The Manaslu Mountain Trail Race is an annual multi-stage ultra-running event that takes place in the remote Manaslu region of the Nepal Himalayas. Unlike conventional road marathons, this race is an expedition-style adventure, combining competitive trail running with the classic Manaslu Circuit Trek.
It is designed for athletes who seek to test their limits not only against other runners but also against one of the world's most dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
The race is unique because it is run along a restricted area trail, requiring special permits, and it integrates deeply with the local culture, passing through traditional villages and ancient Buddhist sites.
The multi-stage format breaks up the total distance into manageable daily distances, which is designed to prioritize participants' ability to take in and enjoy the environment (Manaslu Trail Race, 2023).
Aspect | Details |
Race Type | Multi-stage ultra-trail race |
Total Distance | ≈212 km (132 miles) |
Duration | 12–14 days (6–7 running stages + acclimatization days) |
Highest Point | Larkya La Pass (5,160 m / 16,930 ft) |
When | November |
Fitness Level | Advanced; marathon experience + altitude training recommended |
Best For | Adventure runners, altitude enthusiasts, cultural explorers |
The entire journey is supported, meaning logistics like accommodation, meals, and gear transport are managed for the runners, allowing them to focus solely on the running and the experience.
The core challenge of the race is the traversal of the Larkya La pass, which at 5,160 meters (16,930 feet) is one of the highest points reached in any organized trail race globally. This high-altitude environment defines the event, making acclimatization and respect for the mountain conditions as important as running fitness.
The race typically occurs in November, a period chosen for its stable weather conditions, clear skies, and manageable daytime temperatures, which offer the best chance for safe passage over the high Himalayan passes.
It covers distances in the 100-miler order of magnitude, comparable to events like the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) (Manaslu Trail Race, 2023).
The event attracts a diverse group of participants, from elite ultra-runners aiming for a podium finish to adventurous amateur athletes whose primary goal is to complete the challenging course. It is more than a race; it is a journey through a pristine and culturally rich Himalayan zone, offering a profound sense of adventure and accomplishment.
The Manaslu Mountain Trail Race was conceived as an initiative to combine the growing global interest in ultra-distance trail running with the breathtaking, yet less-traveled, routes of the Nepal Himalayas. The Manaslu Region was only opened to tourists in 1991 (Henke, 2023).
The race was founded to create a challenging competitive event that also promotes sustainable tourism in the remote Manaslu region, offering an alternative to the more commercialized trekking destinations.
The first official edition of the race took place in 2012. It was established by a collaboration between international trail running enthusiasts and Nepali running advocates who recognized the unique potential of the Manaslu Circuit.
Their vision was to create a world-class, multi-stage race that adhered to the principles of adventure, cultural immersion, and respect for the local environment and communities. The founders aimed to showcase the raw beauty and technical challenge of the Manaslu trail to a global audience of dedicated runners.
Since its inaugural year, the race has experienced significant growth. It began as a small, niche event with a handful of dedicated participants and has gradually evolved into a recognized fixture on the international trail running calendar.
This growth is measured not just in increasing participant numbers from around the world, but also in the refinement of its logistics, safety protocols, and the professional management of its multi-stage format. The organization has continuously worked to balance the competitive integrity of the race with the necessary acclimatization and cultural aspects of a high-altitude Himalayan journey.
The event has attracted a number of famous and notable participants over the years, including elite ultra-runners from Europe, North America, and Asia, as well as renowned Nepali trail runners who excel in their home terrain. Their participation has helped elevate the race's profile and validate its difficulty.
Furthermore, many editions have been memorable due to the extreme weather conditions encountered, the camaraderie formed among international runners, and the sheer accomplishment of completing such a demanding course.
The history of the race is intrinsically linked to the classic Manaslu Circuit Trek. The route was not invented for the race; instead, the race utilizes this existing ancient trading and pilgrimage path.
This connection underscores the event's ethos: it is an adventure running event that deeply respects and integrates with the local geography and culture, rather than simply using it as a backdrop.
The race follows the same trail used by trekkers and local traders, passing through traditional villages, Buddhist monasteries, and diverse ecosystems, making the cultural and environmental context a fundamental part of its history and identity.
The Manaslu Mountain Trail Race is structured as a multi-stage race, meaning the total distance is divided into several individual stages run on consecutive days. This format is essential for managing the extreme altitude gain and the logistical challenges of moving through a remote Himalayan region.
