The Roof of the World Marathon (ROWM) is a unique and challenging race held in Tibet, China, organized by the Great Wall of China Marathon (GWCM) Organizing Committee. It is renowned as the highest elevation marathon in the world, with a starting point at over 5,213 meters (17,103 feet) above sea level, surpassing the altitude of Mount Everest Base Camp. The event offers a full marathon, half marathon,and 10K, with the 2026 edition scheduled for May 2–9, including race days on May 6 (10K) and May 8 (Lonely Yak Half Marathon and Full Marathon).

Event details and schedule

Itineraries: The Roof of the World Marathon 2026

The Roof of the World Marathon 2026
(May 1st-May 9,2026)

The 10K May 2-May 7,2026
Day 1(May 2,2026)
- Depart Beijing to Lhasa.
Day 2(May 3,2026)
- Tour the Potala Palace, spend the rest of the day at your leisure and acclimatizing to the altitude. Meals included
Day 3(May 4,2026)
- Tour the Jorkhang Temple. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Meals Included
Day 4(May 5,2026)
- Tour Nobulingka and the Tibet Museum. Meals included.
Day 5(May 6,2026)
- It's race day!!!! We head out to the 10K Starting line in Yanghu. After the race say goodbye to those staying for the Roof of the World Marathon before heading back to Lhasa. Meals Included
Day 6(May 7,2026)
- Spend the day at your leisure and get ready for your evening flight back to Beijing or other city in China.

The 10K
US$2368./per runner
* based on double occupancy
Spectators US$1680./per person
* based on double occupancy

Included:
1. R/T Airfare from Beijing to Lhasa
2. All meals included
3. 5 nights hotel at the Jiari Zhuangyuan Hotel 3 stars. Double occupancy. Single Occupanycy:US$272
4. Airport transportation, ground transportation to tour & race sites
5. English/Russian/Chinese speaking tour guides
6. First-aid assistance
7. Water, pre/post race food, runner supplements on race day
8. Entry tickets at tour sites
9 Finisher Medals and T-shirt

*If leaving Lhasa to another destination in China rather than Beijing, tour price will remain the same. (Hong Kong & Macau excluded)

The Lonely Yak Half Marathon & Roof of the World Marathon and Half Marathon May 2- May 9, 2026

Day 1(May 2,2026)
- Depart Beijing to Lhasa.
Day 2(May 3,2026)
- Tour the Potala Palace, spend the rest of the day at your leisure and acclimatizing to the altitude. Meals in-cluded
Day 3(May 4,2026)
- Tour the Jorkhang Temple. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Meals Included
Day 4(May 5,2026)
- Tour Nobulingka and the Tibet Museum. Meals included.
Day 5(May 6,2026)
- It's race day!!!! We head out to 10K Starting line in Yanghu and get used to the higher elevation. Say goodbye to those heading back to Lhasa. We will stay the two nights in Yangbajing
Day 6(May 7,2026)
- We spend the day resting and getting use to the altitude at 4400 Meters above sea level. Meals included
Day 7(May 8,2026)
- It's race day!!! We head out to the Roof of the World Marathon & 1/2 marathon starting line in Namucuo.
Day 8(May 9,2026)
- Fly from Lhasa to Beijing or home.

The Lonely Yak Half Marathon & The Roof of the World Marathon
$2668./per runner
* based on double occupancy

Spectator US$1980./per person
* based on double occupancy

Runners who take part in the Lonely Yak Half and wish to spectate family and friends competing in the marathon
runner US$2668./ per runner
*based on double occupancy.

Included:
1. R/T Airfare from Beijing to Lhasa
2. All meals included
3. 4 nights hotel at the Jiari Zhuangyuan Hotel 3 stars. 3 nights in Yangbajing.Single Occupanycy:US$382
4. Airport transportation, ground transportation to tour & race sites
5. English/Russian/Chinese speaking tour guides
6. First-aid assistance
7. Water, pre/post race food, runner supplements on race day
8. Entry tickets at tour sites
9 Finisher Medals and T-shirt

* If leaving Lhasa to another destinationin China rather than Beijing, tour price will remain the same. (Hong Kong & Macau excluded)