The Mountain Ultra is a 200km self-sufficient ultra marathon through the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan — one of the largest and least explored mountain ranges in the world. Across 5 stages in 5 days, you’ll climb 10,500m through remote glacial valleys, over high mountain passes and around the world’s second largest alpine lake, reaching a maximum altitude of 3,907m.
Starting deep in the Karakol Valley and traversing some of the most spectacular and untouched mountain terrain on earth, the Mountain Ultra is the final and most demanding race in the Beyond The Ultimate Global Race Series. Home to Snow Leopards, wild horses and nomadic herders, this is a world few ultra runners have ever seen.
“The toughest and most brutal race I’ve ever done. But also the most beautiful. The Tian Shan Mountains seem never ending and the views are stunning.”
— Kristina Madsen, Mountain Ultra Winner
The Mountain Ultra is one of four races in the Beyond The Ultimate Global Race Series — the most demanding collection of stage races on the planet. Alongside the Desert Ultra, Ice Ultra and Jungle Ultra, it takes athletes from remote mountain ranges to the world’s oldest desert, frozen lakes and dense rainforest. Completing all four is one of the rarest achievements in endurance sport.
“The landscape and views are incredible, taking your breath away at every turn. The beauty is matched by the warmth of the local people making this a truly unique and epic experience.”
— Russell Jackson, Mountain Ultra Finisher
The 5 stages
Stage 1 — The Nomad | 32km | Ascent 950m | Max altitude 2,795m
Starting at 2,500m in the rolling hills of the Karakol Valley, the trail twists through untouched forests and glacial valleys. Climbing to 3,200m, you’ll earn views of the Seven Bulls of Jeti-Ögüz — a striking red rock formation — before descending to a yurt camp in the valley. A glacial river ice bath awaits the early finishers.
Stage 2 — Telety Pass | 33km | Ascent 1,590m | Max altitude 3,801m
Two steep ascents take you from 2,500m to 3,800m in just 8km. The views at the Telety Pass are hard-earned — expect high winds and exposed ridgelines before descending into the beautiful Karakol Valley for a riverside camp.
Stage 3 — Ala-Köl | 28km | Ascent 1,450m | Max altitude 3,907m
The highest point of the race. Climb through pine forests and past electric-blue glacial lakes to the Ala-Köl Pass at 3,907m — beside the second largest alpine lake in the world. A sharp technical descent leads into the picturesque Altyn Arashan wildlife reserve.
Stage 4 — Altyn Arashan | 55km | Ascent 2,450m | Max altitude 3,671m
The long stage. Today’s trail climbs high and stays high — averaging 3,000m for most of the stage. Traverse remote high passes, alpine meadows and forested mountain slopes scattered with wildflowers across 3 valleys before reaching the evening yurt camp.
Stage 5 — Keskenkija | 55km | Ascent 2,550m | Max altitude 3,500m
One final high valley climb before travelling into rolling hills little explored by the western world. Endless wildflower valleys, raging rivers and snow-capped peaks surround you. The final descent — a technical scramble on tired legs — leads to the finish in the picturesque Reka Gorakh valley.
What’s included in your entry
- GPS tracking on all runners throughout
- Manned checkpoints with qualified expedition medics and unlimited drinking water
- Hot water for meal preparation at every camp
- Race accommodation in tents and yurts throughout
- Hotel the night before pickup and the night after the race (both including breakfast)
- Luggage storage and transport throughout the race
- Transfer Bishkek ↔ Karakol Base Camp (5–6 hour journey around Issyk-Kul Lake)
- Professional adventure photographer — watermarked digital copies free post-race
- Celebratory meal and medal ceremony featuring local cuisine and culture
- Finisher medal + race T-shirt (or tree donation via BTU Woodland Project)
- National Park fees
- Carbon offset donation through Beyond the Ultimate Woodland Project
Not included: flights to Bishkek, personal race food, equipment and clothing, additional hotel stays.
Key facts
- Distance: 200km over 5 stages
- Location: Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan (fly into Bishkek)
- Total ascent: 10,500m
- Maximum altitude: 3,907m
- Temperature: Up to 30°C by day / 5°C at night
- Entry fee: £3,300 (interest free instalment plan available — £825 deposit on entry)
- Optional acclimatisation trek: £650 (3 days hiking, strongly recommended)
- Next races: 27 July 2026 (4 places remaining) | 26 July 2027
Enter or download the race pack: beyondtheultimate.co.uk/race/mountain-ultra