World’s Highest International Fashion Runway at Umling-la sets Guinness World record

Leh, Sept 29: In a breathtaking spectacle amidst the lofty Himalayan peaks, the world’s highest motorable road, Umling-la, situated at an altitude of 190,024 feet, made a history by playing host to the World’s Highest International Fashion Runway. This remarkable event, held under the auspices of the Vibrant Ladakh Festival, witnessed international models hailing from 14 nations strutting their stuff against the stunning Himalayan backdrop.
The grand extravaganza was ingeniously orchestrated by the UT Ladakh Administration and LAHDC Leh, in collaboration with the Ladakh Art and Entertainment Alliance, and received unwavering support from the Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation.
Among the distinguished guests, the Executive Councillor, RDD, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, graced the event as the chief guest. He was joined by Councillor Nyoma, Ishey Spalzang; Councillor Lamayuru, Morup Dorjey; Chief Engineer, Project Himank, Brig Gaurav Karki; Colonel Ponung Doming, 775 BRTF; along with various officials and representatives from the Ladakh Art and Entertainment Alliance, including Sushil Choudhary, Sonam Stobgais, and Pankaj Kumar Gupta. Notably, members of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society and PRI members from Koyul village were also in attendance.
This dazzling Umling-la Fashion Show aimed to celebrate and promote India’s vibrant culture, embodying the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ and spotlighted the highly coveted GI-tagged Pashmina of Ladakh, a symbol of sustainable and responsible tourism. The models graced the runway in attire reflecting the Spring/Summer 2024 colour palette, showcasing products meticulously crafted from Pashmina sourced from the Changthang region.
Tashi Gyalson, Chairman/CEC of LAHDC Leh, extolled this historic achievement on the world’s highest runway. He expressed profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for permitting foreign tourists to stay in Hanle, facilitating the models’ overnight experience there. Gyalson also commended the embodiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam through the participation of international models and the symbolic integration of sands brought by these models during the Buddhe Statue foundation stone laying ceremony at Umling-la.
CEC Gyalson extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Indian Army and BRO, led by Brigadier Gaurav Karki and Colonel Ponung Doming, for their steadfast support.
Executive Councillor Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, addressing the gathering, praised the organizers and the empowered women/models who made the World’s Highest International Fashion Runway a resounding success. He emphasized that such unique initiatives would significantly contribute to the promotion and strengthening of ‘Border Tourism,’ a vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Expressing gratitude for the Home Ministry’s recent decision to allow international tourists to stay in Hanle and open Martsemik and Sko valley for tourism and trekking, EC Tashi Yakzee looked forward to a boost in tourism activities in the region.
In alignment with 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. The sands brought by the models from their respective countries were ceremoniously immersed, symbolizing unity and peace.
The event marked a significant milestone as it allowed international tourists to stay overnight in Hanle, a decision met with jubilation by the local villagers who honoured the models with exclusive cultural performances.