EVEREST TRAIL RACE 2025 – STAGE 5
Into the Heart of the Himalayas Stage 5 of the Everest Trail Race pulls no punches. At 24km with a punishing 2,483 meters of ascent, this is the stage that earns its reputation as the toughest of them all. The numbers alone are intimidating, but it’s the relentless terrain and shifting altitude that test runners on every level – physical, mental, emotional.
This year’s route sees a change from previous editions, adding new layers of challenge and beauty. Starting in the shadow of Sagarmatha National Park’s giants, the trail weaves through the quiet village of Chumoa before rising into the bustling trails of Namche Bazaar, where the first checkpoint offers a brief reprieve. But this is only the beginning.
From Namche, the course climbs to Syangboche, skirting airstrips and yak paths, before pressing on to Kumjung, a Sherpa village set high beneath the peaks. Then comes Mong La – Checkpoint 2 – perched like a balcony above the valleys below. From there, it’s a steep descent to Phortse Tenga, followed by a lung-busting climb to Phortse, a village known for its mountaineering legacy... iancorless.org