Everest Trail Race is a 160km / 6 stages ultra marathon in Lukla, Nepal. Distance: 160km. Elevation: 9,000m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 72/100). DNF rate: 20%. Time limit: 48h. Surface: trail. Established 2013.
Everest Trail Race
Lukla, Solukhumbu, Nepal
"160km to Everest Base Camp at 5,360m."
A 6-stage race to Everest Base Camp.
The Course
A 160km multi-stage race through the Khumbu region of Nepal, following ancient Sherpa trading routes beneath the highest peaks on earth. The course climbs from Jiri (1,905m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) over 6 stages, crossing high passes, glacial moraines, and suspension bridges over raging Himalayan rivers. Runners pass through Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and Gorak Shep — the last settlement before Everest. Above 4,000m, every step is an altitude test. The thin air at 5,000m+ reduces performance by 25-30%.
mountainous
point-to-point
3
5,360m
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Everest Trail Race is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
0°C
-15° – 10°
30%
5%
Himalayan late autumn — cold and dry.
Stats & Records
2013
40
48:00:00
32:15:00
Sange Sherpa (2023)
40:30:00
Mira Rai (2022)
Entry
USD 3500
February
months
Lore & Trivia
The Everest Trail Race follows the classic Everest Base Camp trekking route — but at running pace, compressed into 6 days. The course traces paths walked by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, by generations of Sherpa traders carrying goods between Tibet and the Khumbu valley, and by the hundreds of thousands of trekkers who've made this pilgrimage since. Running it adds a layer of suffering that trekkers don't experience: the altitude hits harder when your heart rate is elevated, the descents destroy quads weakened by thin air, and the overnight recoveries at teahouse lodges are never enough.
- ▸ The course reaches Everest Base Camp at 5,360m.
- ▸ Runners pass Tengboche Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Sherpa people.
- ▸ The Khumbu Icefall is visible from the finish.
At 5,000 metres, the Himalaya doesn't care about your training. It cares about your respect.
Notable Editions
Sange Sherpa's Home Course Masterclass
Local Sherpa runner Sange Sherpa destroyed the international field, running the high-altitude stages with an ease that reminded everyone: the Khumbu is his backyard, not yours.
Compare with another race
Similar Races
9 APR 2026
Ultra Trail Annapurna
Pokhara, Nepal
27 JUN 2026
Gobi March
Hami, China
27 JUN 2026
Gobi March (4 Deserts)
Jiayuguan, China
15 JAN 2027
Run the Rann
Kutch, India
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Everest Trail Race? +
Everest Trail Race is a 160km / 6 stages (160km) ultra marathon with 9,000m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is Everest Trail Race? +
Everest Trail Race is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 72/100 (Demanding). The DNF rate is 20%. Runners have 48 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Everest Trail Race? +
Average temperature is 0°C (range -15°C to 10°C) with 30% humidity and a 5% chance of rain. Himalayan late autumn — cold and dry.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Everest Trail Race? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required.
What is the course record for Everest Trail Race? +
The men's course record is 32:15:00 set by Sange Sherpa in 2023. The women's course record is 40:30:00 set by Mira Rai in 2022.
What is the average finish time for Everest Trail Race? +
The average finish time is 48:00:00. About 40 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 20%.
Are you the organizer? Claim this race
Stay in the loop
New races, course records, and stories from the trail — monthly