Himalayan Xtreme Trail Running Fest 2026

The Himalayan Trail Running Fest 2026 is India's premier high-altitude mountain racing event, taking place in Manali on July 3rd and 5th, 2026. Organized by Himalayan Xtreme, the festival features five distinct races ranging from a beginner-friendly 1.5K Fun Run to the brutal 78.77K Twin Pass Ultra Challenge scaling both Rohtang La and Hamta Pass. Designed to international ITRA (International Trail Running Association) standards, the competitive courses allow elite and amateur athletes alike to test their endurance, conquer legendary Himalayan peaks up to 4,300 meters, and earn global performance points. 

•Dates: July 3rd and July 5th, 2026 ​

•Bib Expo Date: July 2nd, 2026 ​

•Bib Expo Location: ABVIMAS (Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports), Manali ​

•Host Location: Manali, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India ​

•Organizer: Himalayan Xtreme Sports Association

​A non-competitive, stress-free celebration of movement and community spirit, perfect for families and beginners. ​

•Date: Saturday, July 5, 2026 ​

•Start Time: 7:00 AM

•Start & Finish: ABVIMAS, Manali

•Terrain: Scenic, paved loop ​

•Cutoff Time: None (Non-timed) ​Age Limit: 5 to 90+ years old ​

•Registration Fee: ₹250 (Valid till July 1, 2026) ​

•Inclusions: Official Finisher Medal ​

2. Manali Vertical Challenge (5.10 km) ​

Manali's first real Vertical Kilometer (VK)—a pure, relentless battle against gravity with zero recovery. ​

•Date: July 3, 2026 ​

•Start & Finish: Prini to Sethan ​

•Stats: 5.10 km distance with a massive +1,069m continuous elevation gain ​

•Terrain: Steep steps, village paths, and forest trails ​

•Cutoff Time: 2.5 hours

•Age Limit: 16 years or older ​

•Registration Fee: ₹2,500 (Late entry till July 1, 2026) ​

•Inclusions: Official BIB, T-Shirt, Finisher Medal, Hydration & Medical Support, E-Certificate, and return transportation from the Sethan finish line back to the start line. ​

​An exhilarating alpine challenge traversing historic village paths and iconic high-altitude trekking trails. ​

•Date: July 5, 2026 ​

•Start & Finish: Mountaineering Institute, Manali to Chikka Base Camp (and back to Jobri) ​

•Stats: 19.7 km actual distance | +1,893m Elevation Gain | -953m Elevation Loss ​

•Terrain: Technical descents, steep village steps, forest trails, and high-altitude river tracks ​

•Cutoff Time: 5 hours ​

•Age Limit: 18 years or older

•ITRA Certification: Approved for 1 ITRA Point (Part of the ITRA National League)

•Registration Fee: ₹3,390 (Late entry till July 1, 2026) ​

•Inclusions: Official BIB, T-Shirt, Finisher Medal, Fully equipped Aid Stations, Medical Support, E-Certificate, and return transport to Manali. ​

4. Hamta Pass Sky Traverse (39.5 km) ​

A high-speed, expert-level assault on India's #1 trek route, plunging from Lahaul's barren terrain to Kullu's lush valley. ​

•Date: July 5, 2026

•Start & Finish: Chattru (Start) to Mountaineering Institute, Manali (Finish) ​

•Stats: 39.5 km distance | +1,535m Elevation Gain | Max High Point: 4,300m (Hamta Pass) ​

•Terrain: Highly technical trails, high-altitude river crossings, alpine descents ​

•Cutoff Time: 11 hours total (Strict checkpoint cutoffs apply at Shia Goru, Hamta Pass, Balu Gera, and Sethan) ​

•Age Limit: 18+ with prior high-altitude or technical trail experience (Mandatory gear required)

•ITRA Certification: Approved for 2 ITRA Points ​

•Registration Fee: ₹15,950 (Late entry till July 1, 2026)

•​Inclusions: Official BIB, T-Shirt, Finisher Medal, Camp accommodation and meals in Chattru, Transportation to the Chattru start line, Aid Stations, Medical Support, and Insurance Coverage.

5. Twin Pass Ultra Challenge (78.77 km)

​India's ultimate high-altitude "double-colossus" showdown. A brutal, self-reliant loop crowning two legendary passes: Rohtang La and Hamta Pass. ​

•Date: Night of July 4, 2026 (Wave-based start) ​

•Start & Finish: Mountaineering Institute, Manali (Loop) ​

•Stats: 78.77 km distance | Balanced +4,560m / -4,560m Elevation Change | High Point: 4,300m ​

•Route: Manali → Rohtang La (3,978m) → Gramphu → Chandra River Valley → Chatru → Hamta Pass (4,300m) → Balu Ka Gera → Jobri → Prini → Manali. ​

•Cutoff Time: 23 hours

•​Age Limit: 18+ with mandatory prior 50km ultra-marathon finishing experience ​

•ITRA Certification: Approved for 4 ITRA Points (50M Category) ​

•Registration Fee: ₹13,950 (Late entry till July 1, 2026) ​

•Inclusions: Official BIB, Custom Twin Pass Finisher Medal, T-Shirt, 8 fully stocked Aid Stations, Food during the race, Medical Support, Crew access points at Gramphu & Chatru, and Insurance Coverage. ​

Opportunities ​Himalayan Xtreme is actively seeking visionary brand partners, gear sponsors, and "Green Warrior" sustainability partners to establish this event as Asia’s premier trail running festival. ​

•Targeted Outreach: Direct visibility to outdoor enthusiasts, high-intent athletes, and luxury adventure travelers. ​

•Media Leverage: Access to professionally produced video, high-quality digital assets, and high-impact social media campaigns.

•On-Ground Activation: Product sampling, exclusive experiential activations, and VIP access. ​•Community Impact: Support local mountain guides, uplift local high-altitude athletes, and champion sustainable eco-tourism in India. ​

For registration inquiries, volunteer applications (medical, photography, navigation), and corporate sponsorship packages, reach out to the organizers directly: ​

•Organization Name: Himalayan Xtreme Sports Association ​

•Headquarters Address: V.P.O Vashisht, Manali, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India - 175103 ​

•Primary Phone Number: +91 98161 74164

•​Secondary Phone Number: +91 98889 18888

•Official Email Address: manalimarathon@gmail.com