The experience of running in the high Nepali Himalayas is unmatched. The mountains seem to rise higher and higher than you can imagine. Combining that with the wholehearted, warm, and kind approach of the local communities we meet and endless trails running in quite simply some of the most breathtaking scenery you have ever seen, this experience truly takes some beating.
Our trail running adventure is a perfect introduction to higher altitude trail running, flowing our way through the relative tropical rhododendron forests, where waterfalls flow and flowers grow. Before long we are gracing the higher mountain plains, craning our necks up to the skies where the clouds of burning juniper rise, with mountains towering 7000+m above. It’s spectacular.
As with travel in the Himalayas the route we follow includes ‘a little bit up, a little bit down’, but we manage it perfectly for a trail running experience like no other.
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About The Host
This retreat has been forged together from love and desire to explore magnificent places whilst keeping fit and achieving something special along the way.
The whole team behind this retreat has many years of experience in trail running and the adventure travel industry. We’ve run and explored everything from 5km to 100-mile endurance feats.
We’ve been incredibly lucky to explore the lengths and breadths of the world through our work, but our combined experience puts us in the best stead to share our running adventures with you, whatever your running ability.
Itinerary
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
Are flights included?
We specialise in arranging excellent trail running holidays, but do not book International flights. As there is a great variety of value flights departing from all over the world to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).
We will discuss with you about our trusted and recommended ways to book international flights through excellent ATOL protected partners who offer great value, ease of service and flight protection.
How far do I need to be able to run?
Our trips are designed for people of all running abilities. Fast or slow, it doesn’t matter as we look to deliver flexible daily runs on all of our trips.
A typical daily distance on our trips would be somewhere between 6km - 15km per day, depending on the trip this could be a longer daily distance of up to 15 - 20km. Our longest days do not go much higher than this. Our daily distances are also dictated by the terrain we run on, sometimes we cross mountain passes which take a bit of time to walk over which naturally takes longer to cover the distances.
Most importantly though, these are journeys rather than races and our group trips are managed accordingly to individuals running requirements, splitting the group if necessary if the desire is to run slower or faster. If you wish to run longer, we can easily extend this for you.
What type of terrain will we run on?
Not only are the mountains spectacular, but the trail runs through a great variety of terrain along every step of the way – it is a wonder.
Lush forests and canyons characterize the entry valleys where we will spend our time traversing wide dusty trails at altitudes of 700-1000m. We follow along the banks of wide glacial rivers and undulating trails.
The terrain slowly becomes more mountainous the higher we go, picking our way through large boulder fields and dry plains where gigantic mountains – seemingly in touching distance – surround us on all sides. All the while the trail is very obvious as we pass through one charming village after the next.
Bear in mind this is Nepal, there is a lot of uphill travel involved in our journey which has been staged carefully to allow us to acclimatise and trail run as we go. This trip is a perfect introduction to trail running at altitude.
What type of accommodation do you use?
We prefer to stay in characterful, boutique hotels and lodges which offer personality, rather than staying in larger resorts.
Location is key as it’s nice to get out and explore rather than be bused in to go sightseeing or shopping.
When we are out on the trail we will make the most of staying in cozy, simpler village guesthouses. Often these are alpine-style, surrounded by meadows with cows grazing, the gentle sounds of streams trickling past and panoramic views from every room.
Delicious and varied local meals are also a guarantee. Expect big plates of mozzarella, salads, olives, cured meats and lashings of local beer and wine at the end of well-earned day on the trail.
What happens to my luggage?
All of our trail running groups are fully-supported which means that you are only required to travel with a light pack, allowing us to travel more fluidly and giving the chance to focus on enjoying the experience in the process.
On our European trail running adventures, our large luggage will be transported ahead of us each morning by mini-van and will be left waiting for us in our rooms for our arrival later that day.
In destinations such as the Himalayas and the Albanian Alps, our large luggage will be transported ahead of us via yak, mule or porter. For such trips, we recommend bringing softer duffel bags which are easier to transport. A typical example will see our large luggage being transport several hours ahead of the groups’ departure where you will be reunited with your luggage at the end of the day.
What if I am a solo traveler?
No problem, a majority of people who join our trips are solo travelers.
All of our trips are set up for twin or double rooms which works well when we stay in smaller boutique lodging. We offer single supplements on all of our trips if you would prefer your own room.
Is it all running the entire trip?
Whilst these are trail running holidays with daily runs included, it’s a holiday after all and we feel it’s important to make the most of cultural interaction with sightseeing included alongside the running.
We combine our breathtaking routes with cultural gems which are carefully crafted to give you unique travel experiences whilst exploring the trail. At the same time though we are flexible.
What type of food do we eat on the trip?
Part of the joy of travelling to the destinations we visit is the local cuisine. Fresh eggs, salads, cured meats, fish, olives, curries, and rice dishes…the list is endless. We want you to experience the local culture at it’s best, which certainly involves diving into the huge diversity of delicious dishes we will find everywhere we visit.
In Nepal, we will eat tasty Dhal Bhat curries served with poppadoms, local vegetables, and steamed dumplings. In the Mediterranean fresh, vibrant salads will be delivered for lunch while in the evening we eat moussakas, paellas and other wonders which are complimented for great wines and beers.
What do I need to pack?
Certainly your trail running shoes!
As each of our trips climates and terrains vary we will send out a trip specific adventure pack which will cover the types of kit and clothing required. We send this in advance so that there is time for you to purchase anything you do not already own.
What about dietary requirements?
No problem, we can take care of anything and everything. All destinations we deal with are used to catering with a variety of dietary requirements. Please inform us in advance and we will ensure this is taken care of for you.
How many runners can be accommodated in the group?
Being a group of max. 12 runners with a mixture of ages and running abilities we may decide to split into flexible groups, all of which will be supported by Nepali running guides who will travel with us on the trip.
By splitting the group will allow us all to move more fluidly, allowing all team members to run at their own comfortable pace, without feeling pressured.
What's the expected temperature range and climate condition?
Temperatures tend to be quite cool in the mornings and evenings, but heat up at midday due to the strong, direct sunlight at high altitudes. Clear mornings with the chance of clouds developing in the afternoons. Highs in the mid 20’s to mid-teens (Celsius). It will be perfect for trail running.