Pune’s Lt. Col. Sohan Roy (Retd), a 77-year-old veteran of the Indian Army, has achieved a remarkable feat by riding solo to Umling La Pass, the world’s highest motorable road at 19,024 feet, in Leh, Ladakh. Between 20th and 30th August 2025, he undertook this challenging journey on his trusted Royal Enfield Classic 500, Wizard, braving relentless rains, landslides, power cuts, and communication failures along the route. His achievement stands as an inspiring message to all generations that determination, discipline, and passion never age.
This historic ride saw him traverse through Jammu, Srinagar, Drass, Kargil, Leh, Nyoma, and Hanle before finally conquering Umling La. Along the way, he paid solemn tributes at the Kargil War Memorial and the Battle of Badgam Memorial (1947-48), honoring the memory of India’s fallen heroes. His efforts drew admiration from the Border Roads Organisation, his fellow veterans, and rider communities across the country.
Lt. Col. Roy’s journey is not just about adventure, but about purpose. Commissioned into the 15th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment (INDORE), he served the Indian Army for nearly three decades, with postings on the Line of Control in J& K, International Borders, and in counter-insurgency operations in the North East. A sportsman, footballer, boxer, and marathon runner in his prime, he defied medical advice after undergoing knee surgeries in 2000, choosing instead to embrace motorcycling as his calling. Over the years, he has covered more than 2,50,000 kilometers on Indian and international roads, riding not just for himself but for what he calls “Personal Social Responsibility” (PSR).
Through his rides, Lt. Col. Roy champions the cause of Save the Girl Child, motivates rural youth to pursue education and join the Armed Forces, and pays homage at war memorials across India and abroad. He has been felicitated twice by the Chief Minister of Gujarat for his social efforts and has entered the Limca Book of Records as the oldest rider to reach Khardungla. He also holds recognition from the India Book of Records for his East–West solo ride across India, Record Holders at World Stage and has been honored at prestigious platforms including the Buddh International Formula 1 Circuit.
Sohan also led the National Safety Rally from Pune to New Delhi apart from various state road safety rallies in many districts of Maharashtra.
That’s not all – he took up an initiative that is very close to his heart - the cause of maintenance of graves of Field Marshal & Mrs SHFJ Manekshaw in Ooty, with the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Headquarters Southern Command, Pune. Action was taken immediately and the graves restored to the dignity it deserves. The graves are in a private cemetery in Ooty which is a non-military station.
His riding legacy includes journeys to Siachen Glacier Base Camp, Rezangla, Tawang, Walong, Longewala, Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi, and even international memorials such as the National War Memorial in Malaysia. In 2025 alone, he conquered Thailand’s Mae Hong Son Loop before undertaking this solo ride to Umling La.
Reflecting on his latest achievement, Lt. Col. Roy beams: “You don’t stop biking as you age. You age when you stop biking. At 77, Umling La reminded me that the spirit of a soldier never fades.”
Lt. Col. Sohan Roy continues to inspire riders, veterans, and young citizens alike, proving that age is just a number when passion and service fuel the journey. His rides are tributes to India’s martyrs, reminders of social responsibility, and living proof that courage knows no retirement.
