Silk Route Ultra 2026

Legendary High-Altitude Ultra in Ladakh

The Silk Route Ultra is one of the most iconic and challenging ultra-runs in India, held as part of the Ladakh Marathon festival in the high Himalayas. Set along the ancient Silk Route that once connected Northwest India with Central Asia, this ultra tests elite endurance runners across 122 km of some of the world’s toughest terrain – including rugged trails, valley roads, and the climb over Khardung La Pass – one of the highest motorable passes on Earth.

The race is limited to a select group of 75 runners, making it an exclusive, high-endurance challenge for serious ultra athletes and seasoned high-altitude runners.

Event Date & Location

• Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026
• Start Time: 7:00 PM (Night start)
• Start Location: Kyagar Village, Nubra Valley, Ladakh
• Finish: Leh Market, Leh, Ladakh
• Altitude Range: Starts ~3,140 m, climbs past 5,370 m at Khardung La Pass – extremely high altitude.

‍ Race Distance & Format

• Distance: 122 km
• Start in Nubra Valley (Kyagar Village), run along the historic Silk Route through small villages and valley roads.
• Ascend gradually through Khalasar and Khardung Village before tackling the legendary Khardung La Pass (5,370 m).
• Descend towards Leh city, finishing near the Leh market after an epic test of endurance.

Eligibility Requirements

To maintain an elite field and ensure runner safety, participants must be 24 years or older on race day, and satisfy one of a set of stringent criteria such as:

• A strong finish in the Khardung La Challenge, or
• Previous finishers of the Silk Route Ultra, or
• Competitive results in other ultras or high-distance races demonstrating strong endurance capacity.

This ensures runners are prepared for the extreme physical and altitude demands of the course.

Cut-Off Times & Race Stages

The Silk Route Ultra has strict stage cut-offs that must be respected to continue racing:

Registration & Fees

Registration categories and entry fees (inclusive of GST) are tiered based on nationality and veteran status:

Bib Collection & Pre-Race Briefing

• Bib Collection: Mandatory in person at NDS Memorial Stadium, Leh on 29–30 August 2026.
• Race Briefing: Participants must attend a compulsory briefing on 09 September 2026 at NDS Stadium, where race logistics, cut-offs, route details and safety information are shared.
• From Leh, competitors are transported to Kyagar Village in Nubra Valley (~120 km/5 hrs drive), where accommodation and meals are provided before race start.

Race Kit & Participant Benefits

All accepted Silk Route Ultra participants receive a comprehensive race kit including:

• Official running T-shirt
• Running jacket & finisher jacket
• Beanie cap & ultra sun hat
• Upper and lower inners
• Arm sleeves for sun protection
• Neck warmer
• Layering bags (for checkpoints)
• Official finisher medal and certificate (for those who complete within cut-off)

Hydration stations placed approximately every 7 km to Khardung, then every ~5 km thereafter provide water and energy-rich snacks — served in biodegradable or plastic-free formats in support of environmental sustainability.

️ Why Silk Route Ultra Is Unique

✔ Run one of India’s most iconic ultra distances, following historic caravan trails of the ancient Silk Route. 
✔ A rare blend of high-altitude challenge, culture, history, and extreme endurance.
✔ Limited to 75 runners – maintains elite and personalised race experience. 
✔ Exhaustive altitude exposure from Nubra Valley to Khardung La Pass over 5,300 m. 
✔ Hosted as part of the broader Ladakh Marathon week featuring other races like Khardungla Challenge and classic marathon distances.

**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.