Fishtail Race 2026

Pokhara, Nepal

NB: the organisers generously moved this event edition from its usual first weekend in December, to the second week to avoid a clash with another race.

The Fishtail Race is an established trail running event held annually in Pokhara, Nepal, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Annapurna mountain range. Named after the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak, the race showcases the natural beauty of the Pokhara Valley, combining lakeside scenery, forested hills, rural villages, and Himalayan viewpoints. The event is organized by Himalayan Trail Running, a group known for delivering professionally managed trail races across Nepal.

Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most accessible outdoor destinations, located beside Phewa Lake and surrounded by rolling foothills that rise quickly into alpine terrain. The race routes take advantage of this geography, offering varied terrain that includes dirt trails, stone steps, forest singletrack, ridgelines, and occasional village paths. Runners are rewarded with views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and the wider Annapurna massif, particularly from higher ridges above the city.

The event offers multiple race distances to suit a wide range of participants. Shorter options such as 5 km, 21 km, and 42 km are designed for recreational runners and road athletes looking to experience trail running in Nepal. Longer endurance challenges are offered through the Fishtail 50 km and 100 km ultra races (usually in May), which feature significant elevation gain and more technical terrain, testing both fitness and mountain skills.

Routes vary slightly by edition, but longer distances generally involve sustained climbs into the hills surrounding Pokhara, followed by steep descents back toward the valley. Shorter races often use looped courses closer to the city and lakeside areas.

The 42 km ultra distance race is ITRA-certified and contributes ITRA points and UTMB Index scores, making Fishtail Race an attractive option for international trail runners seeking recognized results in a Himalayan setting.

Getting to Pokhara

International runners typically travel to Pokhara via Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital and main international gateway. Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) receives direct flights from major hubs in Asia and the Middle East. From Kathmandu, the fastest way to reach Pokhara is by a short domestic flight of approximately 25–30 minutes, offering spectacular views of the Himalayas in clear weather. For those preferring overland travel, tourist buses and private vehicles operate daily between Kathmandu and Pokhara, with journey times of around 6–8 hours depending on road conditions and traffic. Pokhara is well equipped for visitors, with a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, and transport services concentrated around the Lakeside area, which also provides easy access to race registration and start locations.

Link summary

• Official race website:
  https://fishtailrace.com/
• Official facebook page:
  https://www.facebook.com/fishtailrace
• Fishtail 100 Ultra event information:
  https://fishtailrace.com/events/fishtail-100-ultra-2025/
• ITRA race listing:
  https://itra.run/