Himalayan Xtreme Trail Running Fest Brings Mountain Endurance Running to Manali

The Himalayas have long attracted trekkers, climbers, cyclists, and adventurers. In recent years, they have also become an increasingly important destination for trail runners seeking challenging terrain and high-altitude routes.

Among the events contributing to that growth is the Himalayan Xtreme Trail Running Fest, a mountain running festival set in the landscapes surrounding Manali.

Featuring four race categories, the event offers participants an opportunity to test themselves across forests, alpine terrain, mountain passes, and high Himalayan landscapes.

Four Distinct Challenges

The festival includes:

• Manali Vertical Challenge (5.10 km)
• Chikka Jobri Dash (18 km)
• Hamta Pass Sky Traverse (39.5 km)
• Twin Pass Ultra Challenge (78.77 km)

Several of the festival's races are recognised by both the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and the UTMB Index, allowing runners to earn qualifying points and performance indexes recognised internationally.

ITRA and UTMB Index Recognition

Chikka Jobri Dash (18 km)

• ITRA: 1 Point
• UTMB Index: 20K

Hamta Pass Sky Traverse (39.5 km)

• ITRA: 2 Points
• UTMB Index: 50K

Twin Pass Ultra Challenge (78.77 km)

• ITRA: 4 Points
• UTMB Index: 100K

These certifications place Himalayan Xtreme among the growing number of Indian trail running events that provide internationally recognised race credentials for participants pursuing trail and ultra running goals worldwide.

Learn more about the ITRA Points System and the UTMB Index.

The festival offers participants an opportunity to test themselves on routes that pass through forests, alpine terrain, and high Himalayan landscapes.

More than just a race weekend, Himalayan Xtreme represents the growing presence of trail and ultra running in the Indian Himalayas.

The event is designed for runners seeking mountain terrain, elevation gain, technical trails, and the unique challenges that come with high-altitude environments. Each route presents a different level of difficulty while sharing the same backdrop: the mountains surrounding Manali.

Bringing Trail Running to the Himalayas

Trail running has seen steady growth around the world over the past decade, and events like Himalayan Xtreme are helping build that culture in India. The combination of mountain landscapes, established trails, and challenging elevation profiles makes the Himalayas a natural setting for the sport.

Through Forests, Villages, and High Mountain Terrain

The festival's routes explore diverse terrain, offering participants everything from steep ascents and forest trails to alpine sections and mountain pass crossings. Along the way, runners move through landscapes that showcase the remarkable diversity of the region.

Each route tells a different story. Some sections pass through forests and meadows, while others climb into terrain where the mountains become the defining feature of the experience.

Beyond the Finish Line

While the distances and elevation gains make Himalayan Xtreme Trail Running Fest a serious endurance challenge, the experience extends beyond race day statistics. The event offers participants an opportunity to spend time in landscapes that demand focus, resilience, and an appreciation for the environment around them.

For many runners, the memories that remain are often connected as much to the places they pass through as the finish line itself.

As the event continues to establish itself on India's trail running calendar, it also highlights the growing appeal of mountain endurance sports in the Himalayas.

For runners, Himalayan Xtreme Trail Running Fest offers an opportunity to experience some of the most spectacular terrain around Manali while taking on a significant physical challenge. For the wider outdoor community, it represents another chapter in the evolving story of adventure sports in the Indian Himalayas.

Register for Himalayan Xtreme Trail Running Fest

Runners interested in participating can find race information, course details, and registration options on the Himalayan Xtreme website.