The race is not solely about speed; it is a test of endurance, recovery, and strategic pacing over varied and difficult terrain. The typical itinerary spans 12 to 14 days, which includes 6-7 competitive running stages interspersed with essential acclimatization days to allow participants' bodies to adapt to the high altitude, reducing the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
The entire journey is a fully supported expedition, with the organizing team managing luggage transport, accommodation, and meals.
The route meticulously follows the classic Manaslu Circuit Trek, a journey that circumnavigates the world's eighth-highest mountain, Mount Manaslu (8,163m). The race starts at a lower altitude in the subtropics and gradually ascends into a high-altitude alpine environment, before descending again on the other side of the Larkya La pass.
The trail is a combination of rough rocky paths, forest trails, suspension bridges, stone staircases, and high-mountain passes. It traverses the Budhi Gandaki river valley, entering the Manaslu Conservation Area, and provides continuous views of towering peaks including Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Ngadi Chuli.
Key villages along the route include Soti Khola, the official starting point accessible by road; Samagaon, the largest village in the upper Budhi Gandaki valley and a crucial stop for acclimatization with its famous monastery; Samdo, a high-altitude settlement and the last village before the pass; and Larkya La, which is not a village but the highest point of the entire circuit at 5,160 meters.
The route after the pass descends through Larke Bazaar and Bimthang before continuing down to the finish line typically in the village of Dharapani, which marks the end of the restricted area and the link to the Annapurna Circuit.
Participation in the Manaslu Mountain Trail Race requires adherence to specific government regulations for entering the Manaslu Restricted Area. These rules are strictly enforced by Nepalese authorities and are mandatory for all runners. The following permits are required:
Important Regulations
The process of obtaining these permits involves paperwork submitted to the Nepal Tourism Board(NTB) and Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. It requires photocopies of your passport, visa, and passport-sized photos. For international participants, managing this individually upon arrival can be logistically challenging and time-consuming.
If you register for the Manaslu Mountain Trail Race through Trek Me Nepal or book our combined race and trek support package, we handle the entire permit application process on your behalf.
This eliminates the need for you to navigate government offices in Kathmandu, ensuring you can focus on your preparation and acclimatization before the race begins. All permit costs are typically included in the race registration or our support package fees.
For more details on Permits required to trek through the Manaslu Region, check it out here!
Securing a spot in the Manaslu Mountain Trail Race requires completing a formal registration process. This section outlines the steps, associated costs, and what participants can expect from the race services.
Registration Process
The entry fee is a comprehensive package that covers all essential logistics from arrival to departure in Nepal. It is designed so that runners need only focus on their performance and personal gear. Standard inclusions are:
Cost Component | Details |
Race Entry Fee | Includes all items listed above (permits, accommodation, meals, transport, logistics). |
International Flight | Cost varies greatly depending on point of origin and time of booking. |
Nepalese Visa | Obtained on arrival at Kathmandu Airport. |
Travel Insurance | Comprehensive policy mandatory for evacuation up to 6,000m. |
Personal Gear | Running shoes, clothing, backpack, sleeping bag, etc. |
Miscellaneous Expenses | Souvenirs, extra snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi charges, tips for staff. |
For details on Manaslu Circuit Trek Cost Breakdown, check out our blog here.
The policy is typically strict due to advanced logistical commitments. The initial deposit is non-refundable. If a runner must cancel, a partial refund of the paid balance (excluding deposit) may be possible if the spot can be filled from a waitlist, often minus an administrative fee.
Cancellations within a specific timeframe (e.g., 60-90 days before the race) usually result in no refund. All participants are strongly advised to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
For international visitors, Trek Me Nepal can arrange for you to participate in the Race whilst on our Manaslu Treks. The package can include services such as extra nights of accommodation in Kathmandu, airport transfers, gear rental or purchase assistance, guided sightseeing, and dedicated pre-race briefings to ensure you are fully prepared and acclimatized.
Successfully completing the Manaslu Mountain Trail Race requires specific and dedicated preparation that addresses two distinct challenges: the physical demand of multi-stage trail running and the physiological impact of high altitude. A generic running plan is insufficient; preparation must be targeted.
Participants should possess a strong baseline of endurance fitness. A recommended minimum is the ability to comfortably run a road marathon (42.2 km) and to back that up with long runs on consecutive days. The key requirement is not pure speed but endurance and resilience.
