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LaDakh ULTRA Fest
Covid has been the final trigger helping in the creation of this new avataar of La Ultra, which is a lot bigger than just a run of whatever distance. Ladakh has adopted La Ultra for a decade and it’s now time to take that relationship to the next level.
Besides running, now you will get to interact with erstwhile royal family member(s) and get to know Ladakh’s history through them. Locals will demonstrate polo and archery in the traditional way. You’ll get to try your hand at archery. Cultural program will include local dance and music. You’ll get to visit Alchi, a thousand year old monastery, and do the heritage walk in the old Leh town.
In 2022 we are organising ‘LaDakh Ultra Fest’ in April to add business opportunities for the locals during the off season, and add to their livelihoods. The whole event will also leave minimal carbon footprints by prohibiting single use plastic bottles and by going fully digital.
It’s not mandatory for running participants to register and attend the Fest, also, if someone wants to attend the Fest but not participate in the run, that’s alright too. Registration for Fest is separate from registration for the Run.
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Ladakh Ultra Fest Itinerary
The thing unique about Ladakh is high altitude, which leads to high altitude sickness. It is a great leveller. It doesn’t care how fit or unfit you are and can hit anyone. We want you to enjoy, rather than spend your time in Leh in a hospital, which no doubt is a lot better than it was a decade ago. Even though they have a separate tourist section and is probably the best government hospital in the country, we would rather have you see Ladakh.
If one doesn’t take basic precautions, high altitude sickness can easily become fatal too.
To us your safety is of prime interest, that’s why we want you to have enough time to acclimatise. There will be no compromise on late arrival. If you are accompanied by someone who is also participating but in a shorter distance with different arrival date told by us, we then recommend all in the group to arrive on the earlier date.
21st April, Thursday - 111 k category participants arrive in Leh
Whichever category you are participating in, you are expected to pick your RACE PACK from Hotel GRAND DRAGON, on the day you are required to land in Leh.
22nd April, Friday - 33 & 55 k category participants arrive in Leh
Today 33 & 55 participants arrive and pick their race packs from Hotel Grand Dragon. 111 participants are advised to take it easy today and not push themselves too much.
23rd April, Saturday - 11 & 22 k category participants arrive in Leh
Today 11 & 22 participants arrive and pick their race packs from Hotel Grand Dragon. 33 & 55 participants are advised to take it easy today and not push themselves too much. 111 participants can go to the market and Shanti Stupa for the sunrise and / or sunset.
24th April, Sunday - Experience Ladakh’s Royal Dynasty
You’ll literally be taken down the memory lane with erstwhile royal family members of the Namgyal Dynasty. You’ll get an insight into Ladakh’s history, heritage, culture, traditions and the people. There will be a guided tour of Stok Palace and a cultural show, including local dance and music. Lunch will have Ladakhi cuisine prepared in the traditional Ladakhi way.
25th April, Monday, Old Leh Town Walk
Take a Walk Through the Old Town of Leh for an insight into Ladakhi Culture traversing through the Old Town of Leh is what this walk primarily entails. Leh is the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. It is home to the famous Leh Palace, which housed Ladakh’s royal family. Leh has been an important historic site for trade in the Himalayan region. The city, especially the Old Town of Leh, hides many secrets and stories of an interesting past that never made it to our history books. The Old Town of Leh is a testimony to the architectural heritage and socio-cultural history of Ladakh, bearing influences that demonstrate links to Central Asia, Tibet and Kashmir.
26th April, Tuesday - Acclimatisation: Khardung La
This day is meant to spend more leisurely time going up to Khardung La. You’ll be driven up to the pass, and there will be no rush, but at the top there will not be a long stop as that can be detrimental.
27th April, Wednesday, Chushot - Polo Exhibition Match; Archery: 2nd half
Polo was probably introduced into Ladakh in the early 15th century by King Jamyang Namgyal, whose second wife was a Balti princess from Baltistan.
The game of Polo is more part of the Ladakhi culture. It becomes more enchanting because of the link between Polo and music. Surna (oboe) and Daman (drums) are played during polo matches. A special tune called Stakra or Rak or tsarak is played when a horse runs or starts to gallop or while hitting a goal. A reverberating experience. Interestingly polo is a part of many festivals in Ladakh like Losar (Buddhist New Year) and Nowruz (Muslim New Year). Therefore, polo is more than a sport, it’s an integral part of the culture of the land.
This day is dedicated traditional Ladakhi sports, namely Polo and Archery. You’ll be in audience of Polo exhibition match organised specifically for you. You’ll then not only witness the archery skills of locals, but also get a chance to try your hand at it too.
Polo was probably introduced into Ladakh in the early 15th century by King Jamyang Namgyal, whose second wife was a Balti princess from Baltistan.
The game of Polo is more part of the Ladakhi culture. It becomes more enchanting because of the link between Polo and music. Surna (oboe) and Daman (drums) are played during polo matches. A special tune called Stakra or Rak or tsarak is played when a horse runs or starts to gallop or while hitting a goal. A reverberating experience. Interestingly polo is a part of many festivals in Ladakh like Losar (Buddhist New Year) and Nowruz (Muslim New Year). Therefore, polo is more than a sport, it’s an integral part of the culture of the land.
Archery runs in the blood of all the Ladakhis. They’ll showcase their talent in a local exhibition tournament. You might surprise yourself as you just could have the talent to win medals for India too.
28th April, Thursday Wari La - Serthi or Khardong-La
This day is meant to spend more leisurely time going up to either Wari La or Khardung La. You’ll be driven up to the passes, and there will be no rush, but at the top there will not be a long stop as that can be detrimental.
29th April, Friday Alchi / Sham valley, Indus - Zanskar confluence, Pathar Sahib, Hall of Fame
Also known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas, the Alchi complex is one of the most important cultural sites in the Himalayan region. A national heritage site, it is distinct from other monasteries in Ladakh as it is situated on flat ground unlike others which are located on hilltops, the art and architectural of Alchi is also distinct.
Alchi Monastery lies towards west of Leh on the banks of the Indus River. The Monastery dates back to nearly one thousand years. There are five shrines in the Temple Complex which has some splendid wall paintings. One of its walls features thousands of miniature sized pictures of the Buddha.
30th April, Saturday - Run
All the categories of run start today.
1st May, Sunday - Fly back
On Sunday May 01, time to fly back home carrying with the excellent experience and memories with you or you may opt to extend your vacation on your own.