The following release was provided by CS Pandey and features the Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race and first appeared in the spring 2026 issue of ATRA’s quarterly newsletter, Trail Times.
Himalayan Run & Trek’s Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race has time and again been described as, World’s Most Scenic & Challenging Endurance Race. This event has been held since 1991 and two new categories – Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon and Himalayan 100K Stage Race were added in 1994 and 2022. The race route is in the Indo-Nepal border of the northeast Indian Himalaya.
Explore and enjoy
Regardless of your level of ability – whether a 10K, marathoner, or ultra-marathon runner – you can run at your own pace. There are no age limits, or stage cutoff times. The aim of this event is not winning, but to enjoy the beauty of nature. During the race, panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga (4 out of the world’s 5 highest peaks) are visible. The event provides participants the opportunity to explore the Himalayan flora and fauna including hundreds of species of flowers. The route traverses through tea estates, isolated jungle, pine forests, small settlements and villages and across major rivers. Yaks, wild ponies, and the Red Pandas are seen at higher elevations along with the local culture of highlanders of the Himalayan border region.
The trip starts with a day sightseeing in Darjeeling including the famous Himalayan Mountaineering Museum, Toy Train, and important Tibetan monasteries.
100 Mile
In the 100 Mile category the five daily stages are 24 – 20 – 26 – 13 – 17 miles and 22 – 16 — 22 — 21 — 19 kilometers are daily stages for the 100K. Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon takes place on the third day of the 100 Mile. The distances are designed for middle-distance runners. Alternating running and walking, you can easily take in mountain views, catch a glimpse of National Park wildlife and chat with villagers at fully stocked aid stations every few miles. Aid stations with food and support are provided along each stage course, and at each overnight stop, meals are fully catered and accommodations are provided in rustic mountain huts. This event is not meant only for runner it’s also for hikers / walkers / supporters etc., as they will walk with a guide and can ask the guide for a jeep ride to the finish line.
Stages
The first day of the HSR presents challenges right from the start. The route begins at Maneybajung (2134 m) and covers 24 miles to the finish line at Sandakaphu (3636 m). The second stage is 20 miles and remains at altitudes between 3200 m and 3636 m. On this day, runners have a great opportunity to enjoy running with panoramic views of the lofty mountains. The third stage covering 26 miles begins with the same enjoyable running trail, continuing past Molley then Phalut and return back to Molley for about 28 km. After that, a challenging downhill section of approximately 8 km begins on rough terrain until runners reach Srikhola at about 1300 m altitude. From there, runners can increase their speed to reach the destination on the paved road at Rimbik. The fourth stage involves almost 450 m of downhill descent, followed by several kilometers along the river. After that, an uphill climb of approximately 520 m leads to the finishing point of the day. The first few miles of the final stage are an uphill climb, followed by a descent on the other side for a few miles with approximately 600 m of elevation loss through jungle trails and lush green pine forests, with the magnificent backdrop of Kanchenjunga. The route then continues on a paved road till finish line.
A summary of the stages
Day 1 is a challenging day.
Day 2 is comfortable for most runners.
Day 3 is ideal for downhill runners.
Days 4 and 5 are mainly on paved roads and are well suited for road runners.
Overall, these five days provide great exposure for all types of runners and walkers.
What makes Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race unique
There are thousands of mountain trails in the world, but Himalayan Stage Race trail is a primitive and characteristic trail that is held in high esteem by runners and walkers as it offers an opportunity to experience the culture, heritage of thousands of years, religion, peculiar customs and traditions besides the thrilling adventure enjoyment. This adventure trip will definitely make you to slow down to look at the stunning views of snowcapped peaks in four countries, sprawling valleys that sink out of sight, pristine forests, crystal clear skies that have never seen pollution and spectacular views of four out of the world’s five tallest mountains. There are no specific rules, age bar, stage cut off time.
It is the world’s first and only AAA rating eco-friendly race with excellent ground support and highest perfection. Described as, Most Scenic Race in the World, and, World’s most picturesque trail-running events with grueling terrain, by Athletics Weekly, UK and, World’s Most Well Organized and Synchronized event, by Runner’s World, South Africa. The race has been listed as World’s most challenging race of your life by GQ Magazine, UK .
A US$ 100 discount is available for ATRA members for the upcoming 35th Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race which is scheduled for October 27 to November 3, 2026. For more details, visit this link.
Thumbs up from the participants.
What previous participants say
“I ran this race in November 1998. Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race is highly recommended if you want to run a marathon or 100 mile stage race in Himalaya.”
— Brent Weigner, USA
“I come here naturally holding high expectation, and they have been realized. I have raced marathon for over 20 yrs, and this race has been the most challenging, and far and away the most beautiful. The course was well-marked and the support during the race was excellent. Overall, an amazing experience. In sum, I know that as participants, we can hardly realize the extent of effort and organization that must be needed to make this event happen. The fact that this complicated event has proceeded flawlessly is a testament to your organization and commitment. Thank you for giving us all the adventure of a lifetime.” — Jeffrey Horowitz, USA
“One of the best races I have ever been at and run. I would love to go back. A must do race. Mr. C.S. Pandey awesome race director.” — Lisa Smith-Batchen, USA
“It was the most enjoyable races I have ever run, and certainly the most memorable one. The Ultimate Peak Performance.” — Simon Bruty, Allsport
“The world’s most beautiful marathon – A race with no one but themselves. The sense of personal achievement and accomplishment was immense, though the event was never close to being the desperate ordeal the first day had promised. If you could finish a marathon, you could finish this. You have to suspend your preconceptions when thinking about the trip.” — Steven Seaton, Runner’s World, UK
