IAF Trans Himalayan Mountain Terrain Biking Expedition 2018
To commemorate the 86th anniversary of Indian Air Force a unique cycling expedition was undertaken by its Air Warriors covering more than 4200 Kms from Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) in Ladakh to Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh. Trans Himalayan expedition promoted the spirit of adventure and enhanced awareness about global warming.
Sixteen Air Warriors including two women Officers, commenced their journey on 18 Aug 18 from World’s highest airstrip at DBO to Kibithu. DBO and Kibithu are the two forward most outposts of India in the North and in East respectively. DBO and Kibithu are located at an altitude of 16614 fts. and 4070 fts. above mean sea level (AMSL). Members negotiated rugged terrain at high altitude, blazing winds, extreme temperatures and thick Rain-Forest in torrential rain to complete the journey on 04 Oct 18. The team undertook this unique and complex adventure involving camping and living outdoors, managing and surviving on their own in snow, rain and extreme climate. The Team was led by Wing Commander S Sharathchandra and he was assisted by two women Officers, Squadron Leader Greeshma and Squadron Leader Paribasha who not only completed this historical feat but also set an example worth emulating.
This was for the first time in history of services that a mountain terrain biking expedition of such a scale in the Himalayas has been undertaken. This expedition reflects the unique spirit of adventure in our airwarriors. Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VM, ADC felicitated the team on successful completion of expedition at New Delhi on Wednesday, 10 Oct 18.
