Manali-Khardungla cycling championship, world’s highest motorable pass at 13,380 ft, is back for its second edition beginning July 26. The nine-day race promises high-voltage drama, an exciting route, and new challenges. Apart from being the world’s highest, it is also India’s only long distance high-altitude cycling race.
The Manali-Khardungla route has been on the must-do list of cyclists since the region opened up to travellers in the 1970s. It has been chosen for its unparalleled beauty, tough challenge, adventure and popularity with travellers across the world.
The Manali-leh-Khardungla highway stretches over 500 kilometers dominantly comprised of paved roads, with stretches of sand, gravel and rocky terrain thrown in for good race. This edition offers participation in various categories with varying levels of difficulty to suit cyclist’s skills. The track is both aspirational and motivational for the cyclists.
More than 3,000 amateur as well as professional cyclists have registered for the race. Competition this year is slated to be tough with skilled participants from the Armed Forces also joining in.
Three time women’s mountain biking National champion of Nepal, laxmi Magar is the front-runner.