Race Report - Summit Run Indrahar 2025 Level 4: My Journey to the Edge of Endurance
- Sandeep Yadav
- 1 day ago
- 11 min read
During one of the CapitalTrails monthly meets, Chetan asked me – “what’s the next race you are training for”.
I casually said – “Nothing serious right now, I’ve signed up of VDHM in October”.
He replied – registrations for Summit Run Indrahar are open, plan for the 20K there, you’ll enjoy it.
This was the conversation I needed at that moment, being tired of running only road races. I came back from the monthly run and searched for it. I had already completed Solang Sky Ultra 30K with +1800m elevation gain in 2023, when my fitness and consistency was not this good. Signing up for 20K at Indrahar didn’t feel like much so I decided to push myself for 30K with 2700m elevation. It looked tough but what’s the adventure if it’s easy.
Fast-forward.
The pre-dawn darkness of October 4th, 2025, felt different this time. Standing at 4:00 AM in Dharamkot, surrounded by fellow runners preparing for the Indrahar Summit Run Level 4, I carried both the confidence from my preparation and the weight of my ambitious 8-hour target time. What unfolded over the next 7 hours, and 51 minutes would become the most challenging and rewarding trail running experience of my life – a brutally beautiful journey that tested every aspect of my physical and mental preparation while delivering an unforgettable encounter with the mighty Dhauladhar range.
The Summit Run Indrahar represents India's premier high-altitude trail race, organized by Boots & Crampons and taking participants through one of the most spectacular mountain routes in the Himalayas. The Level 4 category, covering 30 kilometers with 2,669 meters of elevation gain and reaching a maximum altitude of 4,342 meters at Indrahar Pass, stands as the ultimate test of endurance in this challenging event.
Pre-Race Preparation: Building Toward the Summit
The journey to Indrahar began long before race day, with the Asola race serving as my crucial preparation event. That September challenge through the post-monsoon wilderness of Asola Bhatti had taught me valuable lessons about self-supported racing, navigation, and the importance of tested nutrition strategies. It provided essential experience in the CapitalTrails self-supported format that would prove invaluable in the Himalayas.
During the runs with CapitalTrails, Kshitish and Nakul advised me to take care of acclimatization and suggested to stay at Triund/Snowline for a night. My acclimatization strategy was methodical and comprehensive. Arriving in Dharamkot on Sunday, September 28th, I spent the following days building altitude adaptation through progressive exposure. September 29th took me to Snowline at 3,100 meters, where I stayed overnight to begin the crucial acclimatization process. This initial exposure to altitude allowed my body to start producing the additional red blood cells necessary for efficient oxygen transport at high elevation. The mighty Indrahar pass climb looked so challenging that I even doubted my ability to climb it.
September 30th involved the challenging trek to Lahesh Caves at 3,300 meters and back to Snowline, further extending my altitude tolerance. This trek provided essential route reconnaissance while pushing my acclimatization to the critical 3,300-meter threshold. The Lahesh Caves, described as involving "steep ascents and loose rocks" requiring significant attention, gave me firsthand experience of the technical terrain I would encounter on race day. This day also gave me confidence that climbing the Indrahar pass is possible for me. The guide told that beyond this point the way is this steep only. Also, seeing the pass from bottom added confidence, which was not there seeing it from the other mountain.
October 1st marked my return to Dharamkot for two full recovery days. However, even after 48 hours of rest, my calf muscles remained notably sore – an early indication that the altitude and terrain demands were more significant than my training had prepared me for. This persistent soreness should have served as a warning about the strength training gaps that would later become apparent during the race's final, brutal ascent. Also, I got cough and cold during the second day at snowline as it rained heavily and the winds were brutal that night. I prayed for safe passage during the run that day.
