Manoj Verma’s Journey at the Ladakh Silk Route Ultra 122 km
What Inspired Me to Take on Ladakh
What drew me to the Ladakh Silk Route Ultra was its sheer uniqueness – running through one of the highest and most breathtaking terrains in the world. The altitude, the history of the Silk Route, and the raw beauty of Ladakh made it irresistible.
For me, ultras are not just about the distance. They are about testing the mind and spirit in extraordinary settings. This race perfectly combined endurance, adventure, and culture. It felt like an opportunity to push my limits while being part of something truly iconic.
Training for Ladakh while based in Gurgaon was tricky – there’s no way to simulate running at such high altitude. The only thing I could do was commit to a brutal and unforgiving training block.
As the saying goes, “the more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in war.” I focused on putting in as many hours as possible, making sure I was physically ready. But just as important was the mental preparation—building patience and resilience for race day.
Acclimatizing in Leh
I reached Leh two weeks before race day to ensure I had enough time to acclimatize. My approach was simple:
Do nothing initially – allow my body to adapt to the altitude on its own.
Trust my training – believe in the work I had already put in.
The topography of Ladakh naturally involves a lot of walking on rolling roads. Looking back, this turned out to be one of the best ways to prepare for the upcoming run.
The standout moment for me was reaching Khardung La Top. From North Pullu, the TV tower on the summit was visible, and for those 15 exhausting kilometers, I kept my eyes fixed on it. Every step was desperate but determined.
When I finally reached the aid station at K-Top, I was overcome with relief and elation. In that moment, I knew the race was mine. The rest was downhill.
Another unforgettable memory was just before North Pullu, where the Indian Army had set up an aid station and served hot tea. At that altitude and exhaustion, it tasted like nectar – an instant recharge.
Facing the Challenges
Thankfully, there were no unexpected setbacks on race day. From the start point to Mendak Mor, there were seven intermediate cut-offs, and I had planned estimated arrival times for each. I managed to execute about 80% of my plan to perfection. With no rain that day, it truly felt like the universe was on my side.
Ladakh teaches you humility. No matter how fit you are, the altitude reminds you how small we are in front of nature. During my practice runs and on race day, I realized the importance of respecting the course.
I decided not to be aggressive before crossing K-Top. Patience was the key—and it paid off.
The Finish Line
Crossing the finish line was an overwhelming mix of exhaustion, relief, and joy. After hours of struggle, the pain instantly faded and was replaced with a deep sense of fulfillment.
It wasn’t just about finishing 122 km—it was about proving to myself that patience, faith, and perseverance can carry you through the toughest challenges.
The Ladakh Marathon cannot be compared to any other race in India. It is in a league of its own. For me, it was the most difficult road race I have ever done, but also the most rewarding.
Advice for Future Runners
If you’re thinking of attempting the Ladakh Marathon, here’s my advice:
Respect the altitude—it will test you.
Train your body for endurance but also train your mind.
Arrive early to acclimatize.
Pace yourself patiently, especially before K-Top.
- Never underestimate the terrain – run to embrace its beauty, not just the race.
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