Mandi lad pedals to snow-clad Parashar
- Himachal ex-CM Jai Ram asks EC to ban poll guarantees, alleges Sukhu govt has turned ‘national spectacle’ - November 5, 2024
- Congress of