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

 Leh, Sept 29: 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 Sept 28, under 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 Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation. 

 The event was graced by the Executive Councillor, RDD, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee as the chief guest in the presence of Councillor Nyoma, Ishey Spalzang; Councillor Lamayuru, Morup Dorjey; Chief Engineer, Project Himank, Brig Gaurav Karki; Colonel Ponung Doming, 775 BRTF; officials/representatives of Ladakh Art and Entertainment Alliance Sushil Choudhary, Sonam Stobgais and Pankaj Kumar Gupta and All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society; PRI members from Koyul village and other concerned officials and representatives were also present. 

 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 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 Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shri Amit Shah for the decision of the Home Ministry for allowing 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 Buddhe Statue at Umlingla as the sands brought by the foreign models was also integrated. CEC Gyalson also appreciated the exemplary administrative supported extended by the Indian Army and BRO led by Brigadier Gaurav Karki and Colonel Ponung Doming. 

 Addressing the gathering, 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 Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. 

 Extending his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, EC Tashi Yakzee appreciated the recent decision of Home Ministry to allow international tourists to reside in Hanle for night stay and opening Martsemik and Sko valley for tourism and trekking. 

 On the occasion, 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. 

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