The Great Himalayan Race II, April -June 2024: A 51-Stage Challenge

Referred as "The Race You See From The Moon", the second edition of The Great Himalayan Race, a formidable 51-stage endurance challenge, is set to commence its 2024 edition on April 9, along the pathways of the celebrated Great Himalayan Trail (GHT). A diverse cohort of forty-four seasoned runners, hailing both from Nepal and the broader global community, are preparing to embark on this remarkable adventure that will span nearly two months.

The Grand Himal Race traverses the soaring heights of the Himalayas, weaving near Nepal's ten towering peaks surpassing eight thousand meters. Along this route, competitors will encounter magnificent views of Yalung Kang (8,420 m), Kanchenjunga (8,598 m), Makalu (8,475 m), Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,501 m), Lhotse Shar (8,383 m), Cho Oyu (8,153 m), Manaslu (8,156 m), Annapurna (8,091 m), and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). Beginning at the Kanchenjunga Base Camp near Nepal’s Eastern border and culminating at Hilsa on the Western frontier—merely a bridge away from Tibet—the complete journey spans 1,700 kilometers and ascends a total of 90,000 meters.

As the competitors gathered in Kathmandu earlier in the week, they engaged in necessary preparations that included securing trek permits and undergoing a thorough medical review. Additionally, they meticulously prepared their equipment and supply bags. This weekend, participants will board flights to Nepalganj followed by a transfer to Simikot, leading up to their arrival at Hilsa on Nepal's northwestern frontier with China – marking the official start line for the race.

Under the guidance of Race Director Bruno Poirier of France, the racers will test their limits from day one. The inaugural phase entails a grueling 41km route beginning from Hilsa's elevation of 3,650m, climbing up to Nara Lagna at 4,580m before descending to Taplung at 2,880m. The race's pinnacle is anticipated during the 15th stage on Day 22 – reaching the breathtaking height of 5,694m at Ghami La in Mustang. Despite Stage 25 being noted as the lengthiest at 43km, each segment of this extreme marathon is an exceptional challenge. As the challenges are very extreme, safety days are included in between to adjust any change in the scheduled plan.

Mid-race milestones include Muktinath on Day 27 and Manang on Day 30. After overcoming extraordinary distances and elevations over five weeks, athletes will find respite on Day 41 beside Bhote Kosi's banks northeast of Kathmandu. If all unfolds according to plan, by Day 60 – Stage 51 – they will celebrate their arrival at the elusive Kanchenjunga Base Camp perched at an altitude of 5,143m on May 31st.

Interspersed with intense anticipation and communal spirit among the runners, this demanding journey will traverse across 27 high-altitude passes in the Himalayas; most soar above the formidable height of 5,000m where weather conditions are notoriously variable and can impose sudden changes in route or necessitate emergency shelter.

The critical period of respite after each day's exertions includes nourishment intake, essential hygiene practices, and restorative sleep. To maintain self-sufficiency across unpredictable terrains and climates throughout this epic race, each runner shoulders a backpack laden with essential gears, nutrition supplies, and comprehensive first aid resources – cumulatively weighing up to an immense burden of around 20 kilograms.

The prestigious Great Himal Race welcomes both male and female participants who meet the specified qualifications, normally detailed as follows: a proven track record in trail running, experience in multi-stage racing events, familiarity with high-elevation environments at or exceeding 4,800 meters or laboratory-induced hypoxia simulating conditions at 5,000 meters, noteworthy achievements in trail or adventure racing, practical skills in navigation such as map and compass usage during adventure races, and formal recognition or training in first aid and rescue operations.

Regarding the essential gears, throughout the race, every participant is required to carry items like a backpack, a sleeping bag rated for minus ten degrees Celsius, a tent, a waterproof raincoat comparable to Gore-Tex, an emergency thermal blanket, an extra set of batteries for their headlamp, a whistle for emergencies, a signal mirror, and a first-aid kit that contains a strapping bandage along with personal medication that racers should be sufficiently prepared to self-administer in case of common illnesses encountered in Asian terrains or mountainous regions. Mandatory medications, specified in a list to be provided before the event, must also be included. Runners must have containers for at least two liters of liquid, one climbing carabiner, a set of crampons for ice traction, three meters of rope with a thickness of 8 mm or greater, an alpinism helmet designed for mountain pursuits, a portable stove with enough fuel supply, and an emergency provision of 3,000 calories' worth of food including at least 1,000 calories from dehydrated sources. Having a mobile phone capable of making calls within Nepal and to one's home country is highly advised. Participants may carry additional equipment as they see fit and have the option to forward gear that will be transported to eight different checkpoints on the route; however, these forwarded items are subject to restrictions regarding their weight and volume.