The race involves significant elevation gain and loss, so training must prioritize time on feet and climbing rather than pace.
A structured 12-week training block is the minimum recommended preparation, ideally building upon an existing fitness base.
Beginner-Friendly Guide (Focus: Completion):
This plan prioritizes building volume and time on terrain similar to the race.
Advanced Guide (Focus: Performance)
This plan incorporates higher volume and specific intensity.
This is non-negotiable. Acclimatisation is the process by which the body adapts to lower oxygen availability. The race's built-in acclimatization days are part of the strategy, but arriving in Nepal already partially acclimatized is a significant advantage.
The volume and intensity of training increase injury risk. A consistent focus on prevention is key.
For those seeking a structured and supported approach to pre-race acclimatization, Trek Me Nepal can curate guided Pre-Race Acclimatisation Treks.
These shorter treks, such as in the Langtang region or to Everest Base Camp, can be scheduled before the race to ensure you arrive at the start line already well-adapted to altitude, significantly improving both your performance and safety.
A comprehensive and carefully considered gear list is essential for safety, performance, and comfort during the Manaslu Mountain Trail Race. The extreme variance in altitude and temperature, combined with the remote environment, necessitates self-sufficiency and preparation for all conditions.
Category | Essential Items | Notes |
To Carry While Running | Trail running shoes, hydration vest (12-20L), waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, insulating layer, headlamp + spare batteries, gloves, warm hat, emergency whistle, basic first aid kit, high-calorie snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses. | Mandatory for safety. Pack light but be prepared for sudden weather changes. |
For Porter Transport | Duffel bag (waterproof), sleeping bag (rated -10°C), sleeping liner, dry thermal layers, insulated jacket, trekking pants, camp shoes, hygiene kit, power bank, water purification tablets/filter. | Weight limit typically 15kg. Keep valuables and daily essentials in your running pack |
Optional / Recommended | Trekking poles, gaiters, camera, earplugs, sleep mask, journal, light down vest, extra socks, repair kit (e.g. shoe glue). | Trekking poles highly recommended for ascents/descents. Gaiters useful for snow/debris. |
Available in Kathmandu | Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags, trekking poles, gloves, hats, and other trekking essentials can be rented or bought in Thamel. | Rental is cost-effective for one-time use. Ensure rented gear is in good condition before departure. |
Virtually all the required trekking and running gear can be purchased or rented in Kathmandu, particularly in the Thamel district. Shops offer a wide range of products, from genuine high-quality brands to local replicas.
Renting items like down jackets, sleeping bags, and duffel bags is a common and cost-effective practice for international visitors. It is advisable to arrive a few days early to have sufficient time for gear shopping and rental. Trek Me Nepal can assist with recommendations for reputable rental shops.
The Manaslu Mountain Trail Race utilizes the existing network of teahouse lodges along the circuit, providing participants with an authentic Himalayan trekking experience. Understanding the standards and offerings of these lodges is crucial for setting accurate expectations.
Accommodation during the race is in traditional Nepali teahouses. These are simple, family-run lodges that offer basic shelter and meals to trekkers and runners.
All meals are provided by the teahouses and are included in the race package. The food is hearty and designed to provide the necessary carbohydrates and energy for endurance activities at altitude.
The race route passes through villages predominantly inhabited by the Gurung and Tibetan communities, offering a genuine cultural immersion.
During the 2016 race, runners stayed at Hinang Gompa, a Buddhist monastery, and witnessed monks and nuns murmuring prayers in a shadowy temple, firsthand (Dyu, 2016).
There's a plan by organisers to explore the Tibetan Buddhist Nar-Phu area as a potential formal extension for future editions of the race, which would add even more diversity to the experience, being akin to Mustang and Tibet (Henke, 2023).
Read our blog on Major Festivals, Culture and Tradition in Manaslu Region for more details, here.
The safety of participants is the highest priority for the Manaslu Mountain Trail Race organization. This is managed through a combination of meticulous planning, professional medical support, and clear protocols for the unique challenges of a high-altitude environment.
Understanding the weather conditions and inherent risks is a critical part of each runner's preparation.
