This itinerary provides details for a 9 night, 10 day trip to Ladakh, India showcasing the natural beauty and cultural highlights. Key activities and destinations include: acclimatizing in Leh, exploring local sights; driving through Khardung La, the highest motorable pass, to Hundar village in the Nubra Valley; continuing on to Turtuk village near Pakistan and seeing the Karakoram mountain range; visiting monasteries in Diskit and traveling through Sumur to reach Pangong Lake; returning through Chang La pass back to Leh; participating in the Ladakh Marathon; and departing via a scenic flight from Leh airport. The trip offers opportunities for daily runs amidst the
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Ladakh marathon itinerary 9N/10D
2. Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of the worlds
mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the
Karakoram, it is a high-altitude desert located at the western edge
of the Tibetan plateau. Its awe-inspiring landscape has been
modified and sculpted into its spectacular shape by wind and
water over the millennia. The moon-like scenery is extraordinary:
stark and barren but interspersed with isolated settlements of
green oases full of swaying poplar trees, apricot orchards and
cultivated farmland.
Despite the rugged terrain and high altitude, the people of Ladakh
exhibit a natural joie de vivre and their customs and lifestyle are a
continuum from the past; these friendly and gentle people will all
contribute to make your visit to this stunning area both fascinating
and memorable. The vibrancy and colour of their cultural
traditions can be seen in the many local festivals that take place all
through the summer. Whatever you do here you can be sure of an
extremely unforgettable, unbeatable experience in one of the
most mind-blowingly beautiful places on earth.
Ladakhs rich Buddhist heritage is on display during the annual
monastic festivals at the numerous Gompas that dominate the
area. Perched high up in the mountain ridges, these enchanting
medieval monasteries, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags, are
still places of active worship and hold treasure troves of superb
artifacts, images and ancient frescoes.
3. The Ladakh Marathon is held in Leh which claims to be the highest
marathon in the world, held at a height of 11,500 to 17,618 feet.
Ladakh Marathon was started in 2012 to show the world that
Ladakh was up and running. The Marathon was also started to
encourage the youth to take up running not only to lead a healthy
lifestyle but also to give them a platform to participate and perform
at a competitive level. Ladakh Marathon is certified by AIMS
(Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) and
has become a prestigious annual event and one of Asias most
important Marathons and a key stop on global marathon calender.
Race Category Distance Cut Off time Registration Fees*
1 RUN LADAKH FOR FUN 7 KM NIL INR 1800/-
2 HALF MARATHON 21.1KM 3 hrs 45mins INR 2500/-
3 MARATHON 42.1 KM 6hrs 30mins INR 3000/-
4
KHARDUNG LA
CHALLENGE
72 KM 14 hrs** INR 9500/-
* Registration fees mentioned is for Indian National living outside Ladakh
** Cut Off Time for Khardung La Challenge is different as per particular stages
4. ITINERARY OVERVIEW
AREA 45,110 SqKms
BEST SEASON May to October
LANGUAGES
Hindi, Urdu, Ladakhi and
English
ALTITUDE 11,500 to 18,379 ft
DAY HOTEL/CAMP DESTINATION
1 Hotel Arrival in Leh
2 Hotel Leh (Local Sightseeing)
3 Deluxe Camp
LehKhardung la-
Hundar
4 Deluxe Camp Hundar-Turtuk
5 Deluxe Camp TurtukSumur
6 Deluxe Camp
Sumur-Shoyok-
Pangong
7 Hotel
Pangong Tso Chang la
-Leh
8 Hotel Leh
9 Hotel Leh (Marathon)
10 - Departure from Leh
Itinerary planned as per 1st September Arrival.
5. Day 1 : Leh Arrival
Upon arrival at Leh, our representative would assist you
at the Airport and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the day for
rest and for acclimatization as you will land directly on a
high altitude of approximately 3500m (11480 ft).
Check-in at hotel will include welcome Tea/ Snacks.
Later in evening, a walk around Leh town includes a visit
to the Market. This walk shall help us in a getting
acclimatized at this height.
Next early morning would be easy walk around
Overnight at Hotel with dinner and breakfast.
6. Day 2 : Explore Leh
A relaxed day in Leh, the capital city of Ladakh is a
historical transit point for caravans of the bygone Silk
Route, and still looks and feels like a trading post of the
ancient past.
It is an imminently accessible and fascinating locale,
featuring two notable monasteries, a palace, a mosque,
and countless narrow, crooked alleyways beckoning the
curious visitor. To stroll through Leh, taking in its sights,
sounds, and a pleasantly-manageable population of just
10,000, is to experience what writer Andrew Harvey
called the peaceful life. The town is still dominated by
the now ruined Leh Palace, former home of Ladakhs
royal family. It also plays host to a cultural dance show
every evening.
