The 11-member ‘Himalayan Heights Motorcycle Expedition,’ flagged off from Karu in Leh on April 7, traversed the challenging terrain of eastern Ladakh, across the Chang La pass. The expedition reached the mighty Karakoram pass situated at an altitude of 18,176 feet on the Karakoram range on Tuesday.
The joint expedition comprises six Indian Army personnel from the Army Service Corps, four from Royal Enfield and one from the Himalayan Motorsports Association. The Fire & Fury Corps and the expedition is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, that marked the victory of the Indian armed forces over Pakistan in 1999.
With temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius, the feat is unprecedented over hazardous and unforgiving terrains. In freezing winds, it is a remarkable tribute to the immortal courage and bravery of the Indian army. In a rare gesture of encouragement for the expedition members, Lt Gen YK Joshi, general officer commanding, Fire & Fury Corps reached the Karakoram pass to meet and motivate the riders.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen YK Joshi lauded the efforts of the team, especially the two women officers from the army service corps and the woman member of the Royal Enfield team who “proved equal in strength, skill and spirit to the other members.”
The expedition salutes the victory of the Indian army during the Kargil war of 1999. They aim to “remember, rejoice and renew” their spirit of fortitude, bravery and adventure.