The race is scheduled in November specifically to leverage the stable weather patterns of the post-monsoon season. This period is characterized by:
The following table provides an overview of expected climate conditions at different altitudes along the route during November:
Altitude Range | Daytime Temp. (Sun) | Nighttime Temp. | Conditions and Notes |
1,000m - 2,000m (Soti Khola, Machha Khola) | 18°C - 24°C (64°F - 75°F) | 8°C - 12°C (46°F - 54°F) | Pleasant for running; can be warm in direct sun. |
2,000m - 3,000m (Jagat, Deng) | 12°C - 18°C (54°F - 64°F) | 2°C - 6°C (36°F - 43°F) | Cool and comfortable running conditions. |
3,000m - 4,000m (Namrung, Lho) | 5°C - 12°C (41°F - 54°F) | -3°C - 2°C (27°F - 36°F) | Cold, especially in shaded areas. Risk of overnight frost. |
Above 4,000m (Samagaon, Samdo, Larkya La) | 0°C - 8°C (32°F - 46°F) | -10°C - -5°C (14°F - 23°F) | Very cold. Strong UV radiation. Risk of snow and high winds on the pass. |
For more details about the weather in the Manaslu region, check it out here!
The primary health risk is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and its more severe forms: High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
The Manaslu Mountain Trail Race stands as a unique and formidable event in the world of ultra-running, distinguished by its course through a restricted area, its extreme high altitude, and its deep integration with the local culture of the Manaslu region.
The race records are a testament to the challenging nature of the event, with winning times for the full multi-stage course typically ranging between 25 and 30 hours of cumulative running time.
Past winners and notable participants often include elite Nepali trail runners, who possess innate familiarity with the terrain, as well as experienced international ultra-runners specializing in high-altitude and multi-stage events.
Beyond the competition, the event is defined by the personal stories of its participants. Testimonials frequently highlight the raw and untouched beauty of the landscape, the immense physical and mental challenge of the course, particularly the crossing of the Larkya La pass, and the profound cultural experiences gained through interactions in villages like Samagaon and Samdo.
The sense of community among runners and the unwavering support from local staff are consistently cited as key elements that make the event memorable.
The race is consciously designed to have a positive cultural impact and to promote sustainable tourism. It operates on principles that ensure local communities benefit directly. This includes the use of local teahouses for accommodation, hiring Nepali staff as guides, porters, and support crew, and sourcing food supplies locally where possible.
This approach ensures that the economic benefits of the event are distributed within the Manaslu Region. Furthermore, the race helps to distribute tourism away from more crowded destinations like the Everest and Annapurna regions, promoting off-season travel and supporting the local economy beyond the main trekking seasons.
In line with this commitment to sustainability, agencies like Trek Me Nepal often integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. For example, through our One Guest One Tree program, we plant a tree on behalf of every participant, contributing to reforestation efforts in Nepal and helping to offset the environmental impact of travel.
Q: Do I need to be an elite runner to participate?
A: No. While the race is extremely demanding and requires serious preparation, it attracts a wide range of athletes. Many participants have the primary goal of finishing rather than competing for a podium spot.
Q: Can I combine the race with a longer trek in Nepal?
A: Yes, many international participants choose to arrive early for further acclimatization or extend their stay for other treks. We offer various Manaslu Trekking Packages and trips to other regions that can be seamlessly arranged before or after the race.
Q: What happens if I cannot complete a stage?
A: The race organization has a support system in place. If a runner is unable to finish a stage, they will be transported to the next camp or teahouse location to continue with the group, provided they are medically fit to do so at that altitude.
Q: Is the race safe for solo travelers?
A: Yes. The group nature of the event and the comprehensive support structure make it a secure and social environment for solo travelers. You will be part of a cohesive group from the first day.
For detailed information on preparing for and booking your journey, please refer to the sections on Training, Permits, and Registration within this guide. To explore your options for trekking in the Manaslu region, we invite you to review our tailored Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary.
We offer three primary package options: Standard (13 days), Extended (16 days) and Combined with with Tsum Valley (21 days).
We can customise the treks according to your requirements. All bookings include guide services, permits, accommodation, and meals as specified in the chosen itinerary.
Dyu, L. (2016, July 25). Mountain Of The Spirit. Sidetracked. https://www.sidetracked.com/mountain-of-the-spirit/
Manaslu Trail Race. (2023, July 5). Why participate in a multi-stage race? Manaslu Trail Race. https://www.manaslutrailrace.org/why-participate-in-a-multi-stage-race/
Manaslu Trail Race. (2023, July 5). Why participate in a multi-stage race? Manaslu Trail Race. https://www.manaslutrailrace.org/why-participate-in-a-multi-stage-race/
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