Throughout the competition, the participant is responsible for their sustenance, having the option to pack provisions in advance or resupply en route. Generally, every 30 to 45 minutes, participants will encounter a village where an assortment of refreshments—ranging from snacks and cookies to chocolate bars and slabs, as well as the local staple, dal-bat (a combination of lentils and rice)—can be purchased. Hydration is readily accessible; villages along the way provide water, and natural water sources like streams and rivers are also common, encountered with similar frequency, with the exception being during climbs to or descents from mountain passes. To ensure safety, any water sourced must be treated with a purifying agent such as Micropur before drinking. After treatment, a waiting time of one hour is advisable to guarantee the water is safe for consumption. Carrying two bottles or canteens is wise to stay hydrated during the wait times for purification.

The Great Himalayan Trail - Nepal Segment

Spanning the expanse of the Himalayas, the Great Himalayan Trail presents an east-to-west journey through Nepal. This concept was born from a vision to create an extensive trekking path stretching approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,100 miles) from Nepal's eastern to western frontiers. The GHT, as it is known in short, is a formidable trek that winds through various mountain terrains within Nepal, measuring about 1,700 kilometers (1,100 miles). Trekking along this trail introduces adventurers to eight awe-inspiring peaks above eight thousand meters in height and welcomes them to a world characterized by diverse terrain, rich cultural tapestries, and varying levels of trekking trials. The vision for the GHT extends beyond the borders of Nepal with a proposed path over 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) in length that would navigate the entire span of the Greater Himalaya range from Nanga Parbat in Pakistan to Namche Barwa in Tibet, crossing through India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.

Travelers embarking on this route will encounter an astonishing variety of environments, wildlife, and heritage—from elusive snow leopards and enchanting red pandas; from lush sub-tropical jungles to delicate ecosystems found at high altitudes; from the legacy of the Sherpas to the mysticism of Shamanism and timeless traditions of Bön Buddhism in Dolpa.

The Nepalese segment of the GHT is segmented into distinct parts, each promising its own set of sceneries and trials. Trekkers may opt to navigate individual sections or embark on the full journey which spans several months. Here's an overview of some key sections:

• Far-West Nepal: Meander through the secluded Karnali region for authentic cultural experiences far from widespread tourism.
• Dolpo Region: Traverse elevated routes amid stark landscapes while discovering the distinctive Bon culture.
• Manaslu Circuit: A pathway that not only circles Mt. Manaslu but also showcases a variety of species within the Manaslu Conservation Area.
• Annapurna Circuit: A well-traveled loop around the Annapurna massif known for brilliant mountain vistas and ecological diversity.
• Everest Region: Home to mighty Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), this path leads through the Khumbu Valley with its legendary Sherpa communities.
• Makalu Barun: Set foot in eastern Himalayan expanses with complex terrains, icy formations, and habitats teeming with wildlife.

The acronym "GHT" was first used in 2009 to describe a route that, in certain areas, was no more than a hypothetical line on the map. It initially spanned only Nepal but has since extended from Bhutan to Kashmir, reaching a length of over 4,500 kilometers. The Great Himalaya Trail has witnessed a growing array of associated endeavors since its inception. A notable example is British adventurer Sean Burch, who combined the Cultural Trail from Pashupatinagar to Arughat with the High Route extending from Arughat to Hilsa. He completed this extensive journey of 2,012 kilometers across the Nepali landscape in just 49 days (from August 22nd to October 9th, 2010), conquering an overall ascent of 79,200 meters and descent of 73,200 meters.

Embarking on the GHT is a serious endeavor, suitable only for those with robust physical health, acclimatization to lofty heights, and tenacity. Considerations to bear in mind include:

• Necessary Permits and Planning: You may need specific permissions and arrangements based on your chosen segment of the trail. It's essential to do your homework in advance.
• Choosing between a Guided or Solo Journey: Opting for a guided excursion can aid with acquiring permits, logistics, and ensuring safety. Conversely, trekking solo demands considerable experience and meticulous preparation.
• Prime Time for Trekking: The preferred time for hiking varies across different parts of the GHT. Typically, the months of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) present amiable climate conditions.

Concept of the Race and The First Edition in 2017

The Great Himalayan Race was born out of the ambition of a French organization called Les Chevaliers du Vent (The Knights of the Wind). Inspired by the vastness and grandeur of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT), they envisioned a grueling multi-stage ultramarathon that would push human limits in the majestic Himalayas.

The first edition of the race was organised in 2017 with 35 participants at the start. The route was modified four times due to snow or weather conditions and only eleven participants completed the entire route on foot: five Nepalese, three French, an American, an Indonesian, and a Thai. Among these eleven runners, two women managed to connect the Kanchenjunga Base Camp to Hilsa in 46 days: the Nepalese Chhechi Sherpa Rai (360 h) and the French Virginie Duterme (453 h 20).

Jagan Timilsina who completed the race in 45 days was the winner. After winning the race, he mentioned that There is no first and no last. We are all winners