Adi Kailash Parikrama Run: Uttarakhand's High-Altitude Ultra Marathon Guide

Quick Summary

The Adi Kailash Parikrama Run is a high-altitude ultra marathon held in the Byas Valley near Gunji village, Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, at altitudes between 10,300 and 15,000 feet. Organised with support from the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, the event traces a route around the sacred Adi Kailash peak and includes five race categories — from a 5 km run to a 60 km ultra marathon. The inaugural edition was flagged off by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and held on November 2, 2025, from Gunji village. The 2026 edition is scheduled for October 24–25, 2026.

What Is the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run?

Most people searching for "Adi Kailash Parikrama" are thinking of the traditional pilgrimage circuit around the sacred peak. The Adi Kailash Parikrama Run takes that same spiritual landscape and turns it into a competitive endurance event — believed to be India's first ultra marathon held at this altitude.

The race was launched to mark 25 years of Uttarakhand's statehood and to promote adventure tourism in the remote border villages of the Kumaon Himalayas. Beyond the sporting achievement, the event carries a social message: encouraging youth toward a healthy, drug-free lifestyle, while generating local employment and visibility for villages along the India-Tibet border.

Race Categories and Route

The Adi Kailash Parikrama Run offers five categories, making it accessible to both serious ultra runners and first-time high-altitude participants:

• 60 km Ultra Marathon — the flagship category, circling sacred sites including Jolingkong, Parvati Kund, Kutti, Nabidhang, and Kalapani, with an elevation gain of over 1,500 metres
• 42 km Full Marathon
• 21 km Half Marathon
• 10 km Run
• 5 km Run

All categories start from Gunji village, a base altitude of roughly 10,300 feet, with the higher stretches of the course climbing to around 15,000 feet. Runners receive a race kit including a bib, timing chip, medal, refreshments, and an e-certificate, with trophies and cash prizes awarded to top finishers in each category.

Adi Kailash Parikrama Run 2026 Dates

This year's Adi Kailash Parikrama Run is scheduled for October 24–25, 2026, in Gunji village, Pithoragarh district. As with the inaugural 2025 edition, expect pre-race activities such as BIB distribution, medical checks, and race briefings to take place the day before the main event, with categories starting early morning to make the most of clear high-altitude weather. Runners planning to attend should book travel and accommodation to Dharchula or Gunji well in advance, since options near the venue are limited and tend to fill up quickly once registrations open.

Why Altitude Changes Everything for This Race

Unlike a typical road marathon, altitude is the real opponent here. At 10,300–15,000 feet, oxygen levels drop significantly, and even experienced marathoners can struggle without proper acclimatization. A few things matter more here than in a standard race:

• Arrive early. Spending 2–3 days in Dharchula or Gunji before race day allows the body to adjust before exertion at altitude.
• Hydrate consistently, not just on race day — dehydration compounds altitude stress.
• Get a medical fitness check before travelling, especially if you have any cardiac or respiratory history.
• Layer your race-day clothing, since temperatures swing sharply between early morning and midday at these elevations.

Permits and Travel Requirements

Because the race route runs through the Indo-Tibet border region, participants need the same Inner Line Permit (ILP) formalities required for the Adi Kailash Yatra itself. Documentation typically includes:

• A valid government photo ID (Aadhaar or Voter ID)
• Passport-size photographs for permit processing
• ILP formalities completed at the SDM office in Dharchula

Given the remoteness of Gunji village, most runners also need pre-arranged transport from Kathgodam, Tanakpur, or Pithoragarh, along with accommodation booked in advance, since lodging options near the race venue are limited.

How Rudraansh Yatra Can Help Runners

As ground operators based in Pithoragarh, our team regularly handles exactly the logistics that make or break a high-altitude event like this:

• Inner Line Permit processing and documentation support
• Transport from Kathgodam, Tanakpur, or Delhi to Dharchula and Gunji
• Pre-race acclimatization stays in Dharchula
• Local guidance on route conditions, weather, and altitude preparation

Whether you're travelling for the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run alone or combining it with the Adi Kailash Yatra, having a local team handle permits and logistics lets you focus on the race itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run?

It's a high-altitude ultra marathon held near Gunji village in Uttarakhand's Byas Valley, tracing a route around the sacred Adi Kailash peak, with categories ranging from 5 km to a 60 km ultra marathon.

Q2. Where does the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run take place?

The race starts and is based out of Gunji village in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, with the course running through sites such as Jolingkong, Kutti, Nabidhang, and Kalapani.

Q3. What altitude does the race reach?

The course spans altitudes between approximately 10,300 feet and 15,000 feet, making it one of the highest-altitude marathon events in India.

Q4. Do I need a permit to participate?

Yes. Since the route lies in the Indo-Tibet border region, participants need Inner Line Permit (ILP) clearance, processed through the SDM office in Dharchula, along with a valid government photo ID.

Q5. When is the next Adi Kailash Parikrama Run?

The 2026 edition of the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run is scheduled for October 24–25, 2026, in Gunji village, Pithoragarh district. This follows the inaugural edition, which was held on November 2, 2025.

Q6. Is this race suitable for first-time ultra runners?

The 5 km and 10 km categories are approachable for newer runners, while the 21 km, 42 km, and 60 km categories are better suited to those with prior high-altitude or endurance running experience. Acclimatization before race day is strongly recommended for all categories.

Conclusion

The Adi Kailash Parikrama Run brings together two things rarely combined in Indian sport tourism — competitive endurance running and one of the Himalayas' most sacred landscapes. Whether you're chasing a podium finish or simply want to experience the Byas Valley in a new way, preparation and local support make all the difference at this altitude.

For permit assistance, transport, and acclimatization support around the Adi Kailash Parikrama Run, reach out to Rudraansh Yatra — our team is based in Pithoragarh and handles this terrain year-round.