10,000 km solo journey on his motorcycle across India, a milestone for him
66-year-old S.V. Subrahmanian completed a 10,000 km solo motorcycle journey across India, including high-altitude passes in Ladakh. His trip highlighted the kindness of strangers and the vital role of the Indian Army in supporting remote border communities.
Why it matters
The story provides a human-interest perspective on domestic tourism and the socio-economic conditions of India's remote border regions.
Covering over 10,000 km in 35 days on a motorcycle, 66-year-old S.V. Subrahmanian of Madurai recently completed a solo ride through some of the country’s most challenging terrains, including Umling La, the highest mountain pass located at Ladakh, situated at an altitude of 19,024 feet.
Mr. Subrahmanian began the journey on June 12 and completed it on July 16. Riding a 2014 Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350, he travelled through many places before reaching Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, He has crossed high-altitude passes such as Khardung La, Tanglang La and Photila Pass.
Months of planning went into the expedition. Apart from preparing the motorcycle, he planned his route, accommodation, and finances well in advance. “Petrol alone cost around ₹40,000, while accommodation expenses ranged from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per night”, he says.
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