Cycling Expedition to Ladakh

Chandigarh, Jun 8 (UNI) Haryana Governor A R Kidwai will flag off a Cycling Expedition to Ladakh from here tomorrow which would traverse the highest motorable road Khardung-la (18,380 ft).

The expedition is being organised to promote the idea of preserving environment and to celebrate the year 2007 as the 'Year of Bicycle.' The expedition is supported by the Army, CITCO and the National Adventure Club.

'' The motivational force behind this adventure is to instil the spirit of adventure in the youth and to motivate the youth to save oil through cycling which will not only promote good health but help to fight global warming,'' an official spokesman said.

He said the expedition would ''conquer'' the highest motorable road Khardung-la (18380 ft) via Manali-Leh Army Road. The team will cross Rohtang Pass (13050 ft), Baralacha-la (16000 ft), Naki-la (15,550 ft), Lachulang-la (16,600 ft), Tanglang-la (17582 ft) and before approaching Khardung-la (18,380 ft.) The Khardung-la is gateway to Nubra Valley which is famous for Double-humped camels and sand dunes.

The expedition would be led by Jeesu Jaskanwar Singh. Other members of the expedition would be Manpreet Kaur, Gurmanjot Kaur, Nisha Goyal, Vani, Tania Bose, Padmini Jain, Amarjot Singh, Vivek Goyal, Mohan, Kamal, Vijay Jaiswal, Ashish Dahiya, Deepinder, Mandeep and Rohit. Jobanpreet Singh (12) would be the youngest participant of the expedition.

A documentary film would also be shot during the expedition so as to acquaint the people about the biodiversity and beauty of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, the spokesman said.

UNI