It is not easy to a run a marathon. To run one at 3500m in rough terrain with multiple gradient shifts needs a different level of athleticism. This is for people who thrive on endurance running. For the brave and really resilient. Welcome to a new high. The Ladakh Marathon!
Ladakh Marathon had its first edition in Sep, 2012. Over the years it has grown by leaps and bounds and is now one of the most sought after mountain marathons in the country and the world. Billed as one of the toughest marathons, it is a big draw for serious runners both for the intense challenge it offers and the insanely beautiful race course. Beautiful monasteries built on hill tops, rugged arid landscape, serene Indus River, azure blue sky and a vibrant atmosphere. The race course has it all and a killer incline before the finish. Running this marathon is truly a cathartic experience and will drain you physically and emotionally. At the end, the reward of completing it is a feeling that you will prize for a long time.
The marathon happens at an altitude of 3500m with rarefied oxygen levels, it is important to come in much early. This helps the body acclimatize and and ready itself for race Day. Our tour is an acclimatization and sightseeing run up to the Ladakh Marathon.
We start with 2 days of acclimatization in Leh with local sightseeing of ancient monasteries and palaces. We then head to Nubra Valley across one of the highest motorable passes in the World – Khardungla and descend to the breathtaking valley of Nubra. From here we drive along the Shayok to the high altitude lake of Pangong that stretches all the way into Tibet. We return to Leh over the Chang la and spend the next day whitewater rafting down the gorge section of Zanskar. The day before the Marathon is reserved for complete rest.
The itinerary is designed to support you and help you achieve the dream of completing one of the toughest Marathons. We will have some from our core team also running along for motivation and support. If you are serious about achieving this glory, we are here to support you in your endeavour.
Like they say, if you can run this, you can run anywhere.
Registration for the Ladakh Marathon opens in March.
Day 01: Arrive Leh(3500m). Rest and Acclimatization
Day 02: Leh Local Sightseeing
Day 03: Drive to Nubra Valley over khardung La(5359m)
Day 04: Excursion to Turtuk/Thang & back
Day 05: Drive to Pangong Lake(4250m)
Day 06: Drive to Leh
Day 07: Rest Day before the marathon
Day 08: Race Day
Day 09: Depart
*Optional whitewater rafting option on Day 7 at extras. Not recommended for HM, FM runners.
INR 58500
USD 890
Day 01: Arrive Leh(3500m). Rest and Acclimatization
Fly into one of the highest airports in the World at 3256m. The mountain flight to Leh(IXL) will mesmerize you. Our representative will greet you at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Sudden change in altitude does not go too well with the body and it needs to be rested to adjust to rarefied oxygen levels. We are all here on a misssion, so it is paramount that we give our bodies complete rest today to help it acclimatize to high altitude.
In the evening we go out for a relaxed market walk.
Driving Time: 15 mins
Overnight Leh Hotel. Meals: B
Day 02: Leh Local Sightseeing
After breakfast, we go for our half day sightseeing tour of monasteries and palaces. We visit Shey, the erstwhile capital of Ladakh which has a palace. Shey also is a famous picnic spot for the locals because of the grassy fields with water bodies in front of the palace. We then move to Thiksey monastery which resembles the Potala Palace of Tibet and is a miniature version of it. The main attraction inside, is the 2-storeyed statue of Maitreya Buddha which was the poster picture for incredible India campaigns. The view from atop Thiksey monastery is simply stunning. We return to Leh for lunch. Post-lunch we can walk around the charming markets of Leh.
Driving Time: 2-3 hrs
Overnight Leh Hotel. Meals: B
Day 03: Drive to Nubra Valley over khardung La(5359m)
We drive over the highest motorable pass to Nubra Valley, which used to be an integral part of the silk route. Infact, the famous double-humped camels in this Valley were actually brought in by traders from across the Hindu Kush during the silk route days. Nubra Valley borders with Pakistan and is the gateway to the Karakoram Range. The highest battlefield on Earth- Siachen lies in the Nubra Valley.
Our first stop after lunch will be Diskit monastery with the giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha overlooking the massive expanse and the old monastery of Diskit.
In the evening we visit Hunder sand dunes, to enjoy the sunset over the dunes and witness the double humped Bactrain Camels. It is a small desert just next to the Shyok river. Evening free to enjoy some star gazing.
