La Ultra The High

Single-stage 333 km trail ultra in India with extreme elevation

April

Month

Kilometers

Runners

Single

Stage

Trail

Pt-to-Pt

Extreme

Elevation

About the Race

WHY RUN IT?

It’s hard to believe a race like La Ultra The High exists. Held in the Himalayas of Ladakh, it puts other races claiming to be the world’s toughest to shame with 333 km of pure cruelty. There’s a 555 km version too, which is a partial out-and-back. But let’s face it – this extreme distance escalates into the realm of self-inflicted torture. The course profile for La Ultra The High is simple. Just go straight from around 11,500 feet to over 17,500 feet, three times in a row. The cumulative elevation gain of 18,000 feet might not seem as bad as races like UTMB and the Hardrock 100, each with 33,000 feet of elevation. But those races reach high points level to La Ultra The High’s low points, meaning the altitude effects are very different. Not to mention, temperatures in this region of the Himalayas can range from a sweltering 100°F to below freezing at 15°F, changing in a matter of hours.

“Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence.”

- Nemann Buhl

If you haven’t had enough of an adventure after the race, Ladakh is the perfect place to explore in Northern India. The high, snow-capped Himalayas provide a breathtaking backdrop for all sorts of thrilling adventure sports. You can hike through the stunning valleys, trek across the vast plateaus, or motorbike winding mountain roads. Motorbiking is especially rewarding in the Nubra Valley, which offers spectacular views of the Himalayas over a number of high altitude passes. Whatever type of activity you choose, you are sure to have the adventure of a lifetime.