What will a normal day be like?
Every day varies subtly, depending on the length of the stage, the weather etc. As a general rule we’ll get up at 6:30am, pack our bags and eat breakfast (Maybe eggs, flat bread, pancakes, porridge, tea/coffee etc). While eating we may have a short briefing and people will then collect a packed lunch (Maybe chapatti with egg, a muesli bar, sandwich etc), and prepare for the start. Start times will range from 7am – 9am.
During the stages there will be various checkpoints where you will be able to access some minor support in the form of water and additional snacks/lollies. You will also generally pass small local stores and tea houses where you will be able to purchase more food and drinks should you need them. The time and location you eat your packed lunch is entirely up to you.
Upon reaching the finish, once warm and refuelled, you can explore the local surroundings, cheer for fellow participants, wash, change, and start your recovery. Around 6:30pm we will have dinner. After dinner the race director will provide a wrap up for the day and briefing for the next stage.
What is the accommodation like?
We overnight in tea-houses, which are the local hotels for trekkers. Normally there’s a central communal area where all the guests sit, eat and keep warm by the fire. The rooms are very simple with a wooden bed, a reasonably comfortable mattress and pillow. Blankets are also available if needed, however you will be required to bring a sleeping bag and it’s advised to also have a bag liner.
Is there a cut-off time for each stage?
You can take as long as you need. It’s a running and hiking event with no hard time limit. Our sweepers will be at the back of the field to ensure the slowest movers will be able to get to the end of the stage safely. But we do encourage participants to arrive fit and healthy, with the goal of completing each stage by 5pm. This allows you ample time to prepare for dinner and also avoids the colder temperatures after dark.
What do I have to carry while running?
Keeping in mind you will be in the mountains, with much of the event at altitudes above 3,500m, you will need adequate equipment to be safe and warm. Please refer the list of Mandatory Gear here. By all means you can carry more, particularly warm clothing when we are at higher altitudes, however most days the listed gear will be adequate.
What food will be available?
Dinners will consist of traditional Nepalese trekking foods, such as dal bhat (Rice, dal and vegetables), chapatti, momo and vegetable chow mein. Lunches will be packed foods such as sandwiches, chapatti and muesli bars If you have special dietary requirements or allergies, please let us know in advance and we will do our best to accommodate.
In terms of sports gels and snackable energy bars, these aren’t available once we leave Kathmandu. Most tea houses and the occasional small shop you will pass will have snickers, mars bars, biscuits, chips and a few other snacks. They also stock bottled water and soft drinks. If you want to use gels, we suggest you bring them with you.
Will there be medical assistance?
Our team includes First Aid trained guides who are also well versed in altitude sickness. The team will also have a comprehensive first aid kit. In the case of emergency, a helicopter evacuation can be arranged, which is why all participants need travel insurance. There are international standard medical facilities in Kathmandu.
Do we need to prepare for altitude?
The itinerary allows you to acclimatise adequately across the duration of the event. However, there is still an unavoidable risk of altitude sickness. During the first briefing we will explain the symptoms of altitude sickness to be mindful of, as well as the treatment and prevention methods we employ. Our preference is for people to use Diamox, but you should consult with your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to use it.
What is the terrain like?
The trails are a mix of groomed, wide paths and even dirt roads in the early days, to narrow, rocky tracks, lots of steps and potentially sections of snow and ice towards the end. You’ll encounter mule and yak trains, porters carting huge loads, locals on their daily commute, and trekkers.
How much money do I need to carry?
All your accommodation and main meals along the way are covered. However, if you want additional food, beverages such as soft drinks and alcohol, you will need some local currency. The equivalent of US$20 per day in Nepalese rupees will more than suffice if you think you will want lots of extra meals and additional drinks like beer and Coke.
What temperatures can we expect?
It will be cool at the start in Jiri and increasingly cold as we travel higher. The evenings are always very chilly and daytimes can be quite warm if we have sunny days. Being in the mountains there can be extremes in weather, so as a rough guide, you can expect the range to be from overnight lows of 5 degrees at Jiri to as low as -10 degrees Celsius at higher altitudes. The daytimes will range from 10-20 degrees down low and 0 to 15 degrees up higher. We suggest you plan for the extremes at both eneds.
Do I need a visa for Nepal and how do I get it?
It is relatively straight forward for most nationalities. You can get a visa upon arrival at the airport by filling out this online form, printing it and presenting it at the airport. Visa fees are $25US/15 days, $40/30 days and $100/90 days and have to be paid in a convertible currency but it’s usually cheapest in USD.
How much will be carried by porters?
Before each stage you will pack your running bag with the items you need for the day. Other things (Sleeping bag, clothes, toiletries etc) can be put into a duffel bag that we will supply you at the briefing. Your additional gear can be up to a maximum of 10kg. However, for the sake of the porters, we try to keep bags as light as possible.
We will weigh your bag in the race hotel in Kathmandu until it reaches the target! We’ll make minor exceptions for your additional food / energy bars which will reduce daily.
YOU CAN SAFELY LEAVE ALL ADDITIONAL ITEMS AT THE HOTEL IN KATHMANDU UNTIL WE RETURN.
What medical insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is compulsory for this event. There are many insurance companies offering coverage, it’s important to do your research and to make sure that your insurance covers you for emergency evacuation at altitudes above 5,300m. Please email us a copy of your travel insurance certificate. World Nomads are a trekking company we are happy to recommend as are Allianz and Covermore.
Amongst other things, you will need cover for travel above 4000m, cover for helicopter evacuation and cover for repatriation to your country for emergency treatment.
Will I get picked up from the airport?
Yes. Please send us your flight details as soon as you have them and we will arrange to be at the airport for you.
Can I come prior to the event dates?
Arriving early is a great idea. Simply let us know if you need assistance booking a room or planning any tours or site seeing.
Can I leave a bag in Kathmandu?
Yes. As long as it is clearly labelled with your name, we can arrange for it to be stored at the hotel. Mos people leave the bag they flew over with at the hotel, along with some clean clothes and shoes for when they get back. For the duration of the event you will be using the duffel bag we supply you with.
Can I wash my clothing along the way?
There is limited opportunity for washing and drying of clothing. T8 underwear or similar is great for a quick hand wash as it generally dries overnight. We advise you to pack just enough to get through the event, knowing that you will generally only be using wet wipes or a quick dry tower for a basic wash each day.
Power and battery recharging
There is limited power throughout the route. Most tea houses will allow you to charge your mobile or power bank for a small fee. Bring a charged power bank if you can.
Are hot showers available?
In a few locations there are hot showers possible, however they will charge you a small fee.
Do I need vaccinations?
Please talk to your doctor for specific advice regarding vaccinations. We suggest that you are up to date with Hepatitis A and Typhoid as a minimum.
How do I navigate the course?
All event maps will be on the Capra App. Every participant will be required to have the app on their phone and have the Run Everest maps. The Capra App is very easy to use and allows you to follow the route offline, without needing an internet connection. We will have some very minimal course markings, but following the route is quite straight forward. There will also be event staff at certain points on the course, plus forerunners at the front departing ahead of the event each day and sweepers departing shortly after the start.