Race Strategy and Early Execution
The 4:00 AM start meant beginning in complete darkness with temperatures on the colder side. I did plan Garmin’s pace pro strategy for the race with target of 8 hrs and negative split and easy uphill efforts. My strategy centered on maintaining awareness of my heart rate while avoiding the common mistake of starting too aggressively in the exciting race atmosphere. The early morning cold and altitude combination demanded careful attention to the trail ahead.
Although, I was not nervous at all and was totally lost in the stars over the place. They were so bright and countless in numbers that for some moments, I even forgot that I have race ahead. The energy was contagious with 38 or so runners gathered at start line.
It’s 4:00 am and the race started.
Within the first few kilometers, I found myself in rhythm and moving faster than my planned pace but heart rate in check. This early strong start felt encouraging. The route through the dense forests above McLeodganj provided perfect running conditions, but I knew the real challenge lay in the higher elevations ahead.
Nearly at 3kms, Ozas crossed me making my competitive side to kick in but I checked my heart rate and didn’t let it shoot high then my planned 160 bpm. During a point, I looked down – God, the city below shining in the lights and stars shining bright above and only me there and a cold pleasant breeze made me fall in love with the moment. Instantly I felt blessed and happy.
At Magic view checkpoint, I asked how many people went ahead and knowing that I’m at 5th position was cherry on the cake. Meeting fellow known runner, Andrew at Triund checkpoint at 2,825 meters provided a valuable social boost. Triund, situated at 9,350 feet above sea level, serves as a critical waypoint where many trekkers turn around, but for Level 4 participants, it represented only the beginning of the serious climbing. The views from Triund of the Dhauladhar range and Kangra Valley were spectacular, but I maintained focus on pushing toward Snowline.
Reaching Snowline in 2:15 hours felt exceptional – I was ahead of schedule and feeling strong. The Snowline Café at 3,100 meters marks the transition from the tourist-friendly lower sections to the serious mountaineering terrain above. From this point, the route becomes significantly more technical, with rocky terrain, boulder hopping, and steep ascents becoming the norm rather than the exception.
The Laka Glacier Challenge and Early Success
The section from Snowline to Laka Glacier provided some of the race's most enjoyable running. The rolling downhill terrain allowed for faster movement while providing stunning views of the glacial landscape and surrounding peaks. Laka Glacier, situated at approximately 3,200 meters, serves as the last relatively flat section before the final, punishing ascent to Indrahar Pass. I ran as fast as I could making the 10th km my fastest split till the point. Soon I saw the 3rd person James nearly 20m above me.
From Laka to Lahesh Caves, I maintained good pace and felt strong, covering this technical section efficiently while managing the increasing altitude effects. However, it was during this phase that I noticed the first signs of the challenges that would define the final portion of the race.
The Wall: Lahesh Caves to Indrahar Pass
The final 3 kilometers from Lahesh Caves to Indrahar Pass became the race's defining challenge. What should have been a manageable ascent turned into a 40-minute-per-kilometer struggle that exposed critical gaps in my strength training preparation. The terrain transitions from technical but manageable hiking to what trail runners describe as "steep ascents over boulders" requiring both physical strength and mental determination. Only positive thing was the daylight and clear visibility of the markings.
My cardiovascular system was performing well – no breathing problems, heart rate stable – but my leg strength simply couldn't match the demands of the steep elevation gain over boulder fields and rock stairs. The Gaddi shepherds have built rock-hewn staircases along the steepest sections, creating a series of natural steps, but these require significant quadriceps and glute strength to navigate efficiently while carrying race pace.
This section highlighted a crucial lesson about high-altitude trail racing: cardiovascular fitness alone is insufficient for technical mountain terrain. The combination of altitude, steep gradients, and unstable footing demands specific strength training that mimics these exact conditions. My weekly running volume and general fitness couldn't compensate for the lack of hiking-specific strength work.
