Run the Roof of the World : Ladakh Marathon

Not your average marathon.
Welcome to Ladakh – a mountain desert sculpted by the Himalayas’ rain shadow, where every breath is thinner and every step harder. The real battle is altitude: from 11,500 feet to over 17,500 feet.

The Khardung La Challenge takes runners 72km across the second-highest motorable pass in the world, with much of the route above 14,000 feet. Oxygen is scarce, climbs are relentless, and even walking feels punishing. For the truly fearless, the Silk Route Ultra stretches 122km through stark Himalayan wilderness – brutal ascents, shifting weather, and long, isolating miles. Few races test human endurance like these.

Silk Route Ultra

Where History Runs: Voices of the Silk Route Ultra

Sugourav Goswami

“Worst thing to do in high altitude is to push yourself. The moment you push, you perish.”

Rajesh Choudhary

“Ultra runs like these teach us humility – and remind us that while everyone is competing, the true battle is to conquer our own fears and challenge ourselves in everyday life.”

Rakov Kirpal

“Running in Ladakh is a truly humbling experience. In this Land of High Passes, you realize just how small and insignificant you are.”

Niteshwar Kumar

“Ladakh Marathon is not just a race – it’s a grueling test of physical and mental resilience. Train hard, acclimatize well, ample hydration, good sleep & positive thinking.”

Manoj Verma

“This race perfectly combines endurance, adventure, and culture. It felt like an opportunity to push my limits while being part of something truly iconic.”

Corina Van Dam (Cocky)

“Ladakh Marathon is one of a kind. You never know what to expect except that you will have to deal with whatever comes your way: cold, heat, the altitude. But always there is that breathtaking landscape. My best experience was running alone in the night in the mountains lit by the moon and guided by the stars.”

Khardung La Challenge

From Thin Air: Words of Khardung La Runners

Rajesh Kataria

“There were a number of memorable moments. But the most memorable one is crossing the finish line with all the crowd and fellow runners cheering for you. The feeling was surreal, one which will stick with me forever.”

Sandeep Gauba

“While the Border 100 was longer, Khardung La was far more challenging – mentally and physically. You need to reach early, stay away from family, deal with altitude, and manage work – all of which adds to the pressure.”

Nidhi Gupta

“A race that starts high on EMOTION and finishes to PERFECTION!”

Sanjeev Meghani

“What makes it unique is that you are running through nil visibility, coldest weather, unexpected track and you might also encounter snow chilled wind, rain tough terrain and the scorching sun which tests your body to its limits.”

Bhawna Datta

“Some people told me “running that distance could be my mid life crises At 50+ ” I had to prove it twice!”

Gurleen Arora

“It taught me the value of the very basics of survival – oxygen, sunlight, food, and resilience – and reminded me how small yet powerful we are in front of nature.”

Aparna Paul

“Khardung La Challenge isn’t a race against others – it’s a race against yourself, it’s an invitation to discover how far your mind and body can truly go and the finish line is the moment you realize how strong you’ve always been”

Marathon

Reflections from the Ladakh Marathon

Sugandha Singhal

“Sometimes the finish line isn’t just at the end of the race – it’s at the end of a promise you once made to yourself.”

Rajesh Koul

“Ladakh Marathon was always on the to-do list when I realized I could run marathons. Not only was I aiming for completion, but I was also targeting to qualify for the next big one – THE KHARDUNGLA CHALLENGE. And here I am, ready for KC’2025.”

Kunal Joshi

“Every breath was harder, every step heavier, but the experience was unforgettable. It reminded me that the human spirit, when determined, can rise above even the toughest conditions.”

Shivani Singh

“The Ladakh Marathon is more than a race – it’s a dialogue with your own mind. Every breath at that altitude is a reminder that resilience is built when you refuse to quit, no matter how steep the climb.”

Sandeep Gauba

“Nothing is impossible if you follow Plan-Do-Check-Act.”

Farhan Khan

“Ladakh Marathon, a journey that pushed me beyond my limits and filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. The rugged terrain, breathtaking views, and the sheer challenge of the race with high elevation and low oxygen made every step worth it.”