UTTARKASHI: The first-of-its-kind Mountain Terrain Biking (MTB) expedition to the Nelong Valley region of Indo-China border in Uttarkashi district concluded on Friday. The week-long expedition was organised by a private organisation — Adventurous Traveling in Himalayas — with the support of the state tourism department, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), and Uttarkashi Hotel Association. More than two dozen cyclists traveled a distance of nearly 250 km in six days to promote mountain cycling in the district.
Expedition coordinator Dinesh Bhatt said, “During the expedition, which commenced on 25th October from Vishwanath temple, cyclists — both amateurs and professionals — visited Harsil, Gangotri shrine, and Nelong valley. It is the first time ever when a group of cyclists has traveled to the Nelong Valley, which is situated at an altitude of nearly 11,500 feet above sea level and is renowned for its picturesque landscape like Ladakh.”
“The objective of the expedition was to promote mountain cycling based tourism business in the district. So that adventure lovers can enjoy the beauty of nature without degrading it,” he added. Meanwhile, Ramesh Semwal, chairman of Uttarkashi Municipality, and Shailendra Matuda, president of Hotel Association, welcomed the cyclist group and praised their effort.