Summit Achievement and the Moment of Truth
Reaching Indrahar Pass at 4,342 meters in 4 hours and 50 minutes represented both triumph and reality check. Standing at the summit, I experienced the profound satisfaction of reaching one of the Himalayas' most spectacular viewpoints. The panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range and distant glimpses of Manimahesh Kailash provided the spiritual reward that makes high-altitude trail running so compelling.
During this ascent I was crossed by Rachit and I crossed James. At the top, Rachit and Ozas were there when I reached. This again kicked the competitive side of me as only 1 person returned from the top and he is way ahead of us. I hugged Ozas and it was amazing to compete with such amazing people.
I took significant time at the summit – making videos, eating, and talking to volunteers – embracing the magnitude of the achievement. This wasn't just about race time; it was about experiencing one of India's most challenging trail running destinations at its most spectacular point. The summit represents the border between Kangra and Chamba districts and offers views that few people ever witness.
At this point, I believed a 7:00 hour finish was possible given my strong climbing time and confidence in my descending abilities. The mathematical calculation seemed straightforward: excellent uphill time plus efficient descent should make me bypass my target. Soon, Romil also reached the top while I was enjoying my time on the top.
One side of me wanted to get down asap to compete another side wanted to stay for some more time and embrace the feeling. I chose to stay and re-organize my bag while eating and talking.
The Descent: When Reality Strikes
The descent immediately shattered my optimistic time projections. What I had anticipated as the "easy" portion of the race became an exercise in survival and damage control. Each step felt like I was done and hard to move – the combination of accumulated fatigue, altitude effects, and the technical demands of descending on rocks created a perfect storm of difficulty.
Starting the descent in 5th place, I moved to 4th crossing Romil. I reached Near Laka where I saw from top that the 2nd place Rachit is trying to find the markings and is on the wrong side. I managed to pass Ozas to be third for some time and then Rachit to achieve a momentary 2nd position. It was an awesome moment knowing that the toughest descent is done. This gave me dream of Podium finish. This brief taste of podium position felt incredible – validation of my training and race execution to that point.
However, the dream of a podium finish lasted only minutes. At Laka Glacier, both my right and left inner abductor cramped simultaneously with unbearable intensity. The cramping was so severe that I had to stop running completely, watching my position drop back to 4th place as other runners passed.
The cramps may have resulted from excessive sugar intake – a nutrition mistake that highlighted the importance of balanced fueling strategies at altitude. High-altitude physiology affects digestion and metabolism in ways that can make familiar nutrition strategies problematic.
Recovery Strategy and Tactical Adaptation
Walking step-by-step reached Snowline, I implemented a recovery strategy using black salt water, which provided immediate relief from the cramping. This electrolyte management proved effective – I only drank water with salt from that point forward and successfully managed the cramp situation. I spent some time at Snowline checkpoint and chit-chatted with volunteers.
This tactical adaptation allowed me to resume running, though with continued awareness of the cramping risk. The experience taught valuable lessons about mid-race problem-solving and the importance of carrying appropriate electrolyte management tools. I cursed myself for taking the decision not to take the salt caps that I practiced in my training.
At Triund, I encountered Romil running like he had just started – a reminder of how different runners peak at different points in long mountain races. He passed me below Triund, dropping me back to 5th position permanently. Rather than fighting this position change, I focused on avoiding further cramping and finishing strong.
Nutrition Strategy and Lessons Learned
My nutrition approach followed a systematic plan that worked well in the early stages but revealed important limitations.
Pre-race fueling included banana and electrolytes, providing easily digestible carbohydrates and essential minerals. During the race, I consumed bananas and dates at checkpoints, maintaining familiar nutrition sources. Energy gels every hour (7 total) provided consistent carbohydrate delivery, following standard ultrarunning protocols. Two dry fruit ladoos near the summit and at top provided concentrated energy when climbing demands were highest.
However, my stomach was briefly uneasy during the descent, unable to process additional food. This digestive shutdown commonly occurs in ultra-distance mountain events due to the combination of physical stress, altitude effects, and accumulated nutrition. Consuming nearly 4 liters of water and electrolytes-maintained hydration, though the salt became crucial for cramp management. Nutrition needs to be adjusted to avoid cramps in the coming races.
