Silk Route Ultra
The ancient ‘Silk Route’ across the Karakoram pass connected North West India with Central Asia from Yarkhand, Kashgar and Turkestan. This route was strategically important and one of the longest trade routes in ancient time. It was not only an exchange of commodities but also a cultural exchange of customs that took place till the mid 20th century as this is seen in the rich cultural heritage that Ladakh has to offer. As this famous Silk route passed through the Nubra Valley (Ldumra – the valley of flowers), this race has been aptly name the Silk Route Ultra.
This ultra race is for all those who have been running the Khardungla Challenge for several years and for those ultra runners and Ironman athletes who always want to test their endurance further.
Number of participants to this race is restricted to a maximum of 60 runners. This ultra race is scheduled for Thursday 11th September 2025, starting from the village of Kyagar.
A Closer Look At The Course
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Race Details
DISTANCE
122 km
DATE
Thursday 11 September 2025
RACE START TIME
7 pm on Thursday 11 September – Kyagar Village Nubra
REPORTING PLACE & TIME
NDS Stadium grounds Leh – on Wednesday 10 September at 8 am
AGE LIMIT
Participant should be 24 years or older as on race day
CERTIFICATION
Finisher Certificates will be given to participants who attain / reach “Finisher” stage with official time along with a medal
Eligibility
Participant(s) who fulfil any one option listed below is eligible to APPLY for this race with a non-refundable application fee of Rs 3,000. Please ensure that you meet the eligibility before submitting your application.
- Finisher of 2024 Khardung La Challenge under 13 hours.
- Finisher of 2024 Silk Route Ultra.
- Previous years Participant of Silk Route Ultra AND 100 miles under 24hrs OR 100 km under 14hrs, within the eligibility period.
- Finisher of Khardung la Challenge of previous years under 13 hours AND having an Ultra Marathon of 100km under 14 hours after 1st Jan 2024.
- Finisher of Khardungla Challenge under 13 hours AND having 10 ITRA points from two races within the eligibility period (at least one after 1st January 2024).
- DNF participants of SRU 2024, but having crossed the Khardung Village 2nd stage within the cut-off time.
Application will be confirmed once documents submitted towards eligibility criteria have been verified within 15 working days, after which payment link will be shared for balance registration fee. Event organiser reserves the right to disallow / disqualify any participant who is known or suspected to be physically unfit to participate in this run. Please note that the number of participants to this run is restricted to a maximum of 60.
Besides the above, the following nationalities cannot participate in the Silk Route Ultra as they are excluded from the restricted area permit which is required for the Khardung La pass.
a. Citizens of Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and foreign nationals having their origin in these countries
b. Diplomatic passport holders
Cut off time
The below will be strictly followed:
| From | To | Distance(Km) | Cut-Off Time | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | Khalsar | 27.6 | 11 pm / 4 hr | I |
| Khalsar | Khardung | 22.4 | 3:00 am / 8 hr | II |
| Khardung | North Pulu | 17.1 | 6 am / 11 hr | III |
| North Pulu | Khardungla Top | 15.1 | 10:30 am / 15 hr 30 min | IV |
| Khardungla Top | South Pulu | 14.3 | 1:10 pm / 18 hr 10 min | V |
| South Pulu | Mendak mor | 12.1 | 2:50 pm / 19 hr 50 min | VI |
| Mendak mor | Leh Market(Finish) | 13.4 | 5 pm / 22 hr | Finisher |
Please note that these points and times are subject to change should the organisers deem it necessary. The final cut-off is at 22 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.
Registration Type & Fee
(Inclusive of 18% GST)
1
Type I (Foreign Nationals)
2
Type II (Indian Nationals – who live outside Ladakh)
3
Type III (Ladakh Residents & serving Indian Defense Personnel )
4
Type IV (Veterans – 52yrs & above) Foreign
5
Type IV (Veterans – 52yrs & above) Indian
BIB Collection
Participants of the Silk Route Ultra are assigned two bibs each for front and back. Please ensure these are pinned properly and visible at all times during the entirety of race(s), failure to do so will result in disqualification.
Bibs will be distributed ONLY on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd September 2025 at NDS Memorial Stadium grounds in Leh. NO BIBS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER THESE DATES.
It is mandatory for participants to collect their bibs in person and are requested to bring out original photo ID as same is also required for Inner Line Permit.
Race briefing and getting to the start point
It is mandatory for participants to report at 8 AM on Wednesday 10 September 2025 at the NDS Stadium grounds in Leh where they will be briefed about this ultra race, and hand over their layering on/off bags for K-top and South Pulu to the Event organiser.
Participants will be transported to the starting point at Kyagar village in Nubra Valley, a distance of 120km/5hrs drive, where accommodation is provided in a homestay / guest house inclusive of all meals.
Please note that no briefing for this ultra race will be conducted in Kyagar village, so participants MUST report at NDS Stadium grounds on Wednesday September 10 at 8AM.
Participant Benefits
- Running T-shirt
- Running jacket
- Beanie cap
- Ultra sun hat
- Upper and lower inners
- Arm sleeves (for sun protection)
- Neck warmer
- Bags for layering on/off
- Finisher Jacket
Baggage deposit for layering on/off
There are three locations to layer on/off during this race – 1st at Khardung Village, 2nd at K-top and 3rd at South Pulu. For 1st layer on/off point at Khardung, baggage deposit counter will be at the starting point in Kyagar village.
For 2nd and 3rd layer on/off points, bags must be deposited on Wednesday 10th September at NDS Stadium grounds during race briefing.
Belongings can be collected at the finish point.
Participants are requested to carry only essentials for the overnight stay in Kyagar and items required for the race. Please arrange to leave all non-essentials in Leh.
Hydration points & medical support
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 7km interval from start point to the village of Khardung. From here on hydration / aid stations will be located at every 5km interval and shared with the participants of Khardungla Challenge. There will also be mobile units along the course of the race providing drinks and snacks. Hydration & Aid stations will provide 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
Toilet facilities along the course are environment friendly dry pits.
Course Description
Silk Route Ultra (122km)
An extension and part of the Khardung la Challenge route, this race begins in the little village of Kyagar (3140 m) in Nubra Valley, also home to Chewang Motup Goba, the founder of Ladakh Marathon. Staying on the road to Siachen glacier for about 2kms, the course takes you up to the head of the Kyagar village and take a turn at the village school passing through the village and joining the main road to Leh. Passing through the small market of Sumur village, you run along the ancient Silk Route (now the Leh- Nubra highway) passing through the village of Lakjung and Tirith to reach the bridge on River Shyok. You then run uphill to the village of Khalsar (3264 m) where the Indian Army has a base. Leaving Khalsar behind it is a gradual ascent to the village of Khardung (3975 m). From here on you will be running alongside the runners of the Khardungla Challenge across the Khardungla pass (5370 m) to Leh town.
