10 Years of Summits & Soulmates: World Fastpack Series Takes Flight!

This year, Himalayan Adventure Labs reaches a decade of trailblazing fastpacking! 47,000+ hours of Himalayan exploration later, we’re Nepal’s premier adventure curators, ready to share our signature blend of high-altitude thrills, minimalist magic, and off-the-beaten-path beauty with the world!

Welcome to the World Fastpack Series (First Edition): a two-year odyssey across continents, led by HAL, the fastpacking pioneers. Traverse breathtaking trails in intimate groups (max 10), soaking in stunning vistas, trail running exhilaration, and immersive cultural experiences.  Are you a thrill-seeking trail runner or an experienced hiker with a passion for traveling light? We cater to small groups of like-minded individuals who are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Himalayas, and beyond. With years of experience leading safe and unforgettable journeys, HAL takes care of all the logistics, allowing you to focus on creating lifetime memories. Our 10-15 day fastpacks are designed with safe acclimatization schedules, expert guides, and risk management strategies. You can travel at your own pace, be it walking, power hiking, or running, with only the essentials in tow. Join us as we explore the beauty of the Himalayas together! Read more ‘Why Himalayan Adventure Labs?’ Ready to forge lasting connections with fellow adventurers and scale new heights? Join the journey!

 

You can count on us

Excellent logistics including being collected on arrival at the airport and dropped off at end of trip. Super fun team and diverse itinerary which included some trails that are not part of the official circuit. Great food, laughs and team dynamic. Challenging course meant greater level of satisfaction on completion of each stage. Highly recommend.

Angela (Ireland/Hong Kong) Annapurna Fastpack 2018 October 8, 2018


World Fastpack Series: 2024 Asia Edition

Tim, class of AFP2019 fall enjoying the view, on the way to Thorung La

Annapurna Fastpack (May 11 – 26, 2024) Join us as we explore rarely visited villages of Naar and Phu, getting off the classic Annapurna circuit! Cross two 5000m+ passes; Kang La 5,306m and Thorung La 5,416m! The numbers: 16 days including; briefing day in Kathmandu and departure; 11 days on trail including 2 acclimatization days. Total distance: 175km/108miles, Gain: +12,217m/40,082ft, Loss: -10,832m/35,538ft, Max Elevation: 5,408m/17,728ft. Max participants: 10. Cost: $2,656. All inclusive, including $250 deposit through Stripe (the rest due within 30 days). Register through Stripe!


Photo at Larkya La 5,106

Manaslu Fastpack (Sep 14 – 29, 2024) Join us as we go around Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres. We will also visit Hinang gumba, option to hike towards Nepal/Tibet border on acclimatization day in Samdo and overlap part of Annapurna Circuit towards the end. 16 days in total including arrival, briefing day in Kathmandu and departure, 11 days on the trail with 2 acclimatization days included. Total distance: 212 km, minimum elevation: 526m, maximum elevation: 5134m, total elevation gain: +8108m, total elevation loss: -7834m Max participants: 10. Cost: $2,570. All inclusive, including $250 deposit through your UltraSignup registration (the rest due within 30 days). Register through Stripe OR UltraSignup!


Photo of Chamkhar Chu by Choki Dorji

Snowman Fastpack (Bhutan) (Oct 5 – 19, 2024) Embark on a spiritual odyssey through Bhutan’s mystical high passes. Traverse prayer flag-laden trails, encounter dzongs and yak caravans, and immerse yourself in a land whispered in legend. The numbers: 15 days including; briefing day in Thimpu and departure; 11 days on trail including 2 acclimatization days. Total distance: 180.44km/112.12miles, Total Gain: +10,407m/34,143ft, Total Loss: -9,916m/32,532ft, Max Elevation: 5,004m/16,417ft. Max participants: 10. Cost: $5,944 All inclusive, including $250 deposit through Stripe (the rest due within 30 days). Register through Stripe!


World Fastpack Series: 2025 Global Edition

Jordan Trail Fastpack (March, 2025) Unearth ancient wonders in Jordan’s diverse landscapes. Trek through Wadi Rum’s Martian valleys, explore Petra’s rose-red city, and discover Bedouin hospitality. Pre registration through Stripe.


Pamir Fastpack (July, 2025): Conquer the “Roof of the World” on the legendary Pamir Trail. Journey through the Silk Road’s rugged majesty, encounter nomadic Kyrgyz communities, and experience unparalleled mountain solitude. Pre registration through Stripe.


EFP2019 team aka team Coconut descending down Cho La

Everest Three Passes Part of World Fastpack Series (September 14 – 30, 2025).  Fly into a high altitude airstrip and then travel quick, fast, and self-supported. Cross massive valley systems using three passes; Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La in the Khumbu region. Opt for a non-technical climb of Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17,575ft). And yes, you can walk to Everest Base Camp if the spirit moves you or climb Kala Patthar (5550m/18,208ft) for stunning 360 degree panoramas. Total distance: 131k/82miles, Gain: 7,584m/24,875ft, Loss: 7,561m/24,800ft, Max possible elevation: 5,601m/18,376ft, Max participants: 10, Fun on the three passes: Impossible to quantify. Cost: $2,976. All inclusive, including $250 deposit through your UltraSignup registration (the rest due within 30 days). Register here on UltraSignup!


Our Fastpacks

Are non-competitive.
Feel free to time yourself, but this is not a race.
Go at your own pace and in solitude if you want, or run with the group.
We set up regroup points every morning and carry radios. There are options for all.

Are self-supported.
We don’t ask porters or mules to carry our loads.
You will need to carry a small pack, but it can be light.
All lodges will have plentiful food and warm blankets.

Have a good mix of hiking and optional running.
We do a lot of fast hiking, usually during the first half of the trip as we are climbing and getting used to the high altitude.
The second half of most trips involve a lot of running once we are over the pass.
You are always welcome to hike.

Include cultural components.
Visit temples.
Learn how to cook Dal Bhat.
Practice some Nepali words.
We are always looking for new experiences.
Why race past these opportunities?
We donate 10% of proceeds to a Nepal-based charity.

Prioritize Safety.
Nothing can be guaranteed in the Himalaya, but we mitigate our risks.
We have a high altitude physician on call and include multiple comprehensive first aid kits, and satellite phones.
We follow an approved acclimatization schedule.
We contract with an expert weather forecaster whenever we cross a pass.

Reinforce back country skills.
Learn back country navigation including traditional map, compass, and also GPS navigation using your offline phone.

Are all-inclusive in price.
We don’t want you to have to worry about anything once you are in Nepal. We cover your food, lodging, permits, tips, desert, charging, hot showers and much more.

Descending to Jomsom via Windy Pass on the Annapurna Circuit

Let’s talk

Whether you are just starting to think about this kind of trip, or really serious – we can help.  Just drop us a note with the form below, or one of these other contact methods.

Fastpack Interest Form

    Most trips are 12-15 days, including arrival and departure. Ask us about custom trips!
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