Gkp man cycles to Annapurna Base Camp, hoists Tricolour at 13,550ft
2
Gorakhpur
: In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, 29-year-old adventure cyclist Uma Singh from Gorakhpur scripted history by cycling to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) in Nepal, situated at an altitude of 13,550feet, where he hoisted the tricolour on Aug 1.
With this feat, Uma becomes the second Indian and the fourth cyclist in the world to conquer the treacherous off-road trail to ABC on a bicycle.
The journey began on July 26 from the Vikas Bhawan campus in Gorakhpur as part of a Tiranga Yatra, following which Uma commenced his cycling expedition from Pokhara on July 27. Over the next six days, he braved steep ascents, relentless rains, dense forests, rocky terrain and slippery trails to reach the summit.
He completed the descent and returned safely to Pokhara by Aug 3 evening.
Uma described the journey as one of the most grueling experiences of his life. He said: "The unpredictable weather, rocky climbs, leeches, insects and the constant fear of getting lost in the forest — every moment tested my limits. Sometimes the trail would disappear under heavy rain. But I kept telling myself, 'Just a little more, the summit is near.'" Reflecting on the moment he unfurled the triolour at the base camp, Uma called it "divine, surreal and blessed by the grace of Maa Annapurna.
" TNN
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