the power of resilience, and the importance of maintaining dignity in the face of humiliation.
The Search for Identity
As he grew older, Akkal’s quest for identity led him to India, where he toiled in fields and took on loading jobs. His journey eventually brought him to the Indian Army, but carrying a foreign flag felt like losing a piece of himself. “It felt bitter inside. Singing another country’s anthem made me feel like I’d lost myself,” he recalls. This inner conflict drove him back to Nepal, where his true calling awaited.
The Runner’s Path to Purpose
In 2000, Akkal joined Nepal’s Armed Police Force, marking the beginning of his transformation into a marathon runner. Running became more than a sport—it became his path to self-discovery and a way to honor his village’s memory. Through national and international competitions, he carried Nepal’s flag with pride, each victory fueled not by the pursuit of trophies, but by memories of his village’s struggles and the faces of those who shared his pain.
His athletic achievements brought pride to Mugu, but they also awakened a deeper sense of responsibility. Witnessing senior athletes struggling financially, unable to afford medical treatment, Akkal realized he needed to do more than just win races.
Building Bridges from Spain
For the past 18 years, Akkal has called Spain home, running the Rara Coffee Bar & Restaurant in Albí, Costa Blanca. The establishment serves as more than a business—it’s a shrine to Nepali identity, with its name honoring his homeland’s largest lake and walls adorned with medals that tell his story. Every corner reflects his connection to Nepal, proving that physical distance cannot diminish emotional bonds.
Through his nine years as an entrepreneur, Akkal has found financial success, but his definition of true success goes beyond personal gain. “True success comes only when you give back to society,” he believes. Through the Akkal Kopila Foundation, he has invested nearly 20 million rupees in various causes—supporting earthquake victims, kidney patients, flood survivors, and students. His generosity has improved roads in Tharp village and distributed educational materials across Mugu schools, accomplishing what elected officials couldn’t achieve in years.
The Everest Mission: Carrying Rara to the World’s Highest Peak
Through his journey from the shores of Rara Lake to the summit of Mount Everest, Akkal Bohara proves that no dream is too big when it’s fueled by love for one’s homeland and determination to make a difference.
On April 11, 2025, Akkal embarked on his most ambitious mission yet—climbing Mount Everest carrying water from both Rara Lake and the Karnali River. This isn’t merely a personal challenge; it’s a symbolic journey to introduce Nepal’s natural treasures to the world. Investing more than 4.3 million rupees of his own money through Ticino Trekkers and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd., Akkal views this expedition as his contribution to Nepal’s tourism promotion.
“I may be living abroad, but I haven’t forgotten my roots. I feel a deep love for Karnali—its waters are as pure as the hearts of its people. I want to carry that message from the top of the world,” Akkal explains his motivation.
His mission carries multiple objectives: pressuring all levels of government to develop Rara Lake, promoting proper utilization of Karnali River resources, and showcasing the untapped tourism potential of western Nepal. The Mayor of Chhayanath Rara Municipality, Bishnukumar Bham, recognizes the significance of Akkal’s effort, stating that he has “raised the head of Mugu as a whole” by undertaking this mission.
Preparing for the Ultimate Challenge
Before attempting Everest, Akkal completed preparation climbs, including a 6,476-meter summit of Mera Peak in Solukhumbu district. The Inspector General of the Armed Police Force, Raju Aryal, formally sent him off on March 10, 2025, presenting him with the APF flag—a symbol that may soon flutter on the world’s highest peak, carried by a former APF sergeant.
A Voice for Western Nepal
Akkal’s Everest expedition represents more than personal achievement—it’s a platform to highlight the neglected tourism potential of western Nepal. Despite the Karnali province’s abundant natural resources, religious sites, and cultural heritage, it remains overshadowed by more accessible destinations. Through his climb, Akkal aims to change this narrative, believing that international attention from his Everest summit will increase tourist flow to the entire Karnali province.
“Everest is not just a mountain,” he says. “It represents my dream, my village, and my identity.”
The Legacy of Determination
Akkal Bohara’s story transcends individual success—it’s a testament to the power of maintaining connections to one’s roots while pursuing global dreams. From a child laborer who rarely attended school to an international marathon runner, from a struggling immigrant to a successful entrepreneur, and now to an Everest aspirant, his journey embodies the resilience of the human spirit.
His mission to promote Rara Lake and western Nepal through his Everest climb demonstrates how personal achievements can serve larger purposes. In carrying water from Rara Lake and the Karnali River to Mount Everest’s summit, Akkal isn’t just fulfilling a personal dream—he’s elevating the profile of Nepal’s most beautiful yet underexplored regions.
As he heads toward the world’s highest peak, Akkal Bohara carries with him the hopes of Mugu district, the aspirations of western Nepal, and the dreams of countless others who believe that determination can overcome any obstacle. His story reminds us that true success isn’t measured by personal achievements alone, but by how those achievements serve to lift others and showcase the beauty of one’s homeland to the world.
Through his journey from the shores of Rara Lake to the summit of Mount Everest, Akkal Bohara proves that no dream is too big when it’s fueled by love for one’s homeland and determination to make a difference.
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