Age no bar: 77-year-old Army veteran Lt. Col. Sohan Roy scales Umling La after 10-day solo ride

Pune: Motorcycling is often considered a pursuit for the young and adventurous, but 77-year-old army veteran Lt. Col. Sohan Roy (Retd) from Pune has proved otherwise. Riding his Royal Enfield Classic 500, he conquered Umling La, the world’s highest motorable road, showing that age is no obstacle when determination takes the lead.

According to reports, Roy began his journey from Pune on August 20, 2025 and reached Leh on August 30, after a 10-day ride. Along the way, he faced rough terrain, rain, dust, landslides and limited mobile connectivity, but none of it deterred him from achieving what many consider unthinkable.

His route took him through Jammu, Srinagar, Drass, Kargil, Leh, Nyoma and Hanle. He also paused to pay his respects at the Kargil War Memorial and the Battle of Badgam Memorial.

Sharing his achievement on social media, Roy posted photos from his expedition with the note: “Umling La done today via Norbu La Top. Long-awaited. Thanks to everyone for your support and inspiration.”

For most riders, scaling Umling La is a formidable challenge even in their twenties. Roy credits his lifelong sporting spirit for giving him the strength and stamina needed. A former footballer, boxer and marathon runner, he served in the Indian Army for three decades, including postings in Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control.

This is not his first milestone on two wheels. Roy previously entered the Limca Book of Records as the oldest rider to reach Khardung La and was recognised by the India Book of Records for completing an East–West solo ride.