Jharkhand girl creates history as first biker to reach Lipulekh Pass

Kanchan Ugursandi, a tribal girl from Jharkhand, began her journey from Delhi, navigating through Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand and facing extreme terrain and high altitudes, before reaching Lipulekh Pass.

In a historic achievement, 'Biker Girl' Kanchan Ugursandi from Jharkhand, has set a record by becoming the first motorcyclist to ride to the Lipulekh Pass on the India-China border, at an elevation of 17,500 feet. This feat, part of her journey along the challenging Kailash Mansarovar road, stands as a testament to her unwavering determination and love for adventure.

Kanchan, a tribal, began her journey from Delhi, navigating through Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand and facing extreme terrain and high altitudes, before reaching Lipulekh Pass.

In an exclusive interview with India Today TV, Kanchan said, "For the past two years, I’ve attempted to reach Lipulekh, but I had to turn back twice due to landslides near Dharchula. This time, I finally succeeded on my third attempt."

LIPULEKH PASS'S STRATEGIC AND RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE

Lipulekh Pass holds immense significance for India, located at the trijunction of India, China and Nepal. For years, China has built roads on its side, increasing its strategic advantage. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) recently constructed a road up to Lipulekh, making the route safer and ensuring quicker access for Indian forces.

Historically, Indian pilgrims took an arduous journey either on foot or through Nepal or Sikkim to reach Tibet's Mount Kailash for the sacred Mansarovar pilgrimage, a trek that often took weeks. The new road simplifies this journey and is expected to revive hopes for the pilgrimage route's reopening after years of India-China border tensions.

KANCHAN'S APPEAL TO PM MODI

Kanchan appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to consider establishing a corridor to Kailash Mansarovar like the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in Pakistan. "This would make it easier for Hindu devotees from India to complete the Kailash Parikrama," she tweeted.

Kanchan, affectionately known as the 'Border Girl', has previously scaled 22 Himalayan passes and ridden to zero points on borders across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Through her travels, she aims to boost the morale of soldiers stationed at the borders and inspire other women through her spirit of empowerment.

"I hope my journey encourages others to push beyond limits and support the strength of women in every field," she said.