Marathon Trail Running Race

Trip code: marathonrace
Price Classic Trail : $1943 - €1350 - £1195 | Deposit: 600€

Grade: Moderate to Arduous

Duration: from 10 days

Maximum altitude: 3,794m - Distance : 49km / 30,45Miles

Kanchenjunga Ultra-Marathon - Trail Running Race - Nepal

Trip details

Destination :

Kanchenjunga Region - Far East Nepal

Grade :

Moderate - Arduous

Dates & Price :
VIP Trail Marathon : $4620 - €3195 - £2850
Date will be fixed soon.

Classic Trail Marathon : $1943 - €1350 - £1195

Date will be fixed soon

Recommended previous experience :

From Ultra-trail, triathlon, half-marathon or similar running trips

Extra service (with supplement) :
- Ayurveda massage & relaxation - ½ day

Mt. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world at the Nepal and Sikkim border. The route is remote, unspoiled and offers one of the most majestic views of the surrounding peaks.

The running race is designed for those who love extreme sport challenges. The Ultra-Marathon trail competition starts from Phunlin Bazaar (alt. 1824 m.). The Marathon race route follows the Limbu cultural trail up to Pathibhara (alt. 3794 m.) and turns back to the start point covering 49 kms distance.

Ultra-Marathon Itinerary Options

VIP Race Challenge

This itinerary is a top-notch service option that includes a memorable Heli trip to Taplejung on a Charter Helicopter of 5 / 9 seats depending the size of the group. You head to the mountains in 1h30. The air trip offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas and a breathtaking moment.

Classic Race Challenge

This running trail adventure offers the best service possible at low cost. You take a 30mn flight to Biratnagar for an overnight in local Hotel. The next morning, fly to Taplejung - 25mn. Enjoy an incredible of sight of magnificient Manaslu and Kanchenjunga peaks.

Ultra-Marathon Running Trail Challenge

VIP RACE CHALLENGE

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport. Transfers to Hotel. Breifing. O/N Hotel
Day 02 : Guided tour of Kathmandu (English speaking tour guide). O/N Hotel.

--- Acclimatization days ---
Day 03: Helicopter flight to Taplejung. O/N Hotel
Day 04: Acclimatization day with hike to local villages. O/N Guesthouse.
Day 05: Acclimatization day and Medical check up. O/N Guesthouse.
Day 06: Hike in local villages. Final day of acclimatization. O/N Guesthouse.

--- Trail Marathon Race ---
Day 07: Marathon Day Start Point alt. 1825m - Arrive point alt. 3794m
Day 08: Rest day. O/N Guesthouse.

--- Back to Kathmandu ---
Day 09: Fly back Kathmandu by Helicopter. Celebration dinner. O/N Hotel.
Day 10: International departure

* AS 350B Ecureuil or Bell 206B III Jet Ranger types of helicopters.

CLASSIC RACE CHALLENGE

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport. Transfers to Hotel. Breifing. O/N Hotel
Day 02 : Guided tour of Kathmandu (English speaking tour guide). O/N Hotel.
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu – Biratnagar. O/N in Hotel.
Day 04: Fly Taplejung alt. 2200m. O/N in Guesthouse

--- Acclimatization days ---
Day 05: Acclimatization day with hike to local villages. O/N Guesthouse.
Day 06: Acclimatization day and Medical check up. O/N Guesthouse.
Day 07: Hike in local villages. Final day of acclimatization. O/N Guesthouse.

--- Trail Marathon Race ---
Day 08: Marathon Day Start Point alt.1825m - Arrive point alt. 3794m
Day 09: Rest day. O/N Guesthouse.

--- Back to Kathmandu ---
Day 10: Fly back to Biratnagar and Kathmandu. Celebration dinner. O/N Hotel.
Day 11: International departure

Race options that suit all runners

ULTRA-MARATHON

The Kanchenjunga Ultra-Marathon Running Trail is an extreme running race. Participants must be extremely fit as environment, altitude and weather conditions can affect endurance and performance. Determination, stamina and mental strength are required as the marathon is a very physical challenge.

HALF MARATHON

To bring the best of the event, we have also designed a Half-Marathon trail running race. Whatever your running ability, participants have the opportunity to challenge themselves on the half distance for an incredible holiday experience.

NON RUNNERS

Family, friends, colleagues are more than welcome to join this incredible event. Non runners can take part in acclimatisation treks, cultural encounters and local village discovery. When back to Kathmandu, join the party with all running members to enjoy a festive moment.

Acclimatization & Health condition

The Ultra-Marathon remains an unforgettable running experience. The race is considered by mountain runners as the ultimate challenge. Particpants endure the harsh weather, altitude sickness and a long run on rough terrain. The Ultra-Marathon Race is a very demanding trail running challenge in extreme conditions.

The Half Marathon is an unique race open to all runners in good physical condition. It is offering outstanding mountain scenery across fantastic trail running terrain. The difficulty remains in altitude and Acute Mountain Sickness. We recommend that you stay fit months before the race. Walking, climbing, running, cycling or/and swimming several times a week few months before the running race is recommended to be in an excellent physical condition.

The race is designed to allow enough days of rest to adapt your body to the lack of oxygen. We allow extra time before and after the Ultra-Marathon Race to get fully acclimatized and to recover.

