Trail Running – Shashwat Rao Sets New Hamta Pass Mountain Record
Trail Running – India’s trail running community witnessed a major achievement as athlete Shashwat Rao completed the demanding Hamta Pass route from Chattru in Lahaul to Manali in 5 hours and 10 minutes. The 39-kilometre alpine route, which crosses Hamta Pass at an altitude of about 4,300 metres, is generally covered by trekkers over four to five days.
Rao’s run was recorded during the first Himalayan Xtreme Trail Running Fest 2026, an event held in the high-altitude region of Himachal Pradesh. The performance has been described by organisers as a new benchmark for mountain running on one of the country’s most challenging crossover trails.
A difficult route across high-altitude terrain
The Hamta Pass Sky Traverse began at Chattru, located at around 3,300 metres in Lahaul. From there, participants climbed towards Hamta Pass before descending into the Kullu Valley and finishing at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali.
The route included steep ascents, loose scree sections, cold river crossings and rapid changes in weather conditions. Such terrain requires athletes to manage pace, hydration and navigation while dealing with reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations.
Rao’s finish time stood out because of the distance, altitude and technical nature of the course. His effort also highlighted the growing presence of Indian athletes in endurance sports that combine trail running with mountain navigation.
Festival joins national and international trail running circuit
The Himalayan Xtreme Trail Running Fest was organised by the Himalayan Xtreme Sports Association. It was supported by Himachal Tourism, the Kullu District Administration and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports.
The festival was included in the Indian National League circuit and received certification from the International Trail Running Association. This certification allows eligible finishers to receive international ranking points, which may help athletes qualify for recognised trail running events in other countries.
Around 35 professional athletes from different parts of India took part in the festival. The competition featured three race formats designed for runners with different levels of mountain racing experience.
Three events test speed, climbing and technical ability
The main event, the Hamta Pass Sky Traverse, covered 39 kilometres and involved a major elevation climb before descending to Manali. It was the longest and most demanding race of the festival.
The Chikka Jobri Dash covered 18 kilometres through forest sections, uneven riverbeds and rugged mountain trails. The shorter format placed emphasis on speed, balance and technical running skills.
The Manali Vertical Challenge focused entirely on climbing. Athletes faced a continuous uphill route, testing their strength, endurance and ability to maintain a steady effort on steep gradients.
Natasha Mahar finishes third overall
Manali-based athlete Natasha Mahar also delivered a notable result in the main event. She was the only female participant in the Hamta Pass Sky Traverse and finished third overall.
Her result drew attention to the increasing participation of women in mountain sports and skyrunning in India. Mahar’s performance placed her among the leading athletes at the event and added a local highlight to the festival.
Safety teams deployed across the course
Organisers said detailed safety arrangements were made because of the altitude and difficult terrain. Rapid Tactical provided emergency medical support during the event, while mountain search and rescue teams from the Adventure Tour Operators Association Manali were positioned at key points along the route.
An event spokesperson said the performances showed the potential of the Indian Himalayas for professionally managed mountain racing. The spokesperson also credited local authorities, tourism officials and safety teams for helping conduct the event under controlled conditions.