Unveiling the Kathmandu Valley Rim (KVR): A Hiker's Paradise, for hikers and trail runners in Nepal, a new and exciting acronym has been gaining traction: KVR. While some might mistakenly associate it with a resort, the reality is far more captivating. KVR stands for the Kathmandu Valley Rim, also known as the Manjushree Trail (Manjushree Trail Race ). It's not a place to stay, but a challenging and scenic route that circumnavigates the entire Kathmandu Valley.
This remarkable trail, meticulously explored and marked over the past five-six years by the team, Trailmandu Nepal Pvt.Ltd is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts. The KVR loop stretches for over 165 km, boasting more than 10,000 meters of elevation gain and covering the seven highest peaks surrounding the valley. But it's not just about the peaks. The trail also winds through historically significant locations like Tikabhairab Temple, Shesh Narayan Temple, Pharping Monastery, and Champadevi Temple, offering a unique blend of physical challenge and cultural immersion.
KVR and Manjushree Trail Race
The growth of the Manjushree Trail Race is a testament to the trail's growing popularity. From just seven athletes in its inaugural edition, the race has exploded in participation, attracting over 500 runners in its most recent fifth edition. This impressive number includes 120 international participants from more than 20 countries, highlighting the KVR's rising reputation on the global trail running scene. The race's newfound status as an Asia Trail Master Championship(ATM) qualifying event, thanks to the achievements of Nepali trail runner Rashila Tamang who has further solidified its place on the international calendar.
A Guide to the Kathmandu Valley Rim (KVR) Trail
The core concept behind KVR is to provide a clear and navigable path for runners and hikers. Trailmandu's dedicated team has marked the main route with distinctive white and yellow markers, while connecting routes are marked with white and pink, ensuring that adventurers can confidently explore the valley rim without getting lost. The trail itself is a diverse and rewarding experience, with stunning mountain vistas and long stretches of single-track routes that meander through the dense forests of Shivapuri National Park and Godavari.
For those eager to tackle the KVR, the full route can be easily downloaded from the Manjushree Trail Race website. This GPS data can be used with a compatible watch or mobile apps like Strava and Maps.me, making navigation a breeze. The Trailmandu team's commitment extends beyond the initial marking; they conduct annual maintenance to repair damage from the monsoon and clear overgrown bushes, ensuring the trail remains in excellent condition for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you're looking to complete the entire 165km loop or simply explore a smaller section using one of the many connecting routes, the Kathmandu Valley Rim offers a world of adventure right on the doorstep of Nepal's bustling capital. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding journeys are the ones that take you in a full circle. If you are adventure enthusiast you can find all adventure activities on our site.
Acknowledging the Pioneers of the KVR Trail
The Kathmandu Valley Rim (KVR) trail owes its existence and upkeep to the dedication of a small but crucial group of individuals. Their efforts have been instrumental in establishing the trail and ensuring its continued use.
Key contributors to the KVR trail include:
- Lizzy Hawker: A renowned ultrarunner who has been a strong advocate for the trail.
- Jimi Oostrum: Instrumental in the trail's development and mapping.
- Mahesh Thapa and Bikash Tamang: Local runners who have dedicated their time to maintaining the trail.
- Aashish Mishra, Rashila Tamang, and Jeevan Lama: Their contributions have been vital in organizing races and raising awareness about the trail.
These individuals, along with others from groups like Trailmandu, have shouldered the responsibility of marking the route, conducting annual maintenance, and clearing overgrown sections. This has been done largely without financial support from official organizations.
While their efforts have kept the KVR alive, the long-term sustainability of the trail requires broader support. The call for involvement from entities like the Nepal Tourism Board is a crucial step toward securing the trail's future. Investing in the trail's maintenance, rather than extensive construction like staircases, would preserve its natural character and ensure it remains a premier destination for runners and hikers for generations to come.