To participate, it is imperative that all participants are fit and in good health with no pre-medical conditions. We will require a medical certificate from your doctor to be part of the Kanchenjunga Ultra-Marathon Challenge. You will also have to provide a CV of your last 2 years running race record. Himalayan Guides Nepal shall have the right to refuse participants according to the running or medical history provided.

Learn more abour AMS >

Safety on the Ultra-Marathon Challenge

Along the way we provide :
- 4 Doctors for the pre-running check-up.
- Check points every 5/8 km supplied with water, a comprehensive medical kit and oxygen.
- A gamow bag in the most elevated check point.
- Local volonteers alongside Army and Police crew on the way.

Race information

The sun is rising up above the steaming peaks in the distance. Yellow beams are gently warming up the air. It is not even 5:30am yet and all Marathon fans are already braving the chilly morning for the ultimate challenge. Locals and friends are cheering, holding signs of support and prayer flags. After starting at 6:00am, runners get in a fantastic challenge where endurance and mountain ruggedness are combined to offer an amazing sportive moment of joy in awe-inspiring remote lands.

The race is usually completed in 4 hours or so by the fastest. The finish line will close at 4:00pm on the race day where enjoyment and sportive challenge are the only goal. The race remains a safe physical challenge designed to provide maximum enjoyment to all.

Along the way, Police and Army officers secure the route assited by volonteers and fans. A medical check point is set every 5/8 kilometers to provide medical assistance or emergency support along the way. Water points provide enough liquid to the participants. We believe each runner has to take his own camelbag filled with water to get sufficient liquid to prevent dehydration on the race.

The Kanchenjunga Ultra-Marathon is a 49km mountain race and a truly spectacular challenge. The trail is a good track, but will be bumpy, dusty, rocky and the running track is uneven surface. Although we do our best to stick to that distance, landslide, rock avalanches or any other acts of God may urge the team to adapt the trail to the altitude terrain. In the mountain, always get prepared to the unexpected.

Ultra-Marathon prizes

After the trail race, all participants will receive a free Kanchenjunga Trail Running Marathon t-shirt, a certificate and other amazing goodies to bring back home !

On Ultra-Marathon, the winner with second and third fatest runners will receive a Medal, a certificate and a Guest price of :
1st place : 50000Nrs (+/- 500 euros)
2nd place : 40000Nrs (+/- 400 euros)
3rd place : 30000Nrs (+/- 300 euros)

On half Marathon, the winner with second and third fatest runners will receive a Medal, a certificate and a Guest price of :
1st place : 30000Nrs (+/- 300 euros)
2nd place : 20000Nrs (+/- 200 euros)
3rd place : 10000Nrs (+/- 100 euros)

Accomodation

We take care of all accomodations during your Marathon, hotels in Kathmandu as well as Guesthouse in Kanchenjunga Region.

VIP RACE CHALLENGE

In Kathmandu you will be in 5 Star Deluxe Hotel at the Yak & Yeti or Shanker Hotel or similar. Those hotels are renowned for their high degree of comfort and their ideal situation in the centre of town. Internet service is also available (with extra charge).

In Kanchenjunga Region, we always stay focused on providing the most suitable accomodation in regard of the comfort and the quality of the service based on the local standard.

All hotels and guesthouse rooms are on double or triple sharing basis. We can also provide a single room at affordable price, please ask.

CLASSIC RACE CHALLENGE

In Kathmandu, we provide some of the best Hotel in Thamel. You will be in Marshyangdi or Thamel Hotel or similar. Those hotels are renowned for their hospitality, comfort and their ideal situation in the touristic center of town. Internet service is also available (with extra charge).

All hotels and guesthouse rooms are on double or triple sharing basis. We can also provide a single room at affordable price when available, please ask.

Visa & permits for Nepal

We arrange all necessary Kanchenjunga running permits with the Nepal Authorities. It is important you send us a copy of the identity page of your passeport upon booking to issue the documents. Bring 2 ID photos and your passeport with you.

Eco-friendly behaviour

Himalayan Guides Nepal feels very concerned about environmental matters. Kanchenjunga region also suffers from the impacts of climate change and the ecosytem remains fragile.

During the Ultra-Marathon, although villages crossed are supplied with electricity and running water, those places remain remote and hard to access. Always make sure you bring you litter with you and do not through anything in nature.

The team will organise collect points for your litter where you could leave your garbage. Do not leave any gear on the trail and always bring back your belongings.

What does the trip include

Price Includes

- Welcome at the airport in Kathmandu.
- Airport - Hotel transfers in Kathmandu.
- Hotel in Kathmandu, double occupancy, B&B basis.
- Hotel & Guesthouse in Kanchenjunga region, double occupancy, B&B basis.
- 1/2 day guided visit of Kathmandu.
- Flight to Taplejung depending on airflight options (airlines or helicopter).

- Running Permit fee.
- Necessary local crew.
- 3 meals a day as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

- Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Entry fee.

- All necessary arrangements for the Marathon Race.
- Comprehensive medical kit.

- Oxygen Cylinder.
- Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) for safety in altitude camp.

Price does not include

- International flight to / from Kathmandu with applicable airport taxes.
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal clothing, equipment and gear for trekking and running *
- Travel / Personal / Rescue / Medical insurance including Helicopter rescue.
- Emergency Rescue evacuation and all expenses when return back early.
- All personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, internet ...).
- All drinks including bar bills & mineral water.
- Departures taxes in Kathmandu.
- Visit or activities not included in your itinerary.
- Tips.
- Visas.

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