AN OFFICIAL RUN OF SIKKIM ADVENTURE TOURISM FEST 2026Gnathang Valley Vibrant Village Marathon 2026
RUN • EXPLORE • CONNECT
About the Event
PROUDLY PART OF
Sikkim Adventure Tourism Fest 2026
Experience a spectacular high-altitude mountain marathon at approximately 13,500 ft in Gnathang Valley, East Sikkim - often called the "Ladakh of East Sikkim". The event promotes Sikkim's natural beauty, vibrant village tourism, responsible tourism and healthy living. Challenge yourself at 13,500 feet and experience the Himalayas through running.
Entry fee: 21 KM: Rs.700 | 10 KM: Rs.600 | 5 KM: Rs.500 - Registration closes 15 October 2026
OUR MISSION THIS EDITION
Run For Sikkim
In solidarity with the people of Sikkim affected by the recent natural calamity, 20% of every registration fee will be donated to the Sikkim Disaster Relief Fund. Every stride supports Sikkim's recovery.
About the Destination
Perched on the historic Old Silk Route in East Sikkim, Gnathang Valley - the "Valley of Flowers of the East" - is a high-altitude plateau of rolling meadows, glacial streams and prayer-flag-lined ridges, with the Kanchenjunga range watching over every stride. Race-day altitude is approx. 12,700 ft and the course tops out at 14,034 ft near the Nathula ridge.
Nearby Attractions
MAKE IT A TRIP, NOT JUST A RACE
Route & Elevation
Three looped courses on the Old Silk Route plateau - village trails, meadow crossings and prayer-flag ridges. 21K Half Marathon: 2 x 10.5K loop, up & down via Tukla Valley, Heart Lake and the Old Harbhajan Babaji Mandir. 10K Green Run: 2 x 5K loop. 5K Fun Run: 2 x 2.5K loop on the same course. Elevation gain approx. 3,191 ft; the course peaks at 14,034 ft near the Nathula ridge (base 12,295 ft). Hydration and refill points along the course - strictly no single-use plastic.
21K Half Marathon
2 x 10.5K loop - up & down via Tukla Valley, Heart Lake and the Old Harbhajan Babaji Mandir.
10K Green Run
2 x 5K loop on the same Old Silk Route course.
5K Fun Run
2 x 2.5K loop on the same course - non-timed, open to all.
OFFICIAL ROUTE MAP & ELEVATION PROFILE — HYDRATION / REFILL STATIONS MARKED · NO SINGLE-USE PLASTIC ON COURSE
3,191 ft
ELEVATION GAIN
14,034 ft
COURSE PEAK
12,295 ft
BASE ALTITUDE
11 Points
REFILL STATIONS
How to Reach
Fly or Ride the Rail
Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or NJP Railway Station - the twin gateways to Sikkim.
Drive to Gangtok
Approx. 125 km, about 4 hours by shared cab or taxi - overnight in Gangtok recommended.
Permit + the Climb
Collect your ILP (Gangtok Tourism Office / DC Office, Pakyong), then drive past Tsomgo Lake on the Nathula road.
Arrive at Gnathang
Approx. 55 km beyond Gangtok (2.5-3 hrs) on the Old Silk Route - welcome to 12,700 ft.
Stay & Travel Tips
WHERE TO STAY
- Village homestays in Gnathang, Zuluk & Padamchen - wake up on the course itself.
- Eco-lodges along the Old Silk Route run by local families.
- Hotels in Gangtok (3.5-4 hrs away) for pre-race comfort.
TRAVEL TIPS
- Fly to Bagdogra (IXB) or take the train to NJP, then drive via Gangtok.
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory - collect it from the Gangtok Tourism Office or DC Office, Pakyong before reaching Gnathang Valley.
- Reach at least 2 days early to acclimatize; carry layers, gloves and sun protection.
Event Schedule
Participant Benefits
MORE THAN A RACE KIT
Get Race-Ready
8-WEEK HIGH-ALTITUDE TRAINING PLAN
Base Building
25-30 km easy running · 2 hill-walk sessions with a light pack
Hill Strength
32 km total · hill repeats 6 x 400 m · long run 14 km
Aerobic Push
38 km total · long run 16-18 km · stair climbs with pack
Back-to-Backs
42 km total · weekend double: 16 km + 10 km on trails
Peak Week
45 km total · long run 22-24 km with race-day nutrition practice
Altitude Rehearsal
High-elevation hike weekend (8,000-10,000 ft) · 30 km easy
Taper
28-30 km · keep strides sharp · sleep and eat more than usual
Race Week
12 km very easy · reach Gnathang by 29 Oct · medical check-up 29-30 Oct · race day 1 Nov
Awards & Prize Pool
TOP 3 — MALE & FEMALE IN EACH CATEGORY
| CATEGORY | 1ST | 2ND | 3RD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 KMMALE & FEMALE | ₹7,000 + Trophy | ₹5,000 + Trophy | ₹3,000 + Trophy |
| 10 KMMALE & FEMALE | ₹5,000 + Trophy | ₹3,000 + Trophy | ₹2,000 + Trophy |
| 5 KMMALE & FEMALE | Trophy | Trophy | Trophy |
*All prize money will be encashable within 45 days post the event. T&C apply. Positions subject to minimum participation requirements.
Race Essentials
T-Shirt
Official event T-Shirt
Medal
Finisher Medal
Hydration
On-route hydration support
Refreshments
Post-race refreshments for all participants
Travel & Stay
Homestays and community-run stays in Gnathang Valley and Zuluk; booking support shared with registered participants.
Nearest airport: Pakyong / Bagdogra. Nearest railhead: NJP. Gnathang Valley is approx. 4-5 hrs by road from Gangtok via the Old Silk Route. Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for the region - guidance shared with registered participants.
Rules & Regulations
- 01 Participants must carry a valid photo ID on race day.
- 02 Bib numbers are non-transferable.
- 03 Medical Fitness Certificate is compulsory; a mandatory pre-race medical check-up will be held on 29 & 30 October 2026 for all registered runners.
- 04 All participants should reach Gnathang Valley on or before 29 October 2026 (2-3 days prior to race day) for safe acclimatization.
- 05 Bib distribution at the venue from 29 to 31 October 2026, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
- 06 Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for eligible participants - issued at the Gangtok Tourism Office or DC Office, Pakyong; arrange it before reaching Gnathang Valley.
- 07 Pre-race accommodation is not provided by the organizer. Participants must arrange their own stay; hotel/tent details will be shared through the organizer's event updates.
- 08 Follow instructions of race officials and volunteers at all times.
- 09 Littering on the route is strictly prohibited - no single-use plastic on course.
FAQ
All categories - 21 KM, 10 KM and 5 KM - are NON-TIMED runs, open to everyone: experienced runners, amateurs, beginners and recreational participants.
Event Film
Event Gallery
