Haryana governor flags off cycling expedition to Ladakh

Chandigarh, Jun 9 (UNI) Haryana Governor Dr A R Kidwai flagged off a Cycling Expedition to Ladakh from here today which will traverse the highest motorable road Khardung-la (18,380 ft).

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kidwai wished the participants best of luck for the journey and hoped that they would succeed in their mission of spreading the message of preserving the environment and motivating the youth to save oil.

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, BIG 92.7 FM, 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.

The expedition will ''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), and Tanglang-la (17582 ft) 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 is led by Jeesu Jaskanwar Singh. Other members of the expedition are 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) is the youngest participant of the expedition.

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

UNI