Srinagar: A 14-member cycling group from Karnataka has embarked on an adventurous Srinagar-Leh expedition, combining a passion for fitness and exploration with a journey through some of the Himalayas’ most challenging terrain.
The group, comprising experienced cycling enthusiasts from different parts of Karnataka, began its journey from Srinagar and is scheduled to reach Leh after covering several high-altitude stretches. Among the riders are cyclists aged 61 and 62, who say age should not prevent people from remaining active or pursuing adventure.
Lokesh, one of the senior members of the group, said the cyclists regularly undertake long-distance and adventure expeditions and have previously covered routes such as Manali-Leh and Spiti Valley, besides cycling in other countries.
“We are from Karnataka and there are totally 14 cyclists. We are active cyclists and do adventure cycling every year,” he said.
He said the Srinagar-Leh route had been on their list for several years and they decided to undertake it as a group this year.
For the cyclists, the expedition is as much about fitness and connecting with nature as it is about adventure.
“Cycling is a form of exercise for everyone. Apart from that, there is nature. We are very passionate about cycling and we love nature,” Lokesh said.
Nagendra Rao, 62, from Mysore, said the expedition was his first cycling experience in Kashmir. He plans to cover around 100 kilometres a day during the cycling stretches of the 10-day trip.
“Never give up in life. You have to explore life too,” Rao said, encouraging people to take up cycling without worrying about expensive equipment or long distances.
Another senior cyclist, aged 61, said he had been cycling regularly for around a decade and became more active after retiring from the private sector.
Vinay, a 45-year-old cyclist from Mangaluru, said he had been cycling for around 12 years and joined the expedition to experience Kashmir and Ladakh. He said the group visited Dal Lake and Lal Chowk after arriving in Srinagar and praised the hospitality of local residents.
“Kashmir was on my to-do list for a long time. Today, it has been fulfilled. We are all happy,” he said.
The cyclists said the landscape and people of Kashmir had left a strong impression on them, with several members describing the region as scenic and welcoming.
The expedition is being supported by MTB Kashmir. According to the cycling guide, the tour has been planned over nine days, with the opening leg from Srinagar to Sonamarg covering around 96 kilometres.
The subsequent route includes Sonamarg-Dras, Dras-Kargil, Kargil-Nurla and onward to Leh. The group includes 13 men and one woman, with the average daily cycling distance expected to be around 90–92 kilometres, depending on weather and riding conditions.
The support team is assisting riders with equipment, gear management, riding techniques and safety, besides conducting evening briefings and stretching sessions.
For the cyclists, the demanding gradients and high-altitude terrain are part of the attraction, turning the expedition into both a test of endurance and an opportunity to explore Kashmir and Ladakh on two wheels.
