HIGHLANDER - Adventure of a Lifetime

ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO KNOW AND FOLLOW ALL RULES

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL RULES

MANDATORY GEAR

Your gear ensures your safety in the Himalayas. All mandatory equipment will be checked before the event begins, and may be checked again during the journey. Participants missing required gear at any point may not be allowed to continue.

SHARED EQUIPMENT

You may share certain gear within a group of up to 4 people. However:

All group members must finish within 30 minutes of one another
Shared equipment must be declared at registration
Gear checks may be conducted by staff before or during the event
If shared gear is missing or rules are violated, the group may be disqualified, and will not receive the official HIGHLANDER Himalaya Pin, Patch, or Certificate

Allowed Shared Equipment:

Tent
Portable stove (gasoline/gas/alcohol)
Compass
First-aid supplies (bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, insect repellent, etc.)

REGISTRATION INCLUDES

Registering for HIGHLANDER will bring you excitement and a new adventure into your life. It will also make you commit to yourself that you will do something fantastic for your health - both physically and mentally.

Since our goal is to launch HIGHLANDER worldwide you will be able to visit even more iconic locations across the world in the years to come, and on your journeys, you will always have never-ending support from the HIGHLANDER community.

Joining HIGHLANDER Himalaya is more than an adventure—it's a commitment to your physical and mental growth, to sustainability, and to a Global Community of HIGHLANDERS. Your registration includes:

Meals & Snacks Delicious cooked meals at selected checkpoints featuring Himalayan ingredients Backpacking meals focused on freshness and energy Ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare options, including regional specialties like lentil soup, pickled vegetables, yak cheese, or sardines Snacks like energy bars, nuts, Kodiak Cakes, fresh fruit, and more
Beverages at campsites: Filtered water, tea, coffee, electrolyte drinks, and hop water
Camping Gas Cartridge (no need to carry it on your flight)
Transportation to the Start Point
Luggage Storage (securely stored until you reach the finish line)
HIGHLANDER Ranger presence at each campsite for safety
Exclusive HIGHLANDER Gear & Souvenirs: HIGHLANDER Buff, HIGHLANDER Map (physical) Finisher Pin Patch Certificate signed by the HIGHLANDER Himalaya Director Hiker Tag, Luggage Tag, GPX file, and HIGHLANDER Passport
Education & Experiences: Evening lectures, yoga, stargazing, local music, and sustainability workshops
Membership to the HIGHLANDER Club: Access to global events and lifelong friendships

VIOLATION OF THE RULES

Participants will be disqualified under the following circumstances ➝

Violations That Lead to Disqualification

Missing mandatory gear (individual or shared)
Not finishing within 30 minutes of team members (if sharing gear)
Refusing gear inspection
Littering or pollution
Open fire or unauthorized cooking
Sleeping/cooking in non-designated areas
Using mountain lodges or external shelters
Not completing a stage or day
Carrying any kind of firearm

Please note that all types of firearms are prohibited at the event.

FOOD

The organizer will provide camping food according to the diet preference each participant chose during the registration process. HIGHLANDER Himalaya offers meat and vegan options. Meals are distributed at the start and at each campground.

Meals are catered to your selected diet during registration:

Meat and Vegan options available
Gluten-free meals are not available
Includes a mix of cooked, ready-to-eat, and lightweight trekking food

Participants are responsible for carrying their own snacks. Consider bringing dry fruits, energy bars, or anything familiar that gives you comfort on the trail.

WATER

You must bring your own water to the Start (minimum 4L / 1 gallon).

You must start each morning with at least 4 liters of water. Organizers will check this daily.

Drinking water will be available at each campground and some checkpoints
Bring your own bottles, hydration packs, or bladders
Do not drink untreated mountain water. Use purification tablets, filters, or drops if necessary.

BIVOUACKING AND CAMPGROUNDS

Participants choose their bivouacking spot at the campground.

Sleep only using approved gear: tent, tarp, bivvy sack, or hammock
No fires allowed at any campsite
Lodges/huts may not be used for sleeping, cooking, or resupply
Choose hard, non-vegetated ground for camping—avoid meadows and wetlands

TIME LIMITS

HIGHLANDER is not a race but it does have a time limit.

This is not a race. But there is a closing time.

Only participants who collect all checkpoint stamps and reach the finish in time receive their Finisher Pin, Patch, and Certificate

FIRE

Fire Safety (Nepal Specific)

Open fires are strictly prohibited
Portable stoves (gas or fuel-based) are allowed
No fire may be left unattended
Never cook outside designated areas

LITTERING AND WASTE

Garbage cans will be located at the campgrounds.

Littering is strictly forbidden
Use designated toilets when available
If going in nature:
Dig at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet away from camps, water sources, or trails
Pack out used toilet paper in a sealed bag

DOGS

This is a dog-friendly event but dogs must be on a leash. You must carry your dog's food with you.

Dogs are welcome if you follow the rules:

Leash at all times (on trail and at camp)
Pick up waste and dispose of it properly
Dogs are not allowed in any indoor facility
Carry your dog’s food and at least double your water
Be mindful of heat—dogs may need up to 2 liters per 1–2 hours on trail

WITHDRAWING

Injury or emergency?

If no mobile signal, notify the nearest checkpoint or other hikers
If signal is available, call emergency services (Nepal: 112 / 100 / 1144)
Participants who withdraw must arrange their own transportation
Check backcountry safety guidelines in advance

DISCLAIMER

The organizer reserves the right to update or modify these rules at any time. All participants will be notified in advance of significant changes.

MANDATORY CHECK-IN

Few days before the start of the event you will receive an email that will include your BIB number and the QR code you will be asked for at the Mandatory Check-in. In case you have additional luggage, please inform our staff about it during your Check-in and they will explain the further steps.

Health & safety

If you or someone in your group requires assistance:

Inform HIGHLANDER staff at the nearest checkpoint.
You may also approach nearby tea houses or local residents, who can help relay your message to our team.
Use the emergency numbers listed on your HIGHLANDER ID, provided at registration.

Checkpoints

Vehicle Access: All checkpoints are positioned with road or emergency vehicle access in mind.
Mild Injuries or Withdrawal: If you sustain a minor injury or decide to exit the event, visit the closest checkpoint. Staff will help coordinate your safe withdrawal.

Emergency Procedures

Serious Injuries: In case of serious health issues or injuries, local Search and Rescue (S&R) services will be coordinated with HIGHLANDER’s emergency response team.
Checkpoint Monitoring: If you fail to check in at a checkpoint during its scheduled hours:
Our staff will attempt to call, text, or reach out through tea houses on the route.
If you remain unreachable, Search and Rescue may be alerted and an assessment will be made on whether a search operation is necessary.
Search and Rescue Activation: S&R will only be initiated by appropriate authorities when there is an immediate risk to life or health.

Insurance Coverage

Mandatory Insurance: All participants must carry valid travel and medical insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation within Nepal.
Helicopter Evacuation: In serious cases, helicopter evacuation may be organized—but will be at your own expense unless covered by insurance.
Proof Required: You must submit proof of insurance before the event and keep a copy with you during the trek.