The expedition from Srinagar to Khardungla Pass, one of the world’s highest motorable passes at an altitude of 17,182 feet, tested the physical and mental endurance of cyclists. Neha completed the demanding journey over seven days.
Neha began the expedition by covering 88.7 km from Srinagar to Sonamarg. The next stage was Sonamarg to Zoji La Pass and Dras, covering 71.66 km. She then travelled 53.5 km from Dras to Kargil. The following stage, from the Kargil War Memorial through Namika La Pass to Bodh Kharbu, covered 70.73 km.
Neha subsequently cycled 64.66 km from Bodh Kharbu through Fotu La Pass to Nurla. The next leg from Nurla through Magnetic Hill to Leh covered 84.35 km. From Leh, she travelled 21.10 km to South Pullu before reaching Khardungla Pass on the final day.
During the final stretch, Neha faced difficulties after her oxygen level dropped. Despite the problem, she completed the journey.
“From Srinagar to Kargil, I undertook this journey while paying tribute to our Indian soldiers who work tirelessly for our country. The low oxygen levels and dry atmosphere were making it difficult to breathe. Still, I was saluting the soldiers and expressing my gratitude towards them. This moment was a matter of great pride for me, and I lived it to the fullest. Physically, all these things were extremely challenging as a woman, but mentally, if you are strong, there is nothing in the world that is impossible,” Neha said.
Neha has now joined the select group of cyclists who have conquered the high-altitude pass from both sides, having earlier completed the Manali-Leh route and now the Srinagar-Leh route.
She had also participated in various cycling expeditions organised in Kashmir. Her previous achievements include completing the 1,600-km Pune-to-Kanyakumari expedition, the 1,000-km B.R.A.M. Super Randonneur, the 900-km Pune-to-Badami expedition and the 250-km Pune-to-Nashik expedition. Her latest Srinagar-Leh-Khardungla feat adds another demanding high-altitude cycling achievement to that record.
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