Can visit Leh palace, Shanti stupa. We take bikes/Car and
do local sightseeing.
Overnight at Hotel with dinner and breakfast.
7. Day 3 : LEH - KHARDUNG LA - HUNDER
Distance : 37 kms / 90 kms / 90 kms 217 kms
Travel Time : 6-7 hrs
Elevation : Khardung La 5,602mts (18,380 ft)
You could plan couple of kms run/jog with stretching
and warm up/ cool down respectively. You might joing
few other runners for small run.
Starting early, we cross Khardung La, known as the
worlds highest motorable passes, then deep into the
Nubra Valley to the sand dunes at Hunder.
It will be steep drive to Khardung La as we will be
starting at 11,500 ft approx. and will reach 18,380 ft
in mere 37 kms, and then will descend gradually
towards Hunder crossing Nubra Valley.
Overnight at Deluxe Camp with dinner and breakfast.
8. Day 4 : HUNDER - TURTUK
Distance : 85 kms
Travel Time : 3 - 4 hrs
You can go for run followed with cool down & breakfast
Further on to Turtuk crossing Siachens air base, Thoise
airport. The highlight of this trip, the remote village of
Turtuk, which was once a part of Baltistan, is open to
travelers.
Besides the amazing scenery, there is ancient summer
house of the Royal family of Baltistan and a monastery. We
spend the day exploring the area and stay at the Deluxe
Camp, a brand new property surrounded by Apricot
orchards.
You can see Pakistan and Karakoram Range from this village.
Before 1971 this village was in Pakistan. Also Mount K2 top,
the second highest peak in the world can be seen from this
village.
Overnight at Deluxe Camp with dinner and breakfast
9. Day 5 : TURTUK - SUMUR
Distance : 120 kms
Travel Time : 3 - 4 hrs
You would love running in turtuk with beautiful
karakoram ranges on either side of the beautiful river
flowing along roads.
Starting early, we stop at the Diskit which lies in the
Nubra Tehsil. Highlight of the place is Diskit Gompa
dating back to the 14th century on silk route. Beautiful
view of the vally can be seen from the top of Diskit
monastery which you will need to climb through stairs.
After visiting the monastery we head to Sumur, the other
side of valley for night stay.
Evening can be spent leisurely at Sumur sand dunes.
Overnight at Deluxe Camp with dinner and breakfast
10. Day 6 : SUMUR - SHYOK - PANGONG TSO
Distance : 80 kms / 60 kms 140kms
Travel Time : 67 hrs
Elevation : Pangong4,250m/13,943ft
Early morning jog/run followed with breakfast and then
we prepare to leave for Pangong Tso via Shayok.
Drive to Pangong Tso - a high altitude lake in the Ladakh
region. The lake is 134 km long and extends from India to
Tibet. Two thirds of the length of this lake lies in Tibet.
The lake is 5 km (3 mi) wide at its broadest point.
We start early and take a diversion in Khalsar village for
Shyok road. Its a newly open road which saves one day
as you dont need to go back Leh to go to Pangong again.
Drive is very beautiful along with Shyok River and
amazing landscapes, also adventures as well, due to few
water streams to cross on the way.
Overnight at Deluxe camp with dinner and breakfast
11. Day 7 : PANGONG TSO - CHANG LA - LEH
Distance : 82 kms / 78 kms 160kms
Travel Time : 67 hrs
Elevation : Chang La (elevation 5,360 m or 17,590 ft)
It is not recommended to run here in Pangong due to its
high altitude and weather
After spending the morning at the shores of the beautiful
Pangong lake, we head back to Leh crossing the second
highest road in the world, the Chang La, over 5000m
high.
We take stop at Chang La for photographs and enjoy Tea
and beautiful landscapes. Because of its height, at this
altitude, you might not want to walk around as it is not
advisable.
After Chang La, our next stop would be Leh crossing Karu.
Overnight at Hotel with breakfast and dinner
12. Day 8 : LEH (LEISURE DAY)
Overnight at Hotel with dinner and breakfast
Next day is Marathon so you are advised to follow your
running schedule/strategy for today.
The day is for rest to get youself prepare mentally and
physically for next day
We take leisure walk around city and get familiar with the
marathon route and other details for marathon
In evening we gather for discussion about marathon and
with early dinner we call it a day
Next day will commence early so keep everything ready .
