The Khardung La Challenge (72km) is the highest Ultra Marathon in the World. This race is amongst the Toughest and Ultimate Challenging Endurance Race for the serious runner who wants to push his or her limits to the extreme. This race is Only for the fittest and very experienced runners. The harsh conditions makes this extremely tough as you will be running approximately 60km of the race at above 4000m (14,000ft)!!! Hence the number of participants to this race is restricted to a maximum of 250 runners. This race is scheduled for Friday 12 September 2025 to ensure singular logistical focus and attention to the participants and to make this ultra-marathon a prestigious event.
Checkpoint with assistance permitted
Services72km
NDS Stadium grounds Leh – on Thursday 11 September at 8 am
Friday 12 September 2025
Participant should be 20 years or older as on race day
3 am on Friday 12 September – Khardung Village
Finisher Certificate will be given to participants who attain / reach “Finisher” stage with official time along with a medal
Participant who fulfils any one option listed below is eligible to APPLY with a non-refundable application fee of Rs 3,000
a) Finisher of 2024 Ladakh Marathon (42km) OR Khardungla Challenge (72km)
b) Finisher of two full marathon under 5hr within the eligibility period (atleast one run after 1st Jan'24)
c) Finisher of previous years Ladakh Marathon (42km) AND one full marathon under 5hr after 1st Jan'24
d) Finisher of EITHER two 70km ultra marathons under 11hr within the eligibility period (atleast one run after 1st Jan'24) OR two ultra marathons over 70km with a pace of 6km/hr (atleast one run after 1st Jan'24)
e) Finisher of a full marathon under 5hr AND a 50km ultra under 6hr within the eligibility period (atleast one run after 1st Jan'24)
f) Finisher of the 2023 Ladakh Marathon (42km) and one Full Marathon after 1st January 2024
Application will be confirmed once documents submitted towards eligibility criteria have been verified within 10 working days, after which payment link will be shared for balance registration fee. The Organiser reserves the right to disallow / disqualify any participant who is known or suspected to be physically unfit to participate in this run.
The below will be strictly followed:
| From | To | Distance(Km) | Cut-Off Time | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khardung Village(Start) | Khardungla Top | 32.2 | 11 am / 8 hrs | I |
| Khardungla Top | South Pulu | 14.3 | 1:30 pm / 10 hrs 30 min | II |
| South Pulu | Mendak mor | 12.1 | 3 pm / 12 hrs | III |
| Mendak mor | Leh Market(Finish) | 13.4 | 5 pm / 14 hrs | Finisher |
Please note that these points and times are subject to change should the organisers deem it necessary. The final cut-off is at 14 hours (5 pm) and if you have not reached the cut off points within the given time as stated above, you must leave and retire from the race immediately and get on to a sweep vehicle. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
(Inclusive of 18% GST)
Bibs will be distributed on 2nd and 3rd September 2025 at NDS Memorial Stadium grounds in Leh. Participants have to collect their bibs in person and are requested to bring out original photo ID as same is also required for Inner Line Permit.
Participants will have to report at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday 11 September 2025 at the NDS Stadium grounds in Leh. They will be transported to the race starting point at Khardung village where the accommodation is provided by the organisers in a homestay inclusive of meals. Participants are requested to bring out their own sleeping bags and headlamps.
Please note that the briefing for race will be conducted at NDS Stadium grounds just before departure to the starting point, and not at the starting point in Khardung village.
There will be baggage deposit counter at the starting point. And along the course there will be 3 places to layer off clothes at North Pulu, Khardungla top and South Pulu. Belongings can be collected at the finish point.
Beginning with the 8th edition of Ladakh Marathon in 2019, we have made a conscious decision to make this event free of single use plastic. We are thankful to all participants and request for continued support in our effort to reduce the use of plastic and help us in protecting our fragile environment.
Hydration and Aid stations will be located at every 05km interval providing with:
Water – refill facility – participants are requested to bring out their own hydration packs and bottles. Energy drinks served in biodegradable cups. Snacks are free of plastic wraps and include fresh fruits, dates, boiled potatoes, jaggery etc.Toilet facilities along the course are environment friendly dry pits.
The Khardung La Challenge begins at Khardung village (3975 m / 13,042 ft). The race route involves a gentle but steady climb to the top of Khardungla (5370 m), one of the highest motorable passes in the world. From here it is downhill all the way to Leh town (3500 m / 11,500 ft). Runners get spectacular mountain views of the Karakoram range and the Stok massif, running past mountain villages and summer pasture land of the yaks of the Nubra Valley and North Pulu.
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Hot / Cold Water
Energy Drink
Fruits
Snacks
Toilet
Warm Meal