Run around the Kathmandu valley to see beauty behind the city
The Manjushree Trail Race 2026 has officially been rescheduled to April 17–19, 2026, moved from its original mid-March dates due to the national elections. Organizers made the change to ensure smooth coordination with local authorities and to provide runners with the best race experience possible.
This legendary event traces the entire Kathmandu Valley Rim Trail, blending ancient footpaths, dense forests, traditional villages, and ridgeline views that capture the essence of the Himalayas. Inspired by the mythical journey of Manjushree, the bodhisattva who opened the valley by cutting through the Chobar Gorge, the race is a spiritual and physical challenge through Nepal’s cultural heartland.
🏔️ Race Categories & Elevation
🏆 100 Miles (160 km) — “The Full Manjushree Loop”- Elevation Gain: ~9,500 m
- Cutoff Time: 48 hours
- The ultimate endurance challenge — a complete circumnavigation of the Kathmandu Valley following the ancient ridgelines through Shivapuri, Nagarkot, Lakuri Bhanjyang, Champadevi, and Chandragiri.
- 85% forest trail and singletrack, with technical climbs, cultural sections, and night running through serene village trails.
- Elevation Gain: ~6,500 m
- A demanding loop covering the major ridgelines and forest sections with spectacular sunrise views over the Himalayas.
- Popular among experienced ultrarunners and Asia Trail Master elites.
- Elevation Gain: ~3,000 m
- A challenging yet accessible ultra-distance for runners seeking to test endurance and enjoy panoramic ridgeline sections.
- Elevation Gain: ~2,000 m
- A fast, scenic route connecting the cultural high points and forest sections — perfect for those stepping into longer trail runs.
- Elevation Gain: ~500 m
- A short, beautiful introduction to the Manjushree trails — ideal for local runners and newcomers to trail running.
🌸 Why Runners Love the Manjushree Trail Race
- 80% forest and mountain trail around the entire valley rim
- Views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, and Jugal ranges
- Passes through centuries-old temples, stupas, and traditional Newar and Tamang villages
- Fully marked routes with professional aid stations, timing, and local support
- Official Asia Trail Master (ATM) and UTMB Index qualifying event
Manjushree Trail trailmandu kvr MTR Manjushree trail race Asia Trail Master
Recommended Reading
Manjushree Trail Race
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
Nepal's first summit challenge
The KVR Summit Challenge is a monthly trail running event aimed at boosting local tourism via athletics. Every month, participants take on a difficult 20–25 km circuit to one of the five tallest peaks surrounding the Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Valley Rim (KVR) Trail
The Kathmandu Valley Rim (KVR), officially known as the Manjushree Trail, is Nepal’s most iconic long-distance trail encircling the Kathmandu Valley.
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