Lay out your kit, bib number, timing chip, safety pins and
other stuff before you go to bed
We all gather at 4:45 AM outside hotel next day
13. Day 9 : MARATHON (RACE DAY)
Reporting time for Half Marathon and Marathon is 5:30
AM so we leave for reporting venue at 4:45 AM
Please fix your tags and bib number at night before the
race day to avoid last minute hussle.
As it is high altitude marathon, you would be running
under direct sun. So please use sun screen lotion and cap
if necessary if your skin is sensitive.
We will meet at the hotels after the marathon is finished
as people completing early might want to reach hotel
early and get little rest
Remaining day is spared for rest and recovery from
marathon, You can visit market and nearby places if you
wish so.
Overnight at Hotel with dinner and breakfast
14. Day 10 : FLY OUT
(By Air, Travel Time: 1hr15mins)
Transfer to the airport to catch the early morning flight back
to New Delhi.
Leh Airport is one of the few highest commercial
airport in the world at 3,256 m (10,682 ft) above mean
sea level.
Due to its location in between the Mountain ranges of
Himalayas the approach to Leh Airport has been named
and nominated as one of the world's most scenic
approaches which makes this airport a scenic airport to
land into and take off from.
- Trip Terminates -
15. Spend first 2 nights in Leh for acclimatization to high altitude
conditions.
Control your appetite and avoid heavy meal. Have light meals
at frequent breaks.
Water : Dehydration can complicate health issues at such a
high altitude. So make sure you are carrying enough water per
person all the time and drinking at regular intervals.
Medicines : Carry Diamox (helps reduce some of the symptoms
of AMS) and medicines for headache, fever, stomach ache, cold
and cough syrup. It is always helpful if you take the medicine
24 hours before (for AMS) you arrive in Leh more so if you are
flying by air to Ladakh (better if you consult your doctor for
medicine to keep).
Sunscreen lotion : Dont forget to carry a good quality
sunscreen lotion with rating of SPF30 or higher and apply it
properly before going out in the sun.
UV sunglasses : UV rays at high altitude can be quite damaging
and this holds true for eyes as well. So having decent quality
UV sunglasses is quite essential, when mountain passes have a
lot of snow cover and sunlight reflecting from the snow can be
even harsher!
Lip balm : Dry and cold weather of Ladakh will make your lips
dry, so make sure to carry a lip balm or Vaseline.
LIST OF THE THINGS NECESSARY FOR A
HASSLE FREE TRIP TO LADAKH :
16. Chocolates, biscuits and nuts : These provide instant
energy and easy snack and dont take up too much space.
Mustard oil : Mustard oil can be used for moisturizing
skin, putting it in your hair and for lubricating insides of
nostrils, which can become quite dry and painful due to
dry and cold winds of Ladakh.
Glucose/ORS : As you wont feel hungry as high altitude
slows down your appetite, it is necessary to stay energetic
as you will be travelling throughout the day.
Other personal essentials : Hat/cap for keeping yourself
covered from sunlight, Balaclava, Paper soap, toothbrush,
toothpaste, comb and toilet paper, shaving kit and face
wash if you have the space and need for these and any
other toiletries.
Clothes : Make sure apart from your regular cloths, you
are also carrying a sweater, gloves, cap (protect head and
ears from cold winds), warm inners as temperature in
very variable.
Documents and IDs
Money : Carry enough cash you need, to avoid wasting
time withdrawing cash, it may not be feasible for
everyone. So please keep in mind that ATMs in Leh are
few with often long queues in front of them.
Mobile phone connectivity : Only post-paid connections
from other states work in Ladakh, and only BSNL has
presence beyond Leh, and there will be no connection in
most part of ladakh.
17. Cost per Person: ****
Plan 9 Nights/ 10 Days
PACKAGE DETAILS
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
Accommodation on twin/ triple sharing Hotels and deluxe
camps as mentioned.
All meals included (Breakfast, and Dinner) as specified in
the itinerary.
Bike/ SUV Car with Driver
Local guide in Turtuk village.
Airport pick up and drop in Leh.
Inner Line Permits.
PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS
Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax,
calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at
monuments, medical expenses, gratuities etc.
Any Insurance
Any expenses incurred due to delays owing to Force
Majeure conditions or unforeseen circumstances
Any other services not mentioned in the inclusions.
Any Airfare.
18. PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION
Payment/Bookings Confirmation :
A minimum 50% of total on confirmation.
Cancellation charges:
2 months before departure - No Charge
29-60 days before departure -25% of total
10-28 days before departure - 50% of total
Less than 10 days before departure - No Refund
Julley!!!
Julley!! That's Ladakhi greeting for Hello, I am well,
Take care, How are you, basically Julley is not a word
but an emotion or rather a bouquet of emotions.