Journey+Leisure India & South Asia will get in contact with ice hockey participant Chamba Tsetan, who talks about setting the Guinness World Document for organising the world’s highest frozen lake half-marathon with The Final Run in Ladakh, all whereas retaining it clear and inexperienced.
Excerpts from the interview with Chamba Tsetan:
T+L India: How did the frozen lake half-marathon come into being?
Chamba Tsetan: Whereas brainstorming concepts to advertise winter tourism in Ladakh, I caught a glimpse of the Antarctica marathon and I believed, “Why don’t we do it right here, in Pangong?” As somebody who loves journey sports activities, together with ice hockey and trekking, I used to be instantly excited concerning the concept. I, together with a bunch of like-minded people, determined to organise a marathon on the frozen lake of Pangong. The Journey Sports activities Basis of Ladakh (ASFL); the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Growth Council, Leh; and the Tourism Division of Ladakh collaborated to make the occasion a actuality. We had been decided to maintain the occasion unique and took on a restricted variety of individuals to take care of the appeal of the expertise. However this marathon was greater than only a race. It was a chance to ship a message and lift consciousness concerning the melting ice glaciers and the delicate state of the Himalayan glaciers on account of international warming. As somebody who cares concerning the atmosphere and has witnessed the diminishing of ice via my ardour for ice hockey, the occasion held a private significance for me.
T+L India: What had been among the distinctive challenges of organising a marathon on a frozen lake at such a excessive altitude?
Chamba Tsetan: Firstly, the altitude itself was a problem for runners who aren’t accustomed to working at such heights. This will make it tough for runners from low-altitude areas, comparable to Mumbai or Bengal, to regulate to the excessive altitude in Ladakh. One other main concern was the security of our runners. We took further precautions to make sure that our runners don’t slip and fall into the lake, which may be harmful. So, we carried out correct recce and ice power checks, and we marked your complete path on the lake to minimise any danger. Moreover, we supplied ice cleats to runners to forestall any slips and falls on the ice.
T+L India: How has the response been from individuals and the area people in direction of the occasion?
Chamba Tsetan: The marathon on the frozen lake was an enormous success and individuals cherished it! They completed as a staff and had been excited concerning the subsequent occasion. The unique nature of the marathon made it particular for everybody, and their concern for local weather change and melting glaciers made them ambassadors of the sustainable tourism motion. The marathon helped us open homestays for the runners, making the village extra stunning for everybody. Subsequent yr, we plan to incorporate extra occasions. The marathon was a collective effort that concerned the area people, runners, the ITBP, the Indian military, the medical division, and the border highway organisation. It was nice to see everybody come collectively to create a correct motion plan to make this occasion potential.
T+L India: Are you able to inform us concerning the security measures which have been put in place for the occasion, particularly contemplating the intense climate situations?
Chamba Tsetan: One yr previous to the marathon, we carried out a power check to make sure the security of our individuals. Our analysis confirmed that the ice was robust sufficient to carry even a home on high of the lake! We additionally had vitality stations — stocked with electrolytes, vitality bars, and different necessities — arrange each 5 kilometres. A medical division was on standby to supply quick consideration to anybody in want. Emergency companies like oxygen and air evacuation had been available at every station. Moreover, we had a staff of skilled rescuers stationed at each station, with one on a bicycle patrolling between stations and the opposite positioned on the station. These rescuers had been educated in ice trekking and mountain climbing, and we collaborated with two completely different rescue teams, the Ladakh Mountain Guides Affiliation and the native police division rescue staff. With everybody working collectively superbly, we ensured the security and well-being of our individuals all through the marathon.
T+L India: What sort of coaching and preparation did the individuals undergo?
Chamba Tsetan: Our intention was to make the occasion inclusive, the place chosen members would take part within the marathon whereas others may play on the ice. We had been very explicit concerning the choice standards for the marathon individuals. We solely selected those that had accomplished a full marathon within the final five-six months. After the choice, their coaching and readiness started, beginning with acclimatising to the local weather per week earlier than the marathon in Leh, adopted by two days of acclimatisation at Pangong. Earlier than leaving Leh, they needed to endure a medical check-up by the well being division, and one other check-up earlier than the run.
