The second speed ascent / trail run of its kind and also second in series for the Summit Run after Indrahar.
3rd June 2023 (Saturday)
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Results of Summit Run Sethan Dome – Hampta 2024 are out now.
Please click on the link below to see it.
SUMMIT RUN Sethan – Hampta is the second speed ascent / trail run of its kind and also second in series for the Summit Run after Indrahar. The slopes of Sethan Dome and Hampta pass are well known among the adventure and outdoor community for various activities including international-level heli-skiing and trekking. 2024 will see the second edition of this Mountain trail race.
At the Summit Run Sethan – Hampta, we will have an ULTRA distance category / level. A 50+ km flagship category that will take you over the twin summits of Sethan Dome & Hampta Pass. Other than the ultra-distance, we will have two categories – 25 km (ultra half) & 16 km. While category 1 (16 kms) is an out & back loop, the 25 km & 50 km will have a different starting and ending points.
Jagatsukh – Banhara – Tilgan – Souroutoo – Sethan Dome – Jobri – Chica – Jwara – Balu Gera – Hamta Pass.
To understand how these points are laid out on the map for each category / level.
Here are the category wise distance, elevation and cut-off charts. It is important to note that the actual distances for these cut-off and finish points may vary based on GPS readings. The real final distances for each category could be – 18.5 km (16 KM) | 23 kms (25 KM) | 51 km (50 KM)
Anyone who is active and from the outdoor community, regularly engage in different outdoor & mountain-based sports can sign up for Summit Run.
Note – For 16 Km, we would also accept beginners who do not meet the above criteria, but are overall active and regularly engage in fitness activities.
An Important document that covers all information that will help you plan your travel, stay and other race day logistics. We recommend going through this in detail. Please click here to review.
Q) What is Summit Run Sethan Dome – Hampta? A run or a trek?
A) The event is essentially a trail run over two summits, which puts it in the league of speed ascending / sky running category among trail runs. It’s not a trek. You are covering the same distance and taking the same trail as trekkers do, but putting the effort to cover it in a much shorter duration.
Q) How high does the route go?
A) The TWO high points of Sethan Dome & Hampta Pass are – ~4400 M & ~4250 M respectively. Not all categories touch both the summits. Level 1 (16 km), only touches the 2nd base camp of the Hampta Pass which is ~3500 meters high. Level 2 (25 km), goes over Sethan Dome only. And Level 3 (50 km) touches both Sethan Dome & Hampta Pass.
Q) I am a trekker, not into running, can I do this?
A) If you are into short hikes and do not have much experience in multi-day treks, Level 1 is something you can go for. Levels 2 & 3 are more suited for people with running & trail running experience, but experienced trekkers and mountaineers who have the experience of putting in long hours on the trail can definitely go for Level 2 or 3.
Q) How is the route/terrain like?
A) For level 2 & 3 which starts from Jagatsukh, the first 1-1.5 km is a narrow-paved path and steps leading to the Banhara village temple where you enter the forest. Once you enter the forest, the trail becomes a marked dirt trail leading you to the Tilgan area which is a forest campsite. Most of the route through till Jobri is a mud grassy trail with minimal rocky sections and some forest areas. After you reach the Sethan ridgeline, it’s a green open meadow leading all the way to the Sethan Dome and down to Phyang Niru. Check the gallery section for ideas on the terrain.
Q) Is the terrain & elevation more difficult than Indrahar?
A) The overall elevation gain for each category is close to what you experienced during the Indrahar run. Where the final climb for Indrahar was much steeper and more technical with rocky & boulder sections, the climb to Sethan Dome is less steep and an open high meadow with few rocks and boulders on the way. This is a skiing slope primarily because the technical rocky sections are missing. Climb to Hampta is a mix of narrow streams, grassy patches and rocky sections.
Q) When will the entries close?
A) We plan to close the entries by early May to start our final prep. For the event. You should sign up soon and make your travel & stay arrangements soon as it’s a busy touristy season in the Manali area.
Q) Where should I book my accommodation?
