Capital to Country Ultra – A Multi-Day Ultra Through Nepal

Ready for the Adventure of a Lifetime?

Prepare yourself for the Capital to Country Ultra, an unforgettable, five-day, 123-mile, self-sufficient race through the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal. Featured in the book 862 to Kathmandu, this race has been described as "when the Marathon des Sables meets Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc," combining an intense physical challenge with cultural immersion. Runners from across the world come together in this iconic journey, forging friendships and experiencing the pure thrill of a multi-day ultra.

Race Highlights

• Race Location: Nepal, starting in Kathmandu and ending in the picturesque Lama Village.
• Race Duration: Five days, covering a distance of 123 miles across rugged, scenic terrain.
• Terrain: A mix of jeep trails, mountain paths, and roads winding through Nepal’s lush hills and rural villages, ensuring every step offers a new challenge.
• Unique Experience: Immerse yourself in the rich local culture, stay at traditional campsites, and participate in spiritual ceremonies with local monks and village leaders.
• Sustainability: Our event supports the local economy by sourcing all goods and services locally. A portion of proceeds goes to community development projects in the regions we pass through.

Itinerary and Course Overview

Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at your hotel in Kathmandu, where you'll have time to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy sightseeing around the city, visit local markets, and explore the vibrant culture of Nepal. Wander through historic sites like Durbar Square or take in the views from Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple). In the evening, we will conduct a final kit check before you rest for a good night’s sleep.

Day 2 – Stage 1: Sankhu to Kasibanjayang (Approx. 27 miles)

After a 45-minute bus ride to Sankhu, a historic town on the edge of the Kathmandu Valley, the race begins. Starting at 4,500 ft, runners will face a climb up to Jhule (6,531 ft) before reaching Kattike Banjayang (5,769 ft). The route continues uphill to Nagarkot (6,353 ft), a popular tourist site offering sweeping views of the Himalayas, before descending to Kasibanjayang for the first night’s camp.

Day 3 – Stage 2: Kasibanjayang to Bhakundebesi (Approx. 23 miles)

Expect a challenging mix of ascents and descents with stunning panoramic views of terraced fields and distant peaks. This stage includes a short section on a blacktop road where runners will cross safely with the help of a marshal. A highlight is passing the spiritual site of Namobuddha, known for its religious significance to Buddhists, before the day concludes with an overnight camp at Bhakundebesi.

Day 4 – Stage 3: Bhakundebesi to Mukpatar (Approx. 30 miles)

Today’s route offers spectacular mountain views, with dramatic terraced farmland along the way. The stage passes through the Tamang communities and their traditional villages, including Temal, where you can witness traditional farming practices and hospitality. The night will be spent camping by the Sunkoshi River, providing a serene and scenic rest stop.

Day 5 – Stage 4: Mukpatar to Lama Home (Approx. 16 miles)

This stage offers breathtaking views of Gauri Shankar and Langtang ranges, both towering peaks that define the region’s rugged beauty. You’ll also experience the warm hospitality of rural Nepalese communities, who will cheer you on as you pass through their picturesque villages. The day ends at Lama Home, where you’ll stay overnight in a traditional village house.

Day 6 – Stage 5: The Lama Trail Marathon (Approx. 26 miles)

The final stage begins with a blessing from a chanting monk before you set off on the Lama Trail Marathon. The route follows sacred paths through traditional Nepalese villages, leading you to the heart of the countryside. This challenging stage will take you to the finish line, where you’ll be celebrated with a traditional party and cultural ceremony in the village to mark the completion of your incredible journey.

Essential Event Information

• Local Guide Team: Led by our experienced local race manager, you’ll have expert support throughout the journey, with guides fluent in both English and Nepali.
• Mandatory Equipment: Participants must carry all food and personal gear, including a backpack, sleeping bag, water bottles, trail shoes, first aid kit, and essential gear. A full kit list will be provided.

Accommodation

Your stay at the Hotel Moonlight on the nights of November 24 and November 30 is included in the cost of the event, based on two sharing. The hotel offers a comfortable base with all modern amenities. During the race, you’ll stay at pre-prepared campsites and village bunkhouses, which offer a unique and comfortable experience in the heart of the Himalayas. The facilities are basic but provide everything you need to recharge for the next stage of the race, including delicious local food prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Daily Routine

Each day begins with an early morning wake-up call, followed by a hearty breakfast of traditional Nepali food like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice) and freshly baked bread. After preparing your kit, you will head out to tackle the daily stage of the race. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, you’ll be provided with water, time to relax, and a briefing for the following day’s route. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful setting under the stars, as the day winds down with campfires and camaraderie. The evening offers a chance to bond with other runners and reflect on the day's experiences.

