The 30th Mt. Everest Challenge Marathon takes place on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Hailed by Runner’s World as "The World’s Most Beautiful Marathon," this 26-mile (42 km) high-altitude mountain race showcases vistas of four of the world’s five highest peaks: Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Open to both Indian nationals and international runners, the race welcomes trekkers, fast walkers, and seasoned endurance athletes with relaxed pacing constraints and no rigid stage cut-offs.
Important Logistics & Rules:
Eligibility: Open to Indian Nationals & International Runners. While international athletes usually take part via the full 100-mile package, Indian citizens can register strictly for the standalone marathon segment via Himalayan Run & Trek.
Cut-offs: No rigid stage cut-offs. The race accommodates trekkers, fast walkers, and seasoned endurance athletes with relaxed pacing constraints.
Mandatory Reporting: Independent marathon-only entries must report directly to the Sandakphu base camp area by 4:00 PM the evening before the race (October 30).
Eco-Preservation Rules: Throwing wrappers, plastic, or waste inside the pristine Singalila National Park zone is completely prohibited and grounds for immediate disqualification.
Starts at Sandakphu (11,815 ft). The first 18 miles follow a mountain ridge trail along the Indo-Nepal border before turning down through jungles, tea estates, and mountain hamlets to finish in Rimbik (6,600 ft / 2,235 m). Features 1,127m elevation gain and 2,735m descent.
Start: Sandakphu (11,815 ft)
Terrain: The first 18 miles roll out across a dramatic mountain ridge trail on the Indo-Nepal border. The final leg turns sharply down through lush jungles, tea estates, and remote mountain hamlets.
Elevation Change: 1,127 meters of intense altitude gain combined with a punishing 2,735 meters of downhill descent.
Finish Line: Valley town of Rimbik (6,600 ft / 2,235 m)
The event spans the border ridges of the Darjeeling district in West Bengal. Sandakphu (Starting Point Line): 734221 Rimbik (Finish Line Town): 734201 Mirik (Base Camp Resort Hub): 734214
The standard package features shared rustic mountain hut accommodations at the Sandakphu start and Rimbik finish lines, full course meals, aid station support, an event T-shirt/cap, and a finisher medal/certificate.
If you book the full 3-Night/4-Day marathon itinerary package through the organizer, it includes pickup from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) on Oct 29, transport up to Sandakphu, and return transfers after the race.