Army cycling expedition to world's highest motorable pass flagged off in Ladakh

A cycling expedition by the Army's Dhanurdhari Gunners under the aegis of the Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps to the world's highest motorable pass was flagged off from here on Monday, a defence spokesperson said.

The team, comprising Army and civilian enthusiasts, will summit Umling La -- at an altitude of 19,024 feet -- in four cycling days, covering a distance of 400 kilometres, the official said.

The expedition was flagged off by Colonel (Retd) Sonam Wangchuk from Hall of Fame in Leh.

A large number of veterans, 'Veer Naris', schoolchildren and community members participated in the flag-off ceremony and encouraged the team members, the spokesperson said.

''The expedition will be a true test of the Dhanurdhari Gunners' grit and strength. It is an effort to celebrate 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', invigorate patriotic fervour, instil a spirit of national integration and promote fitness,'' he added.