The Unit
For more than two centuries, Nepalese hillmen have soldiered for the British Crown. The relationship began when the British, fighting the Gurkhas in the 1814–16 Anglo-Nepalese War, were so impressed by their adversaries that they began recruiting them — a tradition unbroken since 1815. Today the Brigade of Gurkhas spans the Royal Gurkha Rifles plus Gurkha engineers, signals and logistics.
They are a genuine foreign legion in plain sight: Nepalese citizens, recruited in Nepal, serving Britain — and remarkably, Nepal isn't even a Commonwealth country. Their reputation for loyalty and ferocity, and the curved kukri knife each carries, are the stuff of two world wars and 13 Victoria Crosses.
The Gate
To apply you must be Nepalese, born in Nepal and living in Nepal, with a Nepalese birth certificate. Recruitment runs entirely in Nepal — historically out of Pokhara and Dharan — under the framework of the 1947 tripartite treaty between Britain, India and Nepal.
It is famously open and fair: all castes, regions and backgrounds have an equal chance, and a basic schooling with passes in English and maths is required. What it is not, is easy.
Selection
Few selections on earth are this competitive: in a recent year about 200 places were filled from some 25,000 applicants.
Registration
Documents and basic checks, English and maths tests, and a first physical screen — including over-arm heaves and medical and BMI checks.
The doko race
The signature ordeal: the doko race — a roughly 25 kg wicker basket of rocks carried by a headstrap, uphill over ~4.2 km, against the clock. Alongside it: 14+ heaves, a fast 2 km run under ~8:15, and a strength-and-endurance battery.
Final selection
The strongest go forward to final assessment of fitness, character and aptitude before the handful of places are awarded.
To the Brigade
Those chosen sign on for the British Army and earn the right to carry the kukri — joining a tradition that also feeds India's Gorkha regiments and the Singapore Gurkha Contingent.
The Standards
Indicative of the published Gurkha gates — a Combat Arms standard reached by hill-bred endurance:
Train To The Standard
The doko race rewards raw loaded-carry endurance over hills. The Gate's Combat Arms tier maps the run, ruck and strength base that builds it.