The world’s highest motorable road at 190024 ft ‘Umling-la’ scored another World Record by successfully hosting the World's Highest International Fashion Runway on September 28, under the Vibrant Ladakh Festival, in which international models from 14 nations across the world participated. 

The event was organised by UT Ladakh Administration and LAHDC Leh in partnership with Ladakh Art and Entertainment Alliance and supported by the Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation. 

With the participation of international models including two Ladakhi models, the Umling-la Fashion Show aimed at symbolizing and promoting the vibrant culture of India espoused in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and the highly valued GI tagged Pashmina of Ladakh, all rooted in the promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. The costumes donned by the models introduced the colour palette of the Spring/Summer 2024 and also showcased products made from Pashmina which is produced in the Changthang region.

Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson applauded the World Record achieved at the height of 190024 ft at Umling-la by the historic participation of brand ambassadors from around 14 nations in the first-of-its-kind Ladakh International Fashion Runway. He extended gratitude to PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the decision of the Home Ministry to allow foreign tourists to stay in Hanle, enabling the overnight stay of the models in Hanle as well. 

He lauded the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutmbakam reflected in the participation of the international models, which was further strengthened during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Buddha Statue. Promoting the ‘One Earth, One Family’ theme of G20 India, a foundation stone was laid for the construction of Lord Buddha’s statue at Umling-la for World Peace, in which the sand brought by the models from their respective countries was also immersed. 

CEC Gyalson also appreciated the exemplary administrative support extended by the Indian Army and BRO led by Brigadier Gaurav Karki and Colonel Ponung Doming. 

Executive Councillor Tashi Namgyal Yakzee lauded the dedicated efforts of the organisers and the empowered women/models for successfully conducting the historic World’s Highest International Fashion Runway at World’s Highest Motorable Road Umling-la in Changthang. He added that such unique initiatives will play a significant role in promoting and strengthening ‘Border Tourism’, which undoubtedly received a major impetus under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Being the first international tourists allowed for a night stay in Hanle, the villagers expressing their elation over the landmark decision of the Home Ministry felicitated the models and performed exclusive cultural performances in their honour.