In a remarkable feat of endurance and courage, 22-year-old adventure biker Zaheeb Bhat from Srinagar successfully rode to Mig La Pass, the world’s highest motorable pass, on October 19, 2025. Built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in Ladakh, Mig La stands as one of the most challenging terrains for motorcyclists worldwide.
With this achievement, Zaheeb has become the first and youngest biker from Kashmir and the second from India to conquer Mig La. He dedicated the milestone to the people of Kashmir, saying it reflects the belief that “limits are meant to be pushed.”
Zaheeb’s professional biking journey began in 2021, when he scripted history by becoming the youngest biker to conquer Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable roads. The widespread media attention that followed proved to be a turning point. “I wanted to change the narrative around biking and make it more mainstream,” he said.
In May 2022, Zaheeb took on the infamous Killar–Kishtwar road, often referred to as the “Killer Road,” one of the most dangerous routes in the country connecting Jammu and Kashmir with Himachal Pradesh. Completing the treacherous ride, he became the youngest biker to do so, earning a place in the India Book of Records. “That achievement gave me immense confidence. I realised I was doing something meaningful,” he recalled.
The same year, in August 2022, Zaheeb added another feather to his cap by conquering Umling La Pass in Ladakh, the world’s highest motorable road at the time, becoming the youngest biker to achieve the feat.
“Adventure mountain biking is my passion and now my profession,” Zaheeb said. “My love for biking started when I was in the eighth grade. Exploring unseen destinations is not just a hobby for me, it’s an emotion.”
Over the years, the young biker has undertaken numerous challenging expeditions, including a recent cross-border ride from Kashmir to Nepal with fellow riders. More such long-distance adventures, he says, are already in the pipeline.
Determined to inspire youth, Zaheeb is on a mission to promote responsible biking culture in the Valley. In April 2025, he co-founded the ‘Kashmir Biking Community’ with his friends. “We work to discourage rash riding and overspeeding and teach riders the do’s and don’ts of motorcycling,” he said. The group currently has over 60 registered members.
An inspiration to many young adventure enthusiasts, Zaheeb Bhat continues to redefine boundaries, proving that passion, discipline and determination can turn daring dreams into historic achievements.
