by Afreen Ashraf
SRINAGAR: Zaheeb Bhat, a 22-year-old from Srinagar, has ridden to Mig La Pass, the world’s highest motorable pass built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), located around 300 kilometres from Ladakh. The pass is not yet open nor fully completed. This remarkable feat makes him the first and youngest biker from Kashmir, and the second from India, to reach Mig La. He has dedicated this achievement to Kashmir and its people, proving that his spirit knows no limit.
Learning Through the Ride
For Zaheeb, these are not just rides. “Biking has taught me how one can handle difficult situations, for instance when I am riding solo and my bike breaks down, I have to deal with the whole situation on my own,” he said. He explained that biking builds confidence and resilience in a rider. Riding, he said, has prepared him for the challenges one might face in life.
Breaking Stereotypes and Records
Zaheeb has conquered several demanding terrains since he started riding professionally in 2021. He rode through Khardung La, one of the highest motorable roads, becoming the youngest to complete the route. The news spread across social media and brought him appreciation, but it also made him realise how many people still viewed biking negatively. “I decided to take a step towards changing this narrative by popularising this sport,” said Zaheeb.
He went on to set multiple records. In 2022, he conquered the Killar-Kishtwar road, often called one of the most dangerous motorable roads, becoming the youngest biker to achieve that feat. His name was recognised by the Indian Book of Records. “Whatever you are doing you are doing a great job,” he told himself while receiving the award. “Killar-Kishtwar road was the turning point of my life,” said Zaheeb. Since then, he has broken several records on other challenging routes. “I have conquered many other routes, including Umling La Pass,” he said proudly. In February, Zaheeb and two of his friends rode from Kashmir to Nepal. He plans to embark on many more such adventures.
Passion and Family Support
“Every time I reach my destination, park my bike, lift up my helmet, everything else fades, the noise, the worry, I feel most relaxed,” said Zaheeb. His fascination with bikes began in childhood. From a very young age, he would watch YouTube bikers who inspired him to ride. His journey began in 2019 when his mother gifted him his first bike. “My mother gifted me my first bike,” he smiled. He started riding as a hobby and joined local clubs for rides around the valley. Gradually, it became a passion that defined his life.
“My family used to get anxious earlier as off-roading can sometimes be extremely risky for a young boy like I was,” he said, adding that his parents’ trust and support gave him strength. “Maybe it is because of my parents that I was able to achieve all that I have,” he added. Zaheeb is currently pursuing engineering at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST). Balancing studies and biking has not been easy, but it has taught him discipline.
A Message for the Youth
Speaking about the current scenario in the valley, Zaheeb expressed concern about substance abuse among young boys. He told Kashmir Life that if youngsters are encouraged to join any sport, not just biking, it can save them from addiction. His achievements have brought him recognition and inspired many young Kashmiris to view biking as a serious sport.
Building a Biking Community
Zaheeb is part of Kashmir’s largest biking group, the Kashmir Biking Community, which has more than seventy members. The group brings together biking enthusiasts and spreads awareness about rules and safety. It also guides new riders. “Our team finalises the destination two or three days in advance. We also make sure we get permission to ride on specific routes if needed. We keep a close check on our gear and the weather forecast to ensure a safe ride,” said Zaheeb.
Although self-taught, Zaheeb faced many difficulties while learning to ride on extreme terrains. He now dreams of training young bikers through his experience. “I am planning to start training classes very soon,” said Zaheeb.
Carrying Kashmir’s Name Forward
From the roads of Srinagar to the world’s highest passes like Mig La, Zaheeb’s journey is an inspiring story of courage and perseverance. His hard work, love for biking, and refusal to give up have made him a role model for Kashmir’s youth. Wherever he rides, Zaheeb carries the name of his homeland with pride.
