Nepal’s Rising Ultra-Runner, Mountain Guide, Defender of Wild Places and Outdoor Lover meet Rashila Tamang
From 21 km runs to college each morning to racing ultras across the Himalayas, Rashila Tamang is more than a runner - she’s a mountain soul on a mission. We sat down with the ultra-trail athlete, climber, and conservationist to learn more about how she is protecting the wild places she calls home.
"I want to give something back, even in a small way, to Mother Nature."
You grew up in a small village near Kathmandu. Can you tell us about your
childhood? Did you run as a child?
I was born in a small village called Chhatre Deurali (now Dhunibesi Municipality), into a humble family. I’m the youngest of four, we lost our father when I was about one, so I don’t remember him, sadly. My mother has had severe asthma for as long as I can remember. When I was seven, I was sent to work in as a maid in a household, with the promise that I’d be given the chance to study.
Is it true you used to run 21 km to college every morning?
Yes! After I passed my SLC exams, I enrolled in college in Kalanki, 21 km from my home. I ran to school most mornings, and on the way home I’d either walk or take the bus. Even with the bus, I had to walk 5 km from the highway to my house. It felt like good training, and it saved money. I kept it up for about a year, but running on the highway every day wasn’t safe. My brother Aashish eventually moved me to Kathmandu to continue my studies and training.
When did you first really get into competitive running?
One of my sisters invited me to join an International Women’s Day event. I thought it was just a march - but when I arrived, there was a countdown, and suddenly everyone started running! I was in jeans, but I ran anyway and crossed the finish line. To my surprise, I came second in the 5 km race, just behind Mira Rai.
You trained in Hong Kong with the Mira Rai Initiative—what was that like?
I took part in Mira’s exchange and empowerment program for six months. I even ran 100 km in Hong Kong - my second time international race. Before that, I raced in China in 2017 and had some wins in Nepal too.
Do you call yourself a sky runner, ultra runner, or trail runner?
I’m an ultra-trail runner at heart, but I love sky running too - technical, high mountain terrain truly excites me.
What’s your favorite distance?
50 to 80 km. But I I feel this will get longer in the future! I recently had the opportunity to race in Myanmar and it was really good, I came first - I had no idea I was more than one hour ahead of the male athletes but I was giving it my best. It was not easy route, with over 2000m elevation+. The trail had some section with lots of bushes, so it was hard to see the markings! Now I am qualified for the Asia Trail Master final which will be in Vietnam on 4th October.
Does growing up at altitude help you when racing at lower altitude?
Oh yes, definitely, but for me it’s just what I have always been used to.
You’re also passionate about nature conservation - tell us about that.
I love nature, but I’ve seen the mountains changing, bare hillsides with black rocks where there were once rich dense forests. I want to give something back, even in a small way, to Mother Nature. I work with the Nepal Evergreen Project. Last year I ran the Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix (CCC) in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) world series and raised around $1700 and we planted hundreds of fruit trees in my village and now we are expanding to the larger municipality. We are building support and getting donations from all over the world but there is so much work to do. Please, if you can, support this great initiative!
How does the high-alpine environment affect your skin, and what steps do you
take to protect it?
Spending so much time outdoors at altitude, my skin faces harsh UV and the air is very dry and windy. After I was introduced to Utu I rely on your SPF30 daily moisturizer and Hydrating Sun Balm, both really help keep my skin hydrated, and when I’m running I always use the SPF50 Stick, it’s the only sunscreen I’ve found that really works, but I am diligent to reapply regularly.
When did you start climbing?
During the pandemic, I started climbing small peaks and took mountaineering courses. I love the technical aspect of climbing.
Do you have a climbing goal?
Yes, I want to climb some bigger mountains, with purpose behind each ascent.
Tell us about TrailMandu the company you founded.
In 2022, my two brothers (from different mothers!) - Aashish Mishra and Jeevan Lama and I started TrailMandu. We organize races and fast-packing trips, guide runners across Nepal, and help train the next generation of running and trekking guides. We encourage them to get licensed and create job opportunities along the way.
To learn more and contribute to the organizations Rashila is passionate about please visit these sites: Nepal Evergreen Project and TrailMandu.
