At the Ballari Cyclists and Runners Foundation, we are constantly inspired by the remarkable journeys our members undertake. Today, we are delighted to feature the story of one of our accomplished athlete & ultra runner, Mr. Chandra Gowda Gireddy.
Widely known as a passionate ultra-runner, he is a two-time finisher of the iconic Comrades Marathon in South Africa and a familiar face at numerous ultra-running events across India.
Recently, Chandra Gowda exchanged his running shoes for trekking boots (and at times, even went barefoot!) to answer the call of the Himalayas. He set out on the Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal, a journey filled with resilience, rediscovery, and a deep connection between a runner’s spirit and the mountains.
We are honored to share his inspiring experience here, in his own words.
Langtang Valley Trek – A Journey Back to the Himalayas
Mountaineering was once my biggest passion. Back in 2021, I had already done a few treks in Nepal and was fascinated by the mighty 8,000-metre peaks. I dreamt of climbing at least one of them in my lifetime. But when I discovered that even the cheapest 8,000+ metre expedition cost around ₹15 lakhs, and Everest nearly ₹50 lakhs—and that these climbs often meant playing with life itself—I had to pause. Slowly, my energy shifted towards long-distance running. Yet the Himalayas and the Nepali people always remained close to my heart; they are, after all, the best in the world at what they do.
In 2025, when the Zen-G protests shook Nepal and many travellers began cancelling their trips, I happened to check flights. To my surprise, the tickets were the cheapest I had ever seen. Without hesitation, I booked my journey, deciding to trek the Langtang Valley.
When I arrived, everything was calm and peaceful—so different from the news. On the very first day, my old trekking shoes betrayed me. I hadn’t used them since my Annapurna Base Camp trek in 2023, and their soles came apart. I had no choice but to continue the journey in flip-flops. That same day, a giant boulder crashed just 10 metres in front of me—a sharp reminder of how fragile the mountains can be.
The first three days were all uphill, six to seven hours each day. It was exhausting, but every step was blessed with the grandeur of the Himalayas: cascading waterfalls, the roar of the Langtang River beside me, and valleys that opened into pure wonder.
What made the trek even more special were the people. The tea houses welcomed me with warmth, serving food not just cooked with care but offered with genuine love. Their hospitality was beyond words and reminded me why Nepal always feels like home.
It took me three days to reach Kyanjin Gompa, the base camp. From there, I climbed Kyanjin Ri (4,700 metres)—barefoot. Inspired by barefoot runners, I wanted to feel the mountain directly beneath my skin. That climb will always remain one of the most powerful memories of my life.
Usually, it takes two days to descend back to the start point, but thanks to my ultra-running background, I managed it in a single day. The locals appreciated the effort, and for me, it was proof that running had strengthened me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
This trek gave me everything—thrilling moments, breathtaking landscapes, soulful food, and the kindness of strangers who treated me like family. The Langtang Valley has etched itself deep into my heart, and I know I will return again, for more treks, more mountains, and more memories.
Quote:
“If you are not using it, you are going to lose it — and that applies to everything in life.”
A huge thank you to Chandra Gouda for sharing such a raw and inspiring account of his journey. His story is a powerful reminder that the endurance and mental fortitude we build through running and cycling can take us to incredible places, far beyond the familiar roads and trails. From overcoming unexpected challenges to the profound connection felt while climbing Kyangjin Ri barefoot, his experience encapsulates the spirit of adventure that drives us all. His closing thought—“If you are not using it, you are going to lose it”—resonates deeply and serves as a call to action for all of us to keep exploring, keep pushing our boundaries, and keep our passions alive. We hope this inspires you to plan your next adventure!
