The Manjushree Trail Race (MTR) has become one of Nepal’s most defining ultra-endurance events—a powerful blend of rugged Himalayan landscapes, historical footpaths, and a trail-running community driven by passion and exploration. As Nepal’s only ITRA-certified 100-mile trail race, MTR offers runners a rare chance to circle the entire Kathmandu Valley by traversing its protective ridgeline and seven surrounding peaks.
For many, this race is more than just a test of endurance—it is a journey through ancient trade routes, protected forests, spiritual viewpoints, and the timeless hills that cradle Nepal’s capital.
A Trail Unlike Any Other in Nepal
At the heart of the Manjushree Trail Race lies a remarkable route:
- 175.18 km in total distance
- 12,695 meters of elevation gain
- 85% pure singletrack
- 7 major peaks circled in a full valley loop
The course winds through the wilderness of Nagarjun and Shivapuri National Parks, shadowy forests where runners may go hours without seeing a settlement. Despite technically staying within the Kathmandu Valley, participants often feel far removed from civilization as they move through quiet ridgelines, exposed summits, mossy trails, and steep ascents.
The seven peaks—Jamacho, Shivapuri, Nagarkot, Pulchowki, Champadevi, Basmandur, and Chandragiri—stand like guardians around the valley. Runners climb each one, experiencing alternating moments of solitude, sweeping views of the valley below, and glimpses of the distant Himalayan giants.
History Carved by Pioneers
Long before MTR became an international trail race, it was a dream carried forward by explorers who believed the rim could be stitched into a single continuous trail.
Trail legends Lizzy Hawker and Seth Wolpin were the first to link versions of the Kathmandu Valley Rim in the mid-2010s. Seth completed the loop in 2015, followed by Lizzy—who ran an even longer version—in 2016. Their efforts ignited a wave of curiosity, with several Fastest Known Time (FKT) attempts soon following.
Meanwhile, deep local knowledge from Raj Pradhan and Narayan Acharya played a pivotal role in mapping, connecting, and refining these ancient footpaths used by communities and traders for generations.
These early contributions became the foundation of the Manjushree Trail as we know it today.
Modern Redesign: A New Era for the Manjushree Trail
As the ultra-running community grew, so did the need for a more consistent, safer, and clearly defined rim trail. The recent redesign and completion of the trail marked a major milestone.
This significant phase was led by:
Aashish Mishra (Laxmi Prasad), Rashila Tamang, and Jeevan Lama from Trailmandu, together with Bikash Tamang and Mahesh Thapa.
Their work—spanning scouting missions, GPS mapping, route testing, and field validation—helped shape a more accurate, sustainable, and runner-friendly Manjushree Trail. Their efforts not only improved the racecourse but contributed to preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the valley rim.
From First Attempts to a Full-Fledged Race
The first official Manjushree Trail Race was scheduled for 2020, but like many events worldwide, it was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In April 2021, nine determined ultra-athletes lined up at Naagdhunga for the historic first edition of the MTR 100-mile race. Later that same year, the first Stage Race unfolded over four days in October, with 26 participants completing the newly established multi-stage format.
Momentum grew quickly.
By 2022, more than 150 runners participated across multiple distances, confirming the Manjushree Trail as one of Nepal’s fastest-growing endurance events.
Manjushree Trail Race is now part of Asia Trail Master qualifier race from 2024 edition after one of the board members of MTR Rashila Tamang became the first person to win ATM title from Nepal. Therefore in the 2025 edition Manjushree Trail Race had 500+ participants from around the globe.
A Non-Profit With a Purpose
In 2023, the Manjushree was officially registered as a non-profit organization—a significant milestone in its evolution. The new board, comprising trail experts and long-time contributors, is committed to:
- preserving the Manjushree Trail,
- promoting safe and sustainable trail running,
- empowering local communities around the route, and
strengthening Nepal’s profile in the global trail-running scene. - Advocating to Make Manjushree Trail a World Heritage Trail
A Trail That Represents Kathmandu’s Soul
Running the Manjushree Trail is not just moving through distance—it is tracing a living outline of the Kathmandu Valley. It’s a journey that reveals:
- spiritual hilltop shrines,
- untouched forests echoing with bird calls,
- terraced villages suspended above the city,
- and the cultural heartbeat of Nepal’s hills.
- Monastery and temples along the route
The MTR showcases a unique truth: even beside a rapidly urbanizing city, wild nature still thrives—and welcomes those willing to push beyond their limits.
Why MTR Matters
The Manjushree Trail Race stands today as:
- Nepal’s only ITRA-certified 100-mile race
- a tribute to years of exploration and dedication
- a living archive of ancient mountain pathways
- a symbol of community-driven trail development
- One and only historical trail
For runners, it is one of the toughest, purest, and most meaningful ultras in South Asia. For Nepal, it is a reminder of the cultural and natural landscapes that make the country a trail-running paradise.
Conclusion
The Manjushree Trail Race is more than an event—it is a story of innovation, exploration, community, and resilience. From the earliest rim pioneers to the modern redesign team, and from the first nine runners in 2021 to hundreds today, MTR continues to evolve while staying rooted in the landscapes that define Kathmandu.
Whether you run it, volunteer, or simply follow the journey, the Manjushree Trail Race stands as a testament to Nepal’s growing legacy in global trail running and aims to bring thousands of tourists every year in the coming future to uplift Nepal's economy through adventure sports.