Final Push and Finish
The final kilometers required mental resilience more than physical strength. Maintaining 5th position while managing fatigue, altitude effects, and the technical demands of the lower trail sections demanded complete focus. I crossed the finish line in 7:51:21 – within my 8-hour target and achieving something valuable. Seeing my wife waiting at finish line was the best feeling. I hugged her and finished my adventure.
This placed me 5th out of 31 Level 4 finishers, with winner Jethmal Singh finishing in 7:03:15 and the podium completed by Rachit Tandon (7:41:25) and Ozas Sahu (7:41:45). 4th place was with Romil Barthwal finishing in 7:42:47. Race results can be found on ITRA site.
Technical Lessons and Future Training Implications
This race provided comprehensive education about high-altitude trail racing requirements:
Strength Training Specificity: The final ascent clearly demonstrated that general fitness cannot substitute for mountain-specific strength training. Future preparation must include practices to develop the exact muscle groups and movement patterns required.
Descending Conditioning: Technical descending on loose rock and steep terrain requires specific skill development. Training should include downhill running on technical terrain and strength work for eccentric muscle control.
Nutrition Timing and Composition: The cramping episode highlighted the need for more sophisticated electrolyte management, particularly in the challenging altitude environment where normal physiological processes are altered.
The Brutally Beautiful Experience
"Brutally beautiful" perfectly captures the essence of this race. The "brutal" elements included technical terrain, altitude challenges, cramping crisis, and physical demands that pushed me beyond previous limits. The "beautiful" aspects encompassed the stunning Himalayan scenery, starry sky, personal achievement, problem-solving under pressure, and the profound satisfaction of completing one of India's most challenging trail races.
This race represented my toughest endurance challenge to date while providing the most profound sense of accomplishment. The combination of technical difficulty, altitude demands, and scenic rewards creates an experience that transforms participants' understanding of their own capabilities.
The Indrahar Summit Run stands as India's premier high-altitude trail race, offering an experience that combines the technical challenges of Himalayan mountaineering with the competitive aspects of trail running. Finishing this race, regardless of time, represents membership in an elite group of mountain athletes who have tested themselves against one of the Himalayas' most demanding courses.
Conclusion and Future Aspirations
The 2025 Indrahar Summit Run Level 4 delivered everything promised and more – technical challenges that exposed training gaps, scenic rewards that justified every difficult step, and personal growth that extends far beyond trail running. My 5th place finish in 7:51:21 represents both achievement and motivation for continued development in trail racing.
The race demonstrated that successful mountain trail racing requires comprehensive preparation spanning cardiovascular fitness, strength training, technical skills, altitude acclimatization, and mental resilience. Each of these elements proved crucial during different phases of the race, and weaknesses in any area can limit overall performance.
The lessons learned from cramping management, nutrition timing, and technical descending will inform future race strategies and training protocols. Most importantly, this race confirmed my passion for high-altitude trail running and provided a benchmark for measuring future improvement.
The journey from Dharamkot to Indrahar Pass and back represents more than a trail race – it's a pilgrimage through some of the Himalayas' most spectacular terrain, a test of personal limits, and an education in mountain safety and self-reliance. Every step of those 30 kilometers and 2,669 meters of elevation gain contributed to an experience that will influence my approach to trail running for years to come.
As I continue training for future challenges, the memory of standing at 4,342 meters on Indrahar Pass, having earned that view through 4 hours and 50 minutes of climbing, will serve as both inspiration and reminder of what's possible when preparation meets opportunity in the mountains. Excited for my next trail race with my favorite format of self-sufficiency - CTRS Sohna 50km.
This post was voluntarily written and shared by a CapitalTrails member, and all experiences and opinions shared in the race report are the author's own.
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