Leanne Emery Garner from the UK has just returned home after participating in the recently concluded Mustang Trail Race 2025 in Nepal’s remote Himalayan region. But she didn’t return with just medals and photographs — she came back with a deep love for Nepal and a soulful connection she will cherish forever.
Leanne first set her foot in Nepal at the age of 24. Since then, she has visited the Himalayan nation several times. But the dream of reaching Mustang had remained tucked away in her heart for over three decades. At last, that long-cherished dream came true — transformed into an unforgettable journey filled with courage, commitment, and affection.
When I met Leanne at her home in Brighton, she greeted me with a warm “Namaste” and a smile. The Buddhist prayer flags fluttering outside and the walls adorned with photos of Nepal’s mountains, villages, and faces made it clear how deeply connected she is with the country. With an excited tone, she said, “This Mustang journey has been a dream of 30 years. Now I can finally say — I made it come true.”
The Mustang Trail Race was a 12-day event — consisting of eight days of running, one day of trekking, two days of travel, and one day for briefing. Spanning 170 kilometers over eight stages through high altitudes, unpredictable weather, and challenging geography, the race was far from easy. But for Leanne, it was not just a race — it was another chapter of her life.
The race started from Kagbeni and followed the Kali Gandaki River, flowing from the lap of the Himalayas, all the way to Muktinath. It was a powerful blend of courage, culture, and beauty. “The race was physically demanding, but it also gave me the chance to deeply experience Mustang’s culture,” she shared.
Interestingly, the medal awarded at the end of the race wasn’t an ordinary one — it was a hand-carved stone medal that beautifully reflected the essence of Mustang’s culture.
Leanne has always loved trekking and running. She had previously trekked to Everest Base Camp, but Mustang held a special place in her heart. This time, she was accompanied by her husband Tom, who ran alongside her through the steep climbs and descents — making the journey even more meaningful.
As we sipped coffee, our conversation delved deeper into her experiences. “The windswept desert landscapes, deep gorges, Himalayan ranges, riverbeds with 150-million-year-old fossils, ancient Tibetan monasteries and cultures, beautiful people — and an emotion I can’t quite put into words,” she recalled.
She paused for a moment, then softly said, “This is a unique and special place. Running here was a great privilege.”
For her, this trail run through the Himalayan desert was more than just a physical challenge — it was a spiritual journey. “Running among the cold winds, barren cliffs, Tibetan culture, and ancient caves felt like a conversation with my soul,” she explained.
One memory that left her deeply emotional was of a dog who had followed her throughout the journey. With teary eyes, she recalled, “From the very first day of the race, that dog stayed by my side every single day. In the end, I had to leave him behind — it broke my heart.”
Reliving the vivid memories of her adventure, she added, “The warm hospitality of the locals, the silent mountains, the difficult yet beautiful paths — all of it touched my soul.”
What made this journey even more special was its social impact. Through this race, Leanne raised around NPR 150,000 for The Nepal Trust, an organization that supports healthcare for Himalayan communities. “Nepal has given me so much. I felt I had to give something back,” she said.
She showed me photographs from her adventurous journey. Each one seemed to tell the story of Mustang — her running on dusty trails, snow-capped Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri in the backdrop, and portraits with the locals in Lo Manthang. All of them captured the unforgettable essence of her trip.
“Every step I took, I felt alive,” she said. “The silence, the mountains, and the spirit of that place — it all felt like it was speaking to me.”
As we said goodbye, she looked out the window toward the sea and said softly, “I will return to Nepal. Nepal always calls me back.”
She has truly embraced Nepal’s culture, festivals, lifestyle, and rural beauty. “I’ve always felt welcomed in Nepal,” she said. “Everywhere I went, I was touched by the smiles, the helpfulness, and the respect for guests. Nepal is my second home,” she added with heartfelt warmth.
Travelers like Leanne are the true ambassadors of Nepal’s tourism, healthcare, and culture. They don’t just spend money — they bring love, empathy, and understanding. They connect with the people, the culture, and take a part of Nepal with them when they leave.
This is a love story between a foreign woman and the soul of Nepal.
The race may be over — but her journey through Nepal stretches far beyond the finish line.
As I walked away, her heartfelt stories lingered with me. I couldn’t help but think — she will surely return. Because when someone runs through Mustang with all their heart — that journey never truly ends.
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