Written By: Muskaan
It began with the first journey in Punjab as a tribute to the demise of our guru, Guru Har Gobind Singh Ji. I was intrigued by this journey and my fellow cyclists who used to undertake similar journeys. As cyclists, we received a lot of respect, and people often initiated conversations, which improved communication, unlike other modes of transport. Identified as Singh Cyclist, I have traveled through many states in India on a bicycle. In this fast-paced world, to bring some calmness and meaning to life, I found cycling to be the best way. So, my friend and I traveled Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where we witnessed their coastal areas, Ooty, tea farms, and different cultures. We learned about things we didn’t know before. For instance, they celebrated the occasion of someone’s demise. At first, we thought it was a function for someone’s marriage, but when we got closer, we realized they were carrying a dead body.
Additionally, we encountered some old ponds about which we had only read in books, learning how people used to store water in them for bathing and other purposes due to water shortages in those areas. People were really hardworking there. After returning to Chandigarh, he planned to travel to Himachal for my next journey. Starting from Chandigarh, my journey took me to different stops like Chail, Shimla, Narkanda, Kinur Valley, the old Silk Route connecting Punjab to Tibet, Spiti Valley, and the holy gate of Buddhas. Next, he went to Kunzum Pass, which was the first pass of my life and a lifetime experience for me; it felt like a different world. He shared, he carried a tent and food supplies with him and stopped for camping wherever he wanted and lived like a life of a nomad. He stayed at a renowned restaurant named Chacha Chachi for a night, where the localities told them stories about how they saved many people’s lives because there was no population within a 100km radius. There was the Chandra River, which connects with the Bagga River to form the Chenab River.
That spot felt like heaven on earth. Then, he headed to Kashmir, also known as heaven. People there gave him a lot of respect as a Sikh cyclist. The same hospitality was extended to me in Ladakh. Although my cycle was lost during my journey, all my belongings were safe. He is the first Sikh to cross the highest motorable pass and the sixth person in the world to cross 16 of the highest passes, including Yunam Peak, without proper gear. We also know Ladakh by the name of Leh. There is a circuit that goes across the Sanskar Valley, with two passes, Singe-La Pass and Sir-Sir-La Valley, where our six were martyred when Baba Zoravar Singh Ji took over Ladakh. This journey also taught me about the great General Zoravar Singh. Traveling has now become my passion, and if I get a chance, I would love to explore other states with all my heart.”
