The 35th Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race is a multi-day stage ultra covering roughly 100 miles (~160 km). It traverses the dramatic Indo-Nepal border region near Darjeeling, West Bengal. Running peaks at altitudes up to 11,815 feet at Sandakphu. Participants pass through dense pine forests, isolated jungles, rivers, and remote mountain villages, experiencing views of four of the world's five highest peaks: Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Unlike standard competitive ultra-marathons, this race emphasizes scenery, cultural immersion, and safe personal pacing over breakneck competition.
A multi-day stage ultra covering roughly 100 miles (~160 km) traversing the Indo-Nepal border region near Darjeeling, West Bengal, peaking at 11,815 feet at Sandakphu. Terrain passes through dense pine forests, isolated jungles, rivers, and remote mountain villages with views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu. Stage 1: ~24 miles from Maneybhanjang (6,600 ft) to Sandakphu (11,815 ft) with 10,000 ft cumulative altitude gain. Stage 2: ~20 miles out-and-back high-altitude ridge trail from Sandakphu to Molle. Stage 3: ~26.4 miles (Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon) high ridge trail followed by a steep descent into Rimbik (6,350 ft). Stage 4: ~13 miles scenic rural road run from Rimbik to Palmajua. Stage 5: ~17 miles starting from Dhotre through pine forests down to Maneybhanjang.
Stage 1 (Oct 29): ~24 miles from Maneybhanjang (6,600 ft) to Sandakphu (11,815 ft). Features a grueling 10,000 ft cumulative altitude gain.
Stage 2 (Oct 30): ~20 miles. An out-and-back trail from Sandakphu to Molle, remaining entirely at a high-altitude ridge.
Stage 3 (Oct 31): ~26.4 miles (Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon). High ridge trail followed by a steep descent into Rimbik (6,350 ft).
Stage 4 (Nov 01): ~13 miles. A fast-paced, scenic rural road run from Rimbik to Palmajua, returning via event vehicles.
Stage 5 (Nov 02): ~17 miles. Final push starting from Dhotre through pine forests back down to Maneybhanjang.
The race takes place across the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India, looping through Mirik, Sandakphu, and Rimbik. Because it spans across multiple mountain ranges, there isn’t a single PIN code, but the critical base locations use: Mirik (Base Resort): 734214 Darjeeling (Local Hub): 734101
The comprehensive package covers airport transfers from Bagdogra (IXB), 7 nights of twin-sharing accommodations (at Mirik Lake Resort and rustic mountain huts), all meals, race support, and even a Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train ride sightseeing excursion.
Aid stations are positioned roughly every 2 to 4 miles. They provide mineral water, energy drinks, bananas, boiled potatoes, black salt, pepper, and glucose biscuits.
Expect extreme variations. Daytime trail temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C, but nights at the high-altitude Sandakphu huts plummet drastically between -1°C to 5°C.