LOOK: These Filipino Riders Reach the World’s Highest Motorable Pass

A group of 14 riders led by Kannan Jayaprakash Sreedevi of Philippine Moto Tours etched their names in history as the first Filipinos to reach Umling La, the highest motorable road on Earth!

On July 8, 2023, at around 8:45am India time, the riders reached the pass situated at an astonishing altitude of 19,024 feet (approximately 5,800 meters), surpassing Everest Base Camp in elevation and nearly doubling the height of the Philippines’ highest peak, Mt. Apo. The diverse group comprised non-professional riders ranging in age from 24 to 48 years old, including two lady riders.

Reaching Umling La, located in the majestic Indian Himalayas, presented a number of challenges. It is located in a remote corner of the region that is hundreds of kilometers away from any major cities or gas stations. Reaching it from the nearest town requires an off-road ascent with difficult, sandy sections and dealing with the debilitating effects of extreme altitude. Thanks to the strategic planning and coordination by Philippine Moto Tours, in tandem with the invaluable assistance of local guides, the group achieved their objective. All 14 members reached the pass and safely returned, solidifying their place in history.

Filipino riders had previously first reached the mighty Khardung La, formerly the world’s highest motorable pass at 17,982ft in the same Ladakh region in 2017, marking their initial foray into riding the Himalayas. They were also led by Mr. Sreedevi, an Indian national who calls the Philippines home and is one of the country’s leading organizers of international motorcycle tours.

However, reaching the apex of Umling La was just one highlight in a 12-day odyssey that commenced on July 2, 2023. The riders embarked on a breathtaking 1,300-kilometer loop, traversing the immense landscapes of the Western Himalayas, near India’s borders with China and Pakistan. This region, a magnet for riders and adventurers from all over the world, offered an array of challenges and rewards that the group embraced with enthusiasm and camaraderie.

The members of this pioneering group are: Mykel Siobal, Jebo Banzuelo, Tom Hernandez, Eugene Negapatan, Aaron Palabyab, Sophia Chua, Arnel Nepomuceno, Hanuman Das Caampued, Angel Bailon, Ash Mandhyan, Myther Ganibe, Levin Demesa, Eelan Reyes, and Kannan Sreedevi.

See more photos of their breathtaking ride:

The achievement adds to the tapestry of Filipino accomplishments in the realm of adventure and serves as an inspiration to Filipino travelers looking to pursue adventurous exploits off the beaten path, no matter their age or background.