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: Phulchoki, Shivapuri, Bhasmasur, Chandragiri, and Jamacho. After two successful seasons of the KVR stage race challenge, we are excited to introduce new ideas and challenges that will make the races more competitive while also creating a family-friendly event where all family members can participate, run varying distances, and share the same appreciation for nature.
For newcomers to trail running or those seeking to appreciate the views at a leisurely speed, we provide a 7–10 km fun run/hike. This condensed course is ideal for newcomers, families, and friends seeking an enjoyable day in the mountains. During the rapid years, we received numerous requests for a shorter distance to create a family-friendly event. We are delighted to present this occasion for our joyful runners, who also feel like our second family.
Race Calendar:
KVR Summit Challenge #1 Bhasmasur 2500M
Long Trail:21km
Your adventure kicks off on a scenic single-track trail in Pharping, weaving through a tranquil monastery before beginning a steady climb into the shaded Hattiban pine forest. As you ascend, the cool, fresh air will be your companion until you reach the first hydration point and shortly after, the trail becomes a series of steep stone steps leading you to the revered Champadevi Temple. This challenging climb rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Kathmandu Valley and the distant Himalayas—a perfect moment to pause and soak in the scenery.
After passing the temple, a course marshal will guide you toward a tough but rewarding climb to Bhasmasur Peak (2,600 M). Once you've summit, you'll return to the marshal point and turn right, beginning a beautiful stair descent toward Sundol. The final stretch takes you from Sundol through a local football ground, under colourful prayer flags, and back to the Pharping Monastery. Here, you'll cross the finish line, completing your journey.
Short Trail: 7km
The route begins by following the Long Trail, sharing the same starting point and initial few kilometers. You'll navigate a single-track, narrow forest path marked with the same trail signs.Once you emerge from the forest, you'll take a sharp left turn and begin a steady climb. This path, still a single-track and lined with trees, may be a bit slippery from recent monsoon rains. The climb leads you to a football ground, which serves as a checkpoint. From the top of the climb, you'll be treated to a scenic view, with a monastery visible to your left and distant mountains on the horizon.
After the football ground, the trail rejoins the main route for long-distance runners, following a jeep road toward the Ancient Dakshinkali Temple. After passing the temple, the final leg of the journey takes you up a series of staircases that lead to the Asura Cave and ultimately to the finish line. This last part of the trail is especially scenic and has a spiritual feel, with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.
The KVR Summit Challenge #2: Shivapuri 2732M
Long Trail: 25 km
The KVR (Kathmandu Valley Rim) Summit Challenge #2 is a demanding and scenic trail race located on the northern side of Kathmandu. The starting point at Suryachaur is approximately a one-hour drive from the Ring Road, by bus travel may take a bit longer. The total distance is about 25 km, with a significant elevation gain and loss.
The Ascent to Shivapuri Peak
The race begins on a jeep track that spans the first 3 km. This section is known for its scenic beauty, winding through lush greenery and offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. On a clear day, runners can enjoy a beautiful view of the distant Himalayan ranges.
The jeep track soon narrows, transitioning into a single trail. This is where the real challenge begins, as the path features a series of long, ascending stairs that require significant endurance.
After approximately 9 km from the start, you will reach the first designated hydration point. This is a crucial stop to rest and prepare for the final, most demanding part of the ascent. From this point, the trail to Shivapuri Peak—the highest point in the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park—becomes steeper and more technical. It winds through a serene forest until you reach the summit.
Short Trail: 10 km
The short trail will be starting from Suryachaur and make a loop and come back to the same place and finish. The starting place is bit hard to reach by small car so maybe need to walk from main road to the starting point but 4/4 cars are okay to arrive the starting point
KVR Summit Challenge #3: Phulchoki 2746M
Long Trail:25 km
The KVR Summit Challenge #3 is considered one of the best routes and a true test of a runner's limits, as it reaches the highest peak in the Kathmandu Valley.
Long Trail: The Highest Peak
The race begins in Badikhel. The first section, from the start to the Godavari forest base, is mostly flat. From there, the first climb begins on a single track, leading to Chapakharka (Checkpoint-1) after approximately 3 kilometers. At this checkpoint, runners must eat and carry fuel for the next 6 kilometers.
