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Ladakh Umlingla Challenge 2026: 16 Challengers Conquer the World’s Highest Altitude Ultra Marathon at Umling La
Koyul, Changthang, UT Ladakh | 11 July 2026
The Third Edition of the Ladakh Umlingla Challenge 2026, organised by Sarmang Society and Sarmang Adventure Tours under the Summit or Surrender – Extreme Altitude Himalayan Race Series, concluded successfully at Koyul, Changthang on 10 July 2026, reaffirming its position as the Highest Altitude Ultra Marathon in the World.
A total of 16 participants from across India assembled at Umling La Top (5,799 metres / 19,024 feet)—the highest motorable road in the world—and began their challenge at 6:50 AM. Unlike conventional races, the Ladakh Umlingla Challenge is a non-competitive endurance challenge, where participants do not compete against each other but attempt to safely complete their chosen distance while overcoming the extreme altitude, rugged Himalayan terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
Participants representing cities including Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Delhi, Haldwani, Lansdowne, Leh and Kargil took part in this year’s edition. The event brought together runners from diverse professions and age groups ranging from 28 years to 69 years, highlighting the growing appeal of high-altitude endurance sports across the country.
Starting at an altitude of 5,799 metres (19,024 feet), Umling La presents one of the most demanding environments for endurance sports anywhere in the world. At this elevation, oxygen levels are nearly 50 percent lower than at sea level, making even basic physical activity extremely demanding. Completing an ultra-distance challenge under such conditions requires months of preparation, proper acclimatization, disciplined pacing and immense mental resilience. The Ladakh Umlingla Challenge has therefore emerged as one of India’s most unique endurance events and is widely recognised as the Highest Altitude Ultra Marathon in the World.
Despite the challenging conditions, eight participants successfully completed the 70K Challenge, two completed the 50K Challenge, and eight completed the 21K Challenge.
The successful 70K challengers were Deepak Kumar, Jaydev Amritrao Pawar, Saikat Naskar, Vasu Rangachary, Ritesh Shaw, Shamala Manmohan, Manmohan K R and Sivaguru Vellasamy S. The 50K Challenge was successfully completed by Shaleen Ahuja and Samarth Joshi. The 21K Challenge finishers included Suraj, Saurav Gaur, Pawan Kumar, Prabhu Singh, Debarati Ghose and Ramchan Pramanick, successfully completed the category.
One of the highlights of this year’s edition was the inspiring performance of the senior participants. Vasu Rangachary(63), Shamala Manmohan (66 years) and Manmohan K R (69 years) all successfully completed the demanding 70K Challenge, proving that endurance and determination transcend age. Their achievement became one of the defining moments of the event.
The successful conduct of the event was made possible through the outstanding support extended by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The 21 Battalion ITBP provided comprehensive medical assistance, communication support and logistics throughout the event, ensuring the safety of every participant from start to finish.
A unique feature of this edition was the participation of Shri Pawan Kumar, Deputy Commandant, 21 Battalion ITBP, who himself completed the 21K Challenge alongside three other ITBP personnel, demonstrating the spirit of endurance, leadership and camaraderie. At the finish line, Deputy Commandant Shri Pawan Kumar and Assistant Commandant Dr. Suraj felicitated all the finishers with medals, certificates and commemorative mementoes.
The Ladakh Umlingla Challenge is much more than an endurance event. Through the Summit or Surrender – Extreme Altitude Himalayan Race Series, Sarmang Society aims to promote border tourism, responsible adventure tourism and sustainable travel in India’s frontier regions while encouraging people to experience the unique landscapes, culture and strategic significance of these remote Himalayan areas. The event is organised in close collaboration with local communities, government agencies and security forces, generating livelihood opportunities for local transport operators, homestays, guides and support staff while ensuring that tourism remains environmentally responsible and culturally respectful.
Continuing its commitment towards environmental conservation, all participants, volunteers, organising team members and personnel from the 21 Battalion ITBP participated in a plantation drive at Koyul on 11 July 2026 before departing from the region. The initiative reflected the organisers’ philosophy that adventure tourism should always leave a positive impact on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The organisers expressed their sincere gratitude to the District Administration, Changthang, for facilitating the successful conduct of the event. Special thanks were extended to Shri Ishey Spalzang, Ex-Counsellor, Nyoma, for his continued encouragement and support in promoting adventure tourism in the Changthang region. The organisers also acknowledged the invaluable support received from ITBP Ladakh Frontier, 21 Battalion ITBP, 37 Battalion ITBP, 14 Corps, Indian Army, and Project Himank, Border Roads Organisation, whose contribution in infrastructure, route maintenance, logistics, communication, medical services and participant safety played a crucial role in the success of the event.
Speaking after the event, Anil Mohan, Founder and Race Director of the Ladakh Umlingla Challenge, said, “Umling La is not just another race venue; it is one of the highest and most extreme places on Earth where humans can push their physical and mental limits. Anyone can reach Umling La by motorcycle or vehicle, but choosing to run at 5,799 metres is an entirely different challenge. Every participant who stood at the start line demonstrated extraordinary courage, and every finisher has earned a place in the history of high-altitude endurance sports. Through the Summit or Surrender series, our vision is to promote responsible adventure tourism, strengthen local partnerships and showcase India’s remarkable border regions to the world.”
Shri Pawan Kumar, Deputy Commandant, 21 Battalion ITBP, said, “Anyone can travel to Umling La by car or motorcycle, but running at an altitude of 5,799 metres demands exceptional physical fitness, mental strength and determination. It was inspiring to witness participants from different parts of India and across age groups taking on this challenge with such discipline and enthusiasm. We are proud that the ITBP could contribute to ensuring the safety and successful conduct of this unique event.”
The Summit or Surrender – Extreme Altitude Himalayan Race Series is an initiative of Sarmang Society and Sarmang Adventure Tours to organise endurance events at the highest motorable roads across the Himalayan states of India. Following the successful organisation of the Mana Pass Challenge (5,600 metres) in Uttarakhand and three editions of the Ladakh Umlingla Challenge (5,799 metres), the series continues to position India as one of the world’s leading destinations for high-altitude endurance sports while promoting responsible tourism, environmental stewardship and the development of border regions.