Driving Time: 5-6 hrs
Overnight Nubra Hotel. Meals: BLD
Day 04: Drive to Pangong Lake(4250m)
Today morning will be our first jog in the Nubra Valley.
After Breakfast, we take the road that runs along the Shayok river towards Pangong Lake. This road is seldom used and is very picturesque. There are umpteen view points and photography points on the way. This road can be used only late in the season when the water from the Shayok is low. We have lunch on the way at Durbuk and head to Pangong Lake.
Pangong Tso is the biggest lake in Ladakh and spans 135Kms with just one third of the lake lying in India. The rest lies as part of China. The cobalt blue Pangong Tso, can be reached after a 5 hr scenic drive along the Shayok river. The Chang Chenmo mountains make the backdrop of this stunning lake. The colours around will send the photographer in you into a tizzy! Cobalt lake, arid brown mountain range with snow white summits and the azure blue of the skies!! This could be heaven. We spend a night here enjoying Pangong in all its colours as the light shifts. A great place to look into oneself as you look out at the blue expanse. People spontaneously slip into a meditative state at this enchanted lake.
Driving Time:5-6 hrs
Overnight Pangong Deluxe Tents. Meals: BLD
Day 05: Drive to Leh
Early morning we go for a jog on the shores of Pangong. Dont forget to watch the water birds the dot the shore. Mostly Bar headed Goose and Brahminy ducks.
After a relaxed breakfast, we make our way back to Leh through a different route, over the Chang La(5360m). Another day to savour the spectacular arid scenery on route.
Driving Time:5-6 hrs
Overnight Leh Hotel. Meals: BL
Day 06: Rafting Day trip
Early morning we take a short run towards Shanti Stupa and return.
Rafting is one of thrilling activities you can indulge in when in Leh. Indus and Zanskar offer classic day trip sections. The Zanskar day trip is graded 3+ and is in a gorge section. We drive for about 2 hrs from Leh, upstream the Zanskar river to the starting point called Chilling. The Zanskar river carries a lot of silt, is very cold and has some fantastic rapids. A great way to experience the Zanskar Gorge. You are kitted up with wet suits, life jackets, helmets and paddles for the raft trip. Post trip, we have a sumptuous lunch on the riverside, getting warm in the strong sun. We visit the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib on our way back.
In the evening, we walk to Shanti Stupa again for the magnificent sunset over Tsemo Castle.
Overnight Leh Hotel. Meals: BL
Day 07: Leisure Day
After an early morning run towards Tsemo Castle and a hearty breakfast, we rest our legs for the rest of the day reading a book, meditating or just enjoying the blue skies in Leh.
Overnight Leh Hotel. Meals: B
Day 08: Marathon Day
The Big Day. We make a super early start and head to the start point of the Marathon in a vehicle. After that , its just some prayer and a lot of action. The culmination of months of dedicated hardwork. Running at 3500m above sea level in one of the most breathtaking of locations – Ladakh. Go ahead , enjoy the run.
Gala Dinner party in the evening.
Overnight Leh Hotel. Meals: BL
Day 09: Depart
An early breakfast and departure to the airport. Trip Ends.
Meals: B
Ladakh Marathon Tour – Sep 2018
Highlights Of Ladakh – July 2018
Hitesh Joshi – :
The literal translation of the Hindi word “Vishwas” in English is “Trust” which is the basis of all relationship and the foundational stone for lasting relationship. When it comes to Business it becomes equally important to be a “Trusted Advisor” and Vishwas from Adventure Sindbad just epitomises the true essence of that. His professionalism and attention to details are just awe inspiring. Taking care of minutest of details such as giving us a detailed list of items to be carried, Acclimatisation needs, need to have our Marathon requirements met while clubbing with site seeing and what kind of altitude will suit better. How much time we should have in hand before Marathon starts. Every single need has been taken care by Vishwas.
I fell ill while on the trip and he literally ensured that I get proper medication and attention while keeping an eye on my main purpose of visiting Ladakh I.e. Marathon. I was just fit 2 days before my marathon and was able go out for a practice run with Vishwas for good 5 KM a day before the marathon. I have never experienced such a service and would highly recommend Vishwas for his services.
I look forward to come back again and use Vishwas’s services.
Wish you good luck Vishwas.