-by Hamro Yeti Ketis
There are challenges you sign up for, and then there are challenges that change how you see yourself. Trailwalker 2026 was firmly the second kind.
Taking part in the 100km Trailwalker 2026 with my team, Hamro Yeti Ketis, Saiyukta, Punam, Nhyoumila and myself (Jenisha), was one of the toughest but most rewarding experiences I have ever had. One hundred kilometres on foot is not a distance you can fully prepare for in your head. You can train, plan and picture it, but nothing quite compares to standing at the start line and knowing what lies ahead.
Starting with doubts
Before the start, I was a little worried because I was already dealing with a knee injury. Every step of the route felt like a question mark, and part of me wondered whether my body would let me finish what my heart wanted to do. I knew it was going to be a big challenge, but I was determined to take part and do my best with the team.
For Saiyukta and Nhyoumila, this was their first ever trail experience, which made completing 100km an even bigger achievement for them. To take on something this demanding as a first attempt takes real courage. Punam was taking part in Trailwalker for the second time, which gave us a real advantage. She already knew what to expect, and her experience helped and encouraged all of us throughout the journey. Having someone who had walked this path before gave the whole team a quiet sense of confidence.
When it got hard
The first 50km went quite well, but after that my knee started to get much worse. What began as a dull ache slowly turned into something far harder to ignore. Thankfully, our support crew and the medical team were amazing. They gave me advice, support and encouragement throughout and helped me continue safely. Their calm reassurance at every checkpoint reminded me that I was not doing this alone.
As we got further into the challenge, we were all becoming more tired. We had sore feet, blisters and a lot of exhaustion. Every kilometre asked a little more of us than the one before. The final 10km were particularly difficult because we had to slow down, but we kept reminding ourselves that we had already completed 90km and only had another 10km to go. In those moments, the finish line felt both impossibly far away and close enough to reach.
We continued together, supported each other and made sure nobody was left behind. That promise, spoken and unspoken, carried us through the darkest stretches.
Crossing the line
After being on the trail for over 24 hours, we finally crossed the finish line together. Every ache and every doubt melted away in that single moment. It was an amazing feeling and a moment we will never forget.
Extremely proud of Hamro Yeti Ketis. Seeing Saiyukta and Nhyoumila complete their first ever trail, Punam used her previous experience to support us, and all of us pushing through the difficult moments made the achievement even more special.
As Hamro Yeti Ketis, we are very grateful to our support crew and medical team for being there for us throughout the challenge. Their support made a huge difference, especially during the more difficult stages.
We would also like to say a special thank you to Yam Roka Dai and Yeti Homes Estates for sponsoring our team and giving us the opportunity to represent Yeti Homes in this challenge. We are very grateful for the support and trust they placed in us, and it made completing the Trailwalker even more meaningful.
Trailwalker taught us that it is not just about physical strength. It is also about teamwork, resilience, supporting each other and continuing even when things get difficult.