A) Both the start points – Jobri (Level 1) and Jagatsukh (Levels 2 & 3) will be situated on the LEFT BANK of Beas river. Both are about a 35-40 min drive from the main Manali town. You can look for any accommodation that is close to these start points depending on your category. As of now, we haven’t tied up with any accommodation for the event, so you are free to choose to stay as per your budget and needs.
Q) How to reach Manali?
A) Manali is accessible via road from New Delhi (10 hrs by overnight bus) and from Chandigarh (6-7 by overnight bus). Flight – Bhuntar, near Kullu, is the nearest airport with limited flight connectivity. For all those coming from south, central, east, northeast, or west India, check for flights to Delhi or Chandigarh and take an overnight VOLVO bus to Manali. This is the most convenient and cost-effective way. Direct flights to Kullu are prohibitively expensive.
Q) what kind of gear / equipment do i need?
A) Here’s a list of mandatory gear category wise for the upcoming Summit Run.
Category 1 – 16 Kms
1) Trail Running Shoes
2) Rain Jacket / Poncho
3) Handheld sipper – 500 ml / Waist belt with two bottles
4) Whistle
5) Sunglasses (recommended)
Category 2 – 25 Kms
1) Trail Running shoes
2) Rain Jacket / Poncho
3) Head Torch
4) Hydration Pack with at least 1 Ltr water bladder
5) Whistle
6) Sunglasses (recommended)
7) Emergency Blanket
Category 3 – 50 Kms
1) Trail Running shoes
2) Rain Jacket / Poncho
3) Head Torch
4) Hydration Pack with at least 1.5-2 Ltr water bladder
5) Whistle
6) Sunglasses (recommended)
7) Emergency Blanket
You may carry a hiking pole as well if you prefer and are used to it.
Mcleodganj – Magic View – Mcleodganj
You are new to trail running but want to experience the joy of being on these beautiful trails and be part of the community. This is just the right kind of exposure that you need. The trail loop for level 1 will be 10 Km in distance and at the maximum altitude of 8200 ft.
Mcleodganj – Triund – Mcleodganj
If you have been running for a while now and have done at least a 5K run, this level is for you. Having done single-day hikes also make you eligible for it. The Dharamkot – Triund – Bhagsu Nag circuit will be a satisfying experience with trail sections giving you the opportunity to speed hike and run on some gentle uphill and steeper downhill sections. Maximum height will be 9432 ft and distance covered would be about 16km.
Mcleodganj – Snow Line – Mcleodganj
To opt for level 3, you must have done at least one 10k run or multi day treks in the higher Himalayas. This category will let you enjoy the climb of double ridges on the route, the Triund ridge and the ridge leading to the Snow line. The views will get better as you go high. Maximum altitude will be 10,500 ft. Total distance measures to be 20 Km for this loop.
Mcleodganj – Indrahar Pass – Mcleodganj
You must have run at least a Half Marathon, trekked in the high Himalayas (3000 meters+ in altitude) or climbed a non technical peaks to go for Level 4. Going up the Indrahar pass is what will satisfy your crazy adventure quotient. This is a one of its kind endurance challenge in the Himalayas that blends together the joy of trail running and the challenge of scaling a 14,000+ ft peak in the Greater Himalayas. Total distance covered would be 30 km. Limited slots available at this level. Application to be judged by selection committee.
Dharamkot – Magic View and back
You are new to trail running but want to experience the joy of being on these beautiful trails and be part of the community. This is just the right kind of exposure that you need. The trail loop for level 1 will be 10 Km in distance and at the maximum altitude of 8200 ft.
Dharamkot – Triund Top – Bhagsu Nag
If you have been running for a while now and have done at least a 5K run, this level is for you. Having done single-day hikes also make you eligible for it. The Dharamkot – Triund – Bhagsu Nag circuit will be a satisfying experience with trail sections giving you the opportunity to speed hike and run on some gentle uphill and steeper downhill sections. Maximum height will be 9432 ft and distance covered would be about 14km.
Dharamkot – Triund Top – Snow Line – Bhagsu Nag
To opt for level 3, you must have done at least one 10k run or multi day treks in the higher Himalayas. This category will let you enjoy the climb of double ridges on the route, the Triund ridge and the ridge leading to the Snow line. The views will get better as you go high. Maximum altitude will be 10,500 ft. Total distance measures to be 20 Km for this loop.
Dharamkot – Triund – Lahesh Caves – Indrahar Top – Bhagsu Nag
You must have run at least a Half Marathon, trekked in the high Himalayas (3000 meters+ in altitude) or climbed a non technical peaks to go for Level 4. Going up the Indrahar pass is what will satisfy your crazy adventure quotient. This is a one of its kind endurance challenge in the Himalayas that blends together the joy of trail running and the challenge of scaling a 14,000+ ft peak in the Greater Himalayas. Total distance covered would be 30 km. Limited slots available at this level. Application to be judged by selection committee.
Q) How does the distance compare to city / sea level-based runs?
A) Here’s a ‘feels like’ comparison for each level at the Summit Run if you compare it to a sea level-based mileage.
Q) What the Registration fee include?
A) Ticket prices include – Event T-shirt | Finishers Medal | E-certificate | AID station support (food, water) | safety & medical staff and arrangements | Adventure Sports Insurance for your category.
Q) I am doing level 4 (Indrahar). What kind of Acclimatization do you recommend?
A) Acclimatization – For level 4 runners, it’s a must. You may feel at 6,000 ft that you are all fine and will be able to do it. But going up straight to 14,300 non-stop will need all the preparations you can give in. A night at the snow line will also familiarize you with a major portion of the route and will give you confidence. We recommend arriving on 4th October and go up the trail for a night camp around 9500-10000 ft. Return back to town on 5th. Rest for 6th & 7th before the race.
Q) What will AID stations have?
A) Aid stations – We’ll have water, electrolytes, energy drinks, energy food items such as chocolates, dry fruits, bananas. Since level 4 people will be required to carry a hydration pack, you can put your items of choice in your packs for custom use.
Q) What if I need to stop on the course due to any emergency. What happens?
A) Emergency Stop – We’ll have safety & medical marshals for level 4 that will ensure that only medically fit people go beyond level 3 turnaround. If at that or anypoint before you feel you are unable to continue, stop and go to your nearest station. We’ll have stations every 1.5 – 2 kms. We’ll also have marshalls on the move who will scan the route for anyone who may be injured or unable to move. We’ll recommend – Be your own first measure of safety. At every station take a 2 min pause and assess yourself. And If at any of these points you feel it’s too much and you are unable to continue. Stop there till you feel better. In case you don’t start descending down slowly.
Q) Will there be route markings?
A) Trails will be marked wherever there is a confusion or a fork / another way leading elsewhere. The route after level 3 turnaround will be extensively marked with flags & rock paints to guide people.
Q) What kind of gear do I need? What is Compulsory?
Q) What kind of weather is expected during the run?
Temperature – Day time temperature in Mcleodganj in October will be around 19–22-degree C. Minimum temps around 8-10 C. We have chosen a post monsoon window but weather can be unpredictable. Hence the compulsory rain jacket that won’t just help you with rain, but also cold winds when you go up above the snowline & the pass. Weather at the snow line & above will be cold & windy. Expect daytime temperatures to be 7-10 degree C with wind. Night time temps to be close to 0 or below.
Q) Will there be snow & Ice on the route?
Most of the glaciers and snow currently on course will disappear by October. Chances of fresh snow only if weather gets bad. Early October we expect it to be crisp and sunny. The Laka glacier that covers the area after Level 3 turnaround will be reduced to a small size.
Q) What are the start times for the categories?
Q) How to book accommodation?
A) We will share a list of partner hotels with offers for the Summit Run participants once you register for the run. Our ground team will help you book the accommodations.
Q) Are there any discounts for armed forces personnel?
A) Please get in touch with our team at mailbootscrampons@gmail.com to discuss.