This next segment features a gradual climb for the first few kilometers, followed by a steeper ascent for the final 2-3 kilometers. This part of the course is a single-track trail, winding through the forest. The race then follows the main KVR trail from Chapakharka school to Phulchoki top.
After reaching the summit, the descent begins. Runners must be very careful at the Manakamana Temple Junction, as it is a very sharp turn. Missing this turn could lead to a significant detour. After making a sharp right turn, the trail continues with a steep downhill section followed by a long staircase. The trail then becomes a very runnable single track. A bit further on, this trail merges with the short trail route before concluding at the finish line in Badikhel.
The starting and ending locations are subject to change after further testing to ensure the best possible experience for all participants.
Short Trail: 10 km
The short trail also starts from Badikhel. It follows a route that goes mostly into the forest on a single track and returns to the same finish line. The trail here is particularly scenic, offering a chance to enjoy a beautiful run through nature.
KVR Summit Challenge #4 Chandragiri 2551 M
Long Trail:25 km
The KVR Summit Challenge #4 is the fourth summit challenge of the year. The race starts/ends in the Matatirtha area and features a challenging climb to the Chap Bhyangang checkpoint.
Long Trail: The Chandragiri Loop
The initial segment is an almost 4-km vertical climb on a single track to Chap Bhyangang. After reaching the checkpoint, the course heads toward Chandragiri Hill. The first part of this section is very runnable, but after Deurali, there is another climb to the summit. From Hotel Chandragiri to the top, the path is a paved road.
From the summit, you will descend toward Chitlang Bhyanjang, where you will make another small climb. This is followed by a long descent with many staircases. Just before reaching the forest tower, you will make a right turn onto a short, flat single track that leads directly to the finish line.
This summit challenge is a good test of a runner's limits—it is neither excessively difficult nor easy.
Short Trail:10 km
The short trail category starts from the same location as the long trail but follows a different route. It completes a loop around Shanti Stupa and Bosan village, finishing at the same point as the long trail. Designed as a fun run, this trail is still very scenic and offers a great trail running experience.
KVR Summit Challenge #5 Jamacho 2150M
Long Trail 25 km
The KVR Summit Challenge #5 is the season's finale, featuring a unique point-to-point format. Unlike previous challenges, this race begins at one location and ends at another, though both are easily accessible by local transportation. But the short trail will be the previous format.
The race begins approximately 100 meters from the Ring Road in Swayambhu. After a few kilometers, it joins a section of the Kathmandu Valley Rim (KVR) trail. This is a very scenic route that passes through Jamacho, a famous peak at 2150 meters. Jamacho holds historical significance as the location where Manjushree, a Buddhist saint from China, traveled while seeking a place to drain the water from the Kathmandu Valley.
Following this historic route, runners will visit the monastery at the summit before beginning their descent. The course follows a gradual and very runnable downhill stretch toward Mudkhu. From there, runners will make a final push to the finish line.
Short Trail:
The short trail category will start and finish at the same location as the long trail's finish line, creating a circuit. As the last race of the season, the event is designed as a fun run concept. Participants are encouraged to enjoy nature and the beautiful course as they have in previous races.
conclusion:
The KVR Summit Challenge is a series of five monthly trail running events held from October 2025 to February 2026. The goal is to promote local tourism through athletics. Each event features a long-distance trail run of 20-25 km and a shorter 7-10 km fun run/hike designed for newcomers, families, and friends. This race is designed so that the trail running community is active and also to hunt the talent who can represent Nepal in the future. As our Co-founder also started running from the small races and is now an already popular athlete. We focus more on safety and quality of the race based on International practice. For the event everyone has to register online and pay and upload the payment status on the registration form. There is a waiver form to agree and everyone must go through. Also there is no transportation provided and also food is only provided pre-paid but there are options that athletes can eat from the menu.
Trailmandu Nepal is always happy to support athletes who are promising and disciplined. We will always support them in finding sponsors and provide free registration.
KVR challenge is the best platform for the people who are new in the field to know their ability.
