New Delhi: In a groundbreaking accomplishment, Kanchan Ugursandi, known as ‘Biker Girl’ from Jharkhand, has made history by becoming the first motorcyclist to conquer the Lipulekh Pass on the India-China border, situated at a height of 17,500 feet. This remarkable achievement, part of her challenging ride along the Kailash Mansarovar route, showcases her relentless determination and passion for adventure.
Kanchan, a 32-year-old tribal woman, started her expedition from Delhi. She traveled through Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, enduring harsh terrain and high-altitude conditions before reaching the Lipulekh Pass.
Kanchan Ugursandi scales Lipulekh Pass
In an interview with India Today, Kanchan shared that for the past two years, she had tried to reach Lipulekh but was forced to turn back twice because of landslides near Dharchula. “This time, on my third attempt, I finally succeeded,” she told the media outlet.
Kanchan made an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to consider creating a corridor to Kailash Mansarovar, similar to the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in Pakistan. “This would make it easier for Hindu devotees from India to complete the Kailash Parikrama,” she had tweeted.
Affectionately called the ‘Border Girl,’ Kanchan has previously conquered 22 Himalayan passes and journeyed to border zero points across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Her travels are driven by a desire to uplift the spirits of soldiers posted at the borders and to inspire other women with her empowering example.
More about Lipulekh Pass
Lipulekh Pass is of great importance to India, as it sits at the trijunction of India, China, and Nepal. For many years, China has developed infrastructure on its side, enhancing its strategic position. Recently, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) completed a road leading to Lipulekh, improving the safety of the route and allowing Indian forces quicker access to the area.
