Ladakh Umlingla Challenge 2026

World’s Highest Road Ultra Marathon

The Ladakh Umlingla Challenge 2026 is one of the most extreme high-altitude running events in the world, held at Umling La Pass — the world’s highest motorable road location at approximately 5,799 m (19,024 ft) in Ladakh, India. Organised by Sarmang Society / Sarmang Adventure Tours under the Summit or Surrender series, this challenge pushes human endurance to its limits through multiple running categories conducted entirely at exceptionally high altitude.

Event Details

• Event: Ladakh Umlingla Challenge 2026
• Date: Friday, 10 July 2026
• Location: Umling La Pass, Ladakh, India (Eastern Ladakh region)
• Organiser: Sarmang Society / Sarmang Adventure Tours
• Entry Open: 16 December 2025
• Slots: Limited to 100 runners only due to altitude logistics and safety.

**Disclaimer: While we aim to provide accurate, timely event information, all details, including date, venue, category, and race logistics, are subject to change by the official organizers. Please verify the latest information through the official event channels before registering or participating.

Race Categories & Distances

The Ladakh Umlingla Challenge offers five high-altitude running challenges, each starting at or near the Umling La top and descending along high Himalayan road terrain.

70 km Ultra Marathon

• Elevation Gain: ~1,622 m
• Cut-off: 14 hrs
• Difficulty: ★★★★★ Extreme

50 km Ultra Marathon

• Elevation Gain: ~1,538 m
• Cut-off: 10 hrs
• Terrain: High-altitude asphalt road descending from Umling La top.

42 km Full Marathon

• Elevation Gain: ~1,469 m
• Cut-off: 8 hrs
• One of the highest official full marathons in the world.

21 km Half Marathon

• Elevation Gain: ~1,054 m
• Cut-off: 4 hrs
• Held at extreme altitude starting from the Umling La peak zone.

10 km High Altitude Run

• Elevation Gain: ~622 m
• Cut-off: 2 hrs 15 min
• Shortest category — but still at near-6,000 m altitude.

Course & Terrain

• Highest Point (Start): Umling La Pass – ~5,799 m
• Lowest Points Depending on Category: ~4,200–5,100 m
• Surface: Mainly asphalt / motorable road descending from the highest pass.
• Atmosphere: Thin air (oxygen ~40–50% of sea level), harsh cold desert winds, and dramatic remote Himalayan scenery.

This is a road ultra (not a typical trail run), but the extreme altitude, remote setting, high winds and sparse vegetation create a unique high-mountain challenge unmatched by most traditional ultras.

Key Features & What Makes It Special

• World’s Highest Road Ultra Marathon — race routes are set near or above 5,700 m, one of the tallest competitive running environments on Earth.
• Extremely Limited Participation — only 100 spots available to prioritise safety and logistics at high altitude.
• Guinness World Record Presence — previous editions have set records for highest altitude ultra finishes and notable finisher achievements.
• Low Oxygen & Extreme Conditions — runners contend with ~50% oxygen, sub-zero temperatures, and rugged desert-mountain terrain.

Inclusions (Typical / Confirmed from Official Info)

Selected race categories (varies by distance) include:

• Official race entry & timing
• Mandatory medical screening & safety checks
• Transport for event logistics (e.g., Leh → Koyul → race start)
• Acclimatisation stay (basic dorm accommodation for several days)
• Aid station support along course
• Post-race meal and hydration
• Finisher medal (if completed)
• Official race e-certificate & photography

(Note: exact inclusions vary by category and race registration package; check official site at time of registering.)

Who Should Participate

• Experienced ultra runners with prior 50 km+ race experience
• Athletes comfortable with high-altitude endurance challenges
• Runners seeking a world-first or record-level environment
• Adventure athletes aiming to push physical and mental limits
• Those prepared for acclimatisation protocols and controlled high-altitude competition

Location & Logistics

• Host Region: Umling La Pass, near Demchok / Koyul, Ladakh
• Access via Leh and remote Himalayan highways
• Participants typically arrive early for acclimatisation and health checks
• Local support and high-altitude medical teams available

Environment Notes

Running near 5,800 m means:

• Severe thin air & hypoxia
• Major temperature swings
• Harsh winds and remote isolation
• Prior acclimatisation is essential

Medical clearance required before participation due to altitude risks.