Meticulous planning and train was important earlier than the runners may begin their marathon. We even stored a day for the runners to get comfy with working on ice, referred to as the trial run. Though we had many runners on board, most of them had not run on ice earlier than, and strolling on ice was fully a brand new expertise for them.
T+L India: Are you able to share any expertise from the marathon that stands out in your reminiscence?
Chamba Tsetan: One of many moments that stands out essentially the most is the overwhelming response we acquired for the marathon. We restricted the choice to 75 individuals, however we had numerous registrations pouring in. It was amusing and heartening to see so many individuals enthusiastic about this occasion. I recall two military colonels who got here to witness the marathon however weren’t chosen. Regardless of that, they had been so keen and enthusiastic that they ended up finishing the run with the individuals and walked again to the camp! It was such a pleasure to see their unwavering zeal and spirit. Their ardour for the occasion really left a mark on me.
T+L India: What position do you see the frozen-lake marathon enjoying in selling Ladakh as a vacation spot for journey sports activities tourism?
Chamba Tsetan: By way of the occasion, we intention to advertise sustainability by encouraging the usage of native homestays and the consumption of native meals and drinks. We additionally promote the usage of non-mineral consuming water, which is important for the sustainability of the area. By highlighting these features of Ladakh, we hope to draw journey fans who’re inquisitive about exploring the pure great thing about the area whereas respecting and supporting its native communities.
T+L India: How did you make sure that the occasion was carried out in an environmentally sustainable method?
Chamba Tsetan: As an organiser, we positioned lots of emphasis on making the frozen-lake marathon a inexperienced occasion. We collaborated with native companies and promoted the usage of native vitality bars, which not solely helped to assist the native economic system but in addition lowered the carbon footprint of the occasion. As an alternative of getting the runners are available their very own vehicles, we supplied them with a bus to achieve the vacation spot, which additional lowered the carbon emissions. To forestall littering, we didn’t promote the utilization of water bottles on the vitality stations. We made certain that the realm across the lake was not littered. We positioned 20 to 30 dustbins as an alternative of flags as markers alongside the path, in order that runners may get rid of any small waste they generated responsibly. We additionally ensured that the marathon was carried out in a approach that didn’t hurt the native atmosphere or wildlife. We wished people who find themselves critical, involved and dedicated in direction of the atmosphere and local weather change to be part of the even; those that would set an instance of accountable and sustainable tourism.
T+L India: Are you able to inform us about any future journey sports activities occasions that you’ve within the pipeline?
Chamba Tsetan: We’re very enthusiastic about our upcoming plans for journey sports activities occasions in Ladakh. One of many occasions that we’re focusing on subsequent is mountain biking, which we imagine can be a good way to advertise sustainable and eco-friendly tourism within the area. Biking may additionally develop into a mode of transportation in Ladakh, and it’s a good way to remain match and wholesome.
One other occasion that we’re planning is a full-moon run, which can be held below the mesmerising Ladakhi night time sky. This occasion is especially particular to us as it’s a tribute to Main Shaitan Singh, who was martyred within the Battle of Rezang La in November 1962. The Indian Military was ambushed by Chinese language troopers at 3:30 a.m., so we’ll begin the run on the similar time in honor of his sacrifice.
T+L India: Can you inform us concerning the native delicacies and meals experiences that guests can get pleasure from whereas visiting Ladakh?
Chamba Tsetan: In relation to meals in Ladakh, I extremely advocate attempting the native Ladakhi dishes. Whereas yow will discover all types of cuisines right here, there’s one thing particular concerning the home made dishes. Two such dishes that you should attempt are Thukpa and Momos. The style is much more genuine while you attempt it at a homestay as an alternative of a restaurant– the best meals like daal rice and greens made at a homestay is extremely scrumptious. It’s much less spicy, much less oily, and more healthy.
T+L India: What are your bucket listing locations?
Chamba Tsetan: Canada is unquestionably on my bucket listing as I wish to expertise enjoying ball hockey there and witness how everybody performs it within the streets. Norway can also be on my listing as I wish to discover the mountain ranges and interact in varied journey actions there. I wish to do the silk route journey and for mountain biking, I’ve my eyes set on Nepal and Patagonia in Argentina, each of that are recognized for his or her stunning landscapes and difficult terrain and I’m hoping to cross them off my listing quickly.
Featured and Hero picture courtesy: ASFL Ladakh/Instagram
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