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PROGRESSION LADDER

Altitude must be earned.
Not all mountains should be attempted first.

Summit or Surrender follows a progressive exposure philosophy. Athletes are encouraged to move step by step through increasing altitude, cold, isolation, and physiological stress.

This ladder exists to protect athletes, respect the Himalayas, and uphold the integrity of extreme altitude racing.

Level 1

Bumla Pass Challenge

Arunachal Pradesh

4,650 m

  • First exposure to extreme altitude
  • Cold, wind, and isolation awareness
  • Understanding acclimatization response
Level 2

Baralacha Pass Challenge

Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

4,890 m

  • Extended high-altitude endurance
  • Operating under oxygen deficit
  • Pacing and hydration discipline
Level 3

Gurudongmar Lake Challenge

Sikkim

5,150 m

  • Very high altitude zone
  • Severe hypoxia exposure
  • Mental resilience under stress
Level 4

Mana Pass Challenge

Chamoli, Uttarakhand

5,610 m

  • Extreme altitude examination
  • Cold, volatility, isolation
  • Critical judgment zone
Level 5 · Pinnacle

Ladakh Umlingla Challenge

Leh, Ladakh

5,799 m / 19,024 ft

  • World’s highest altitude road ultra marathon
  • One of the highest motorable passes of the world
  • Invitation / approval based entry

Completion of lower levels does not guarantee acceptance into higher races. Final entry decisions rest solely with the Race Director.

Choose your mountain wisely.

Explore races that match your experience and readiness.

Explore the Races