Pokhara Ultra 2026

Pokhara Ultra – Trail Running in the Nepal Himalaya

The Pokhara Ultra is an annual trail running festival held in late November (with the 2025 event on November 29) that celebrates endurance, Himalayan scenery, and community spirit. It’s a multi-distance trail running championship based in the Pokhara region of Nepal, designed for trail runners ranging from adventure enthusiasts to competitive ultra-athletes.

Race Dates & Status

• 2025 Event Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025.
• 2026 Event: Scheduled for December 5, 2026 (registration anticipated to open soon).

While complete course details for 2026 are not yet published, the Pokhara Ultra continues as a late-year Himalayan trail classic that attracts runners from Nepal and overseas, combining challenging terrain with vibrant local culture.

Distances & Route Overview

The Pokhara Ultra offers a spectrum of race distances to suit a range of abilities:

• 100K Ultra Trail — the marquee distance for seasoned ultra runners.
• 55K Trail Race — a mid-distance challenge with significant climbs and technical terrain.
• 30K Trail — a demanding but more accessible course.
• 5K Fun Run — a short community distance for all ages.

Races are typically ITRA-approved and UTMB-Index eligible, meaning runners can earn points toward international trail credentials.

Course Characteristics

Participants traverse raw Himalayan trails high above the Pokhara Valley, moving from cloud forests near Yangjakot, across ridges above Tangting, and into alpine terrain near Sikles. Views from the ridgelines highlight iconic peaks such as Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), making the event as much a scenic experience as a competitive test.

Routes are technical with substantial elevation gain and loss — for example, the 100K course in 2025 included roughly 6,258–6,499 m of ascent, with similar descent. Time limits vary by distance, such as 24 hours for the full 100K and shorter windows for the 55K and 30K events.

How to Get There

Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most accessible mountain gateway cities:

• By Air: Regular flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara Airport (~30 minutes), followed by a short taxi or bus ride to central Pokhara.
• By Road: Tourist buses and private vehicles connect Pokhara with Kathmandu and the Indian border, with scenic views of terraced hills and the Annapurna range en route.

Once in Pokhara, the race venue is typically near Yangjakot and races start early in the morning. Organisers often provide discounted transportation and accommodation options around the race area for participants.

Why enter this race?

Breathtaking Scenery

The course cuts through landscapes rarely seen by mainstream tourists — from lush subtropical forests to high alpine meadows — framed by some of the most revered mountains on Earth.

Trail Culture & Local Support

Runners enjoy enthusiastic support from local communities. Villagers often line sections of the course, cheering competitors and providing a memorable cultural element to the race.

UTMB/ITRA Recognition

With ITRA points and UTMB Index grading available, the Pokhara Ultra appeals to serious athletes tracking their global trail credentials.

Post-Race Celebration

Finishers receive medals, certificates, refreshments, and vegetarian meals, while prize packages for top finishers can include travel incentives and cash prizes.

What to Expect

Even the shorter distances are physically demanding. Trails vary from steep ascents to technical mountain singletrack, requiring good trail fitness and preparedness for unpredictable weather. Most races provide GPS tracking devices for safety on remote sections.

The Pokhara Ultra is not only a race but a community celebration of trail running and Himalayan adventure — an unforgettable challenge for any trail enthusiast.