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 the lake to celebrate winter season, to promote winter tourism and to spread awareness about melting glaciers and climate change.
The organisers believe, this unique marathon in Leh Ladakh can be the last marathon as Pangong lake can stop freezing to ice anytime in future due to climate changes and global warming.
What is Pangong Frozen Lake Marathong?
The 21-kilometre marathon, with Lukung as its starting point, ends at Maan village. Selected athletes from India and abroad participate in the run, giving them an opportunity to make a bid for a Guinness world record for the world’s highest Frozen Lake Marathon.
In 2023, the first marathon was named the “Last Run” to highlight the issue of climate change.
The marathon trail is tricky because of ice and cold conditions, so a selected runners will be participating based on previous experiences of marathons and other high-altitude adventure sports.
The Marathon
Pangong (Tso) lake has become the venue for India’s only frozen lake marathon while world’s highest. The maiden edition of the Pangong Frozen Lake Marathon took place on 20 February 2023.
Apart from mesmerising views of the Himalayas, this high-altitude race offers athletes a chance to make a Guinness World Record by participating in the world’s highest frozen lake marathon. In the past, countries such as Norway and Russia have hosted similar races, but none have been at an altitude of 13,862ft above sea level.
Along with experienced athletes for the marathon, the organisers invite people who wish to walk for a cause as they wish to spread awareness about climate change through sports.
The 21-kilometre-long marathon, with Lukung as its starting point, ends at Maan village.
How to reach Pangong lake
Tourists can visit Leh by direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar. Leh is also well connected by road from Manali and Srinagar. From Leh, a 4 to 5 hour road journey in taxi takes you to Pangong lake which is at 150km from Leh.
Pangong is reachable by road from Leh via Changla pass or from Nubra valley via Shyok village or from Tsokar/Tsomoriri/Mahe bridge via Chushul.
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