Mountain Running
Everything you need to know about the Grand Himalaya Trail FKT attempt
Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel are attempting to set a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) on one of the World's most iconic trekking routes. Find out more here
Distance: 1,400km
Route: The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) of Nepal isn't a single trail but rather a combination of various trails in either the upper (GHT High Route) or middle (GHT Cultural route) districts of Nepal, stretching from the west to the east (or vice versa) end of the country. The pair will traverse the estimated 1,400km route (with 70,000m of elevation gain and loss over the Himalayan Mountain range) combining the High GHT and Cultural GHT to challenge the current recognised Fastest Known Time (FKT) of 28 days, 13 hours and 56 minutes, as set by their fellow South African, Andrew Porter in October 2016. They'll self-navigate in an attempt to find the best possible route to link up the 12 required checkpoints as set by Andrew.
Correct gear is crucial
© Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool
Current record: 28d 13h 56m – set by Andrew Porter in October 2016.
Ryno explained: "It's clear that one can't claim a single FKT with the above attempts varying so much. Therefore we're challenging Andrew Porter’s FKT as set in October 2016. To be regarded as a fair challenge, we must start and finish at the points set by him, traverse west to east and visit the 10 checkpoints in between, as set by Andrew."
It's clear that one can't claim a single FKT with the above attempts varying so much. Therefore we're challenging Andrew Porter’s FKT as set in October 2016.
Checkpoints:
- CP1: Start in the village of Hilsa on the Western Nepal/Tibetan border and cross the following points (villages and passes)
- CP2: Simikot at roughly 77km
- CP3: Gamgadhi at roughly 150km
- CP4: Jumla at roughly 193km
- CP5: Juphal (280km) or Dunai at roughly 290km
- CP6: Chharka Bhot at roughly 380km
- CP7: Kagbeni at roughly 444km
- CP8: Thorang La Pass at roughly 463km
- CP9: Larkya La Pass at roughly 561km
- CP10: Jiri at roughly 928km
- CP11: Tumlingtar at roughly 1075km
- (CP12): Finishing on the Eastern Nepal/Indian border at Pashupatinagar
Plenty of sharp spikes on that route profile
© Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool
The guidelines
In order to keep be as faithful to Andrew Porter's FKT, the pair will:
- Self-navigate the entire way
- Not use porters/mules to carry any loads
- Stay in lodges and other local accommodation to keep the weight down
- Buy food locally as they travel
- Use a local trekking company to meet up along the way to exchange kit and assist with issuing of permits
LIVE Tracker: Follow Ryan and Ryno's attempt live here