Category: Events

Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon Event Date: February 20 Address: Pangong Lake, Changthang region. Leh, UT of Ladakh, India Influence: International Event Purpose: To spread awareness about climate change Organizers: Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh with the support of Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh, Department of Tourism and Indian Army. The second edition of the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon -- the world’s highest frozen lake marathon -- was successfully conducted on the icy surface of the Pangong Tso in the Changthang region of Ladakh's Leh district on February 20, 2024. Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon was organised by Adventure Sports Foundation of Ladakh with the support of The Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh, Department of Tourism and 14 Corps, Indian Army. The run was participated by 120 runners from seven different countries in two categories, the 21 km and the 10 km run. Ravinder Kumar, Secretary Sports, UT Ladakh, was the chief guest of the event accompanied by Konchok Stanzin, Councillor from Chushul constituency. The main purpose of organising Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon was to spread awareness about rapid melting Himalayan glaciers, implying this could be the last run on frozen Pangong Lake due to the impact of global warming, at the same time to promote winter tourism in places like Changthang. People from Maan, Merak, Spangmik and Phobrang villages participated in the event along with hosting the runners. They performed various cultural performances during the event. This year Pangong Lake was frozen completely in February after delay of many weeks. Generally, the lake freezes in January. Environmentalists attribute it to the global warming and climate change. Pangong lake freezes completely in winter months. The thick layer of ice on its surface makes it worth walking or running. The Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon is also organised on icy surface of