Event Details

• When: Arrive in Kathmandu by 9 am on November 24, 2024
• Start Time: Event starts November 25, 2024, until December 1, 2024
• Price:
  • £325 Initial deposit (non-refundable) payable on booking.
  • Followed by 3 payments:
    • £425 due by July 31, 2024
    • £450 due by August 31, 2024
    • £450 due by September 30, 2024 – Total payable: £1650
• Age Limit: Participants must be over 18
• Mandatory Equipment: (Full list provided)

Prizes & Awards

• 1st, 2nd & 3rd place will receive a trophy and a special prize.
• All finishers will receive a commemorative trophy, acknowledging your perseverance and achievement.
• A traditional Nepalese party will be held at the finish line to celebrate your accomplishment, complete with local dances, music, and a feast.

Medical Cover & Insurance

• A local medical team will be available during the race for basic support. However, participants must have their own medical insurance that covers emergency evacuation in case of serious illness or injury. We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance for the event.

Trackers & Real-Time Tracking

Each runner will be provided with a Geo Tracks GPS Tracker to ensure real-time tracking throughout the event. Friends and family can follow your progress online via the Geo Tracks app, which is available for both Apple and Android. The tracker updates every 10 seconds, providing your exact location on the map, ensuring safety and giving everyone a chance to cheer you on remotely!

Flights and Travel

To ensure you arrive in time for the Capital to Country Ultra, please plan your travel carefully. Here’s everything you need to know:

Flight Requirements

• Arrival Deadline: Ensure your flight arrives in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport, KTM) no later than 9 am on November 24, 2024. This will give you time to settle in and join the group for the pre-race briefing and activities.
• Flight Duration: Most flights from the UK to Kathmandu take approximately 13 hours, though this can vary depending on your layover location.
• Common Routes: There are no direct flights from the UK to Kathmandu. You will need to take a connecting flight, typically via one of these major hubs:
  • Doha (Qatar Airways)
  • Delhi (Air India, British Airways)
  • Kuwait (Kuwait Airways)
  • Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)

Booking Your Flight

We recommend using flight comparison websites such as Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals and routes. When booking, please ensure your flight arrives no later than November 24, 2024, at 9 am.

Important:

Once you’ve booked your flight, please send us your flight details, including flight number and arrival time, to help us coordinate your arrival and transport.

Airport to Hotel Transfer

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu, you’ll have a 20-minute drive to the Hotel Moonlight, where we’ll be staying on arrival day (November 24) and departure day (November 30). Our team will provide you with detailed transport instructions closer to the event.

What's Included

• Seven days in the most beautiful scenery, with the care and love of the Nepalese people, immersing you in the culture and warmth of rural Nepal.
• Two nights of bed and breakfast hotel accommodation (based on two sharing) for the night before and after the race.
• Bus transfers to the start and finish of the race to ensure smooth logistics.
• A visit to the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Stupa), a UNESCO World Heritage site offering panoramic views of Kathmandu.
• A blessing by a monk to begin your race journey with good fortune.
• Permits and entry fees to the national park, which supports the conservation of Nepal's natural beauty.
• General ground assistance throughout the race, ensuring you have the help and support you need.
• Campsites with shared tents for the duration of the event, providing a comfortable and communal environment.
• Bottled water provided throughout the race to stay hydrated.
• Hot water at campsites for breakfast and dinner preparation.
• Local medical assistance, if required, for the duration of the event to ensure your safety.
• A tracker for real-time location monitoring throughout the race.
• Finisher’s trophy to commemorate your achievement.
• Finisher’s T-shirt as a keepsake of your incredible journey.
• Professional photos of your adventure, provided on a memory stick post-event.
• A traditional Nepalese end-of-event party with a local band, cultural performances, and delicious food.
• Breakfast before the return to Kathmandu for your departure.
• A farewell dinner at a Kathmandu restaurant, where you can celebrate your success with your fellow runners.

What's Not Included

• Flights to and from Nepal.
• Evening meals at the hotel on the first night.
• Food for the race – Participants must carry their own food for the duration of the event (details provided in the kit list).
• Running equipment – Participants are responsible for their own running gear.
• Medical insurance to cover advanced medical care and medical evacuation.
• Cancellation insurance for trip cancellations or interruptions.
• Spending money for souvenirs, additional meals, or personal expenses.
• Tourist visa for entry into Nepal (participants must arrange this themselves).

Sign Up Now

Don’t miss your chance to take on one of the most incredible ultra-marathons in the world. Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure or the challenge of a lifetime, the Capital to Country Ultra offers a truly unique experience. Sign up today and join us for an adventure you’ll never forget!