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One of the most adventurous trail runs on the planet & the world's highest ultra!


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Map Key

40.8

Miles

65.6

KM

77%

Runnable

17,515' 5,339 m

High

11,498' 3,505 m

Low

8,069' 2,459 m

Up

14,033' 4,277 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

54%

Max Grade (28°)

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Overview

Starting at Mount Everest Base Camp (17,500 feet) the Tenzing-Hillary Everest 60k Ultramarathon is the World's highest ultra, and one of the most adventurous trail runs in the world. The upcoming race will be held on October 5th, 2015. This race is an international event with runners from all over the world.

The Tenzing-Hillary Everest 60k Ultramarathon was created after receiving feedback from past Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon participants expressing an interest in a longer event and even greater challenge. So we have mapped out a 60K course which winds its way through the Sherpa villages, past Buddhist monasteries, across suspension bridges and within a beautiful mountain landscape. The first edition of the Mount Everest 60k Ultramarathon Trail Run was held on May 29, 2014.

From Everest Base Camp, the ultramarathon route starts downhill along rocky tracks and trails to the sherpa village of Phortse, where it climbs up to the Nha La at 4400 meters, and then descends along the Dudh Kosi to its finish at the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar (11,200ft).

Due to the high elevation of the race, all participants are requested to be in Nepal three weeks prior to the race for acclimatizing to the high altitude. This three-week adventure combines sightseeing tour in the capital, Kathmandu, a 14-day trek to the marathon starting point, an ascent of Kala Patthar (5545m/18200ft) for the best views of Everest. There may be snow and ice on the upper part and considerable exposure along much of the route. Experience on rough terrain is essential.

Need to Know

The ultramarathon starts from the Everest Base Camp (5364m/17,598ft) and finishes at Namche Bazaar (3446m/11306ft). From basecamp, the course heads to Gorekshep at 16,800 feet, and from there the trail gradually descends to Lobuche (15,875ft) and continues through a scenic valley to Dingboche (14,400ft). The trail splits at Pangboche taking you up to the quiet village of Phortse, where you'll begin a 10K, 2,000-foot uphill section to the Nha La Pass at 14,435 feet. As hard as this section will be, youll be treated to breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, the 8,000 meter Cho Oyu and the valleys below. From Nha La, the course descends through Machermo, Dole, Khumjung, and finishes to a cheering crowd at the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar at 11,200 feet.

Cautionary note: 2015 will mark the first running of this 60k event. The GPS track gives a conceptual overview of the course and may not be exact.

Description

This epic journey begins with a sweeping scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, and then a trek through Sherpa villages with beautiful views of the world's highest snowcapped peaks. The highest spot of this trip is Kalapatthar at 5545m/18200ft, from the summit of which we can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Himalayan peaks, ranges and glaciers including Mt. Everest, a stone's throw away.

Next, the trek heads to Everest Base Camp - the starting point for the race. Along the way, you'll pass through the Everest National Park and Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital town. You'll also visit the Buddhist monasteries of Pangboche (one of the oldest in the area) and Thyangboche (the biggest in the whole Himalayas) which was rebuilt after being burnt to the ground years ago (apparently the old monk wanted to douse the electric heater by banging it on the floor).

This is the only trip, apart from mountaineering expeditions, that has overnight camping right at the base of towering Mt Everest near the notorious Khumbu Icefall.

It is indeed a great pleasure for Himalaya Expeditions Private Limited to welcome you all to Namche Bazaar for the 2nd edition of the 60km Ultramarathon. This amazing event is conducted to commemorate the first successful ascent of Everest by Late Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Late Sir Edmund Hillary on 29th May 1953. It will run alongside the original Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon. We consider these races to be a most fitting tribute to these two great men icons of adventurous souls in the annals of human history and civilization.

For the 14-day trek to Everest Base Camp, participants will be divided into groups each led by a professional, English-speaking Nepali trek leader and backed by a Sherpa staff of cooks, porters and medical personnel.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to group hotel.
Day 2: A free day in Kathmandu with a half-day guided sightseeing tour.
Day 3: Fly to Lukla (9,200ft) and trek to Phakding (8,900ft). 3-hour trek.
Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazaar (11,200ft). 5 to 6-hour trek.
Day 5: Rest and acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar.
Day 6: Trek to Khumjung (12,235ft). 2 to 3-hour trek.
Day 7: Trek to Dole (13,780ft). 3 to 4-hour trek.
Day 8: Trek to Machermo (14,465ft). 3 to 4-hour trek.
Day 9: Trek to Gokyo Lakes (15,615ft). 4 to 5-hour trek.
Day 10: Optional hike up Gokyo Ri (17,800ft) and trek to Na La (14,890ft). 4-hour trek.
Day 11: Trek to Phortse Village (12,465ft). 5 to 6-hour trek.
Day 12: Trek to Dingboche (14,400ft). 5-hour trek.
Day 13: Rest and acclimatization day at Dingboche.
Day 14: Trek to Lobuche (15,875ft). 4 to 5-hour trek.
Day 15: Trek to Gorakshep (16,800ft). Optional hike up Kala Pattar (18,200ft).
Day 16: Optional hike up Kala Pattar and continue to Everest Base Camp (17,500ft).
Day 17: At Everest Base Camp preparing for the run.
Day 18: Mount Everest Ultra Marathon Trail Run ending in Namche Bazaar.
Day 19: Rest day at Namche Bazaar.
Day 20: Trek to Phakding (8,900ft). 5 to 6-hour trek.
Day 21: Trek to Lukla (9,200ft). 3 to 4-hour trek.
Day 22: Fly to Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 23: Free day in Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 24: Transfer to airport and depart.

Shared By:

Jason Smith

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Photos

Running on a glacier is quite a unique experience.
May 3, 2015 near Lobujya, NP
A sharp-looking Ama Dablam from Kala Pattar
May 3, 2015 near Lobujya, NP
Cranking down some awesome singletrack!
May 3, 2015 near Lobujya, NP
A racer finishing this epic race.
May 3, 2015 near Namche…, NP
Enjoying an awesome view of Mt. Amadablam on our day 4th of Everest Base Camp Trek.
Mar 13, 2023 near Namche…, NP
Coming down on the Everest Base Camp Trail.
May 3, 2015 near Lobujya, NP

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