Jumla Rara Ultra 50: hidden gem in West Nepal

Jumla Rara Ultra is the second Nepalese event on our ATM Championship calendar this season taking place the weekend after The Manjushree Trail. The 5th edition of this event is set for Saturday, 13 April and keeps the exciting A to B course to the Rara Lake, measuring just under 50km. Organised by Karnali Sports, JRU and the organising team of MTR are collaborating to facilitate transportation and overall logistics for runners aiming to attend both events. Jumla Rara Ultra is set on the other side of Nepal in the west, a region considered a ‘hidden gem’ by people and adventurers familiar with the region. The JRU event has been establised to boost adventure sports and tourism in this remote part of the country, as well as to provide local athletes with an opportunity to shine and attract national and regional attention.

The Jumla Rara Ultra starts from Jumla bazaar at an altitude of 2305m, and finishes at the Rara lake higher up at 2990m above sea level. The course is officially measured at 49 km. The course is undulating nonstop, but there are three steeper and distinct peaks with Danphe (3500m), Kavra cave, Bhulbhule (2950m) and Chuchemara (4017m). For international runners, having spent the weekend before in Kathmandu for the MTR event will clearly be a bonus to be adjusted to the high altitude of especially the Chuchemara pass.

The 4th edition of the event was an official ATM Candidate Race in 2023, won by Dal Bdr Kunwar in 4:54:10, just three minutes ahead of second-placed Dhir Bdr Budha. The women’s race went to Manju Rawot in 6:06:23.