Vibrant Ladakh Festival: Umling La Hosts World’s Highest International Fashion Runway

Umling La in Ladakh, India, has scored a Guinness World Record by successfully hosting a historic World’s Highest International Fashion Runway, officials said.

The World’s Highest Motorable Road situated at a staggering height of 19,024 feet hosted the show – held on September 29 under the Vibrant Ladakh Festival.

It was organised by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council in partnership with Ladakh Art and Entertainment Alliance – backed by Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation.

Costumes Introduce The Colour Palette Of Spring/Summer 2024

The Umling La fashion show included international models from 16 countries across the world, including two Ladakhi models who walked the runway at a record elevation.

It was aimed at promoting the ‘One World One Family’ creed of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ as well as the highly valued GI tagged Pashmina of Ladakh.

The costumes donned by the models introduced the colour palette of the Spring/Summer 2024 and also showcased products made from Pashmina produced in Changthang region.

Initiative Promotes ‘Border Tourism’

Addressing the gathering, Executive Councillor LAHDC Leh Tashi Namgyal Yakzee said such unique initiatives will play a significant role in promoting and strengthening ‘Border Tourism’.

Extending his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yakzee appreciated the recent decision of Home Ministry to allow international tourists to reside in Hanle for night stay.

The Executive Councillor lauded the dedicated efforts of the organisers and the empowered women/models for successfully conducting the historic fashion show.

Umling La – A Region As Risky As It Is Beautiful

If you think you have seen all that Ladakh in India has to offer in terms of adventure, wait till you come across Umling La as the route is an experience quite special in itself.

The area around Umling La is extremely barren and contains little to no trace of civilisation. While travelling, you can feel the winds slapping your face from two directions at the same time.

Of course, deciding to traverse the pass is no child’s play as the region is as risky as it is beautiful. You might need special permits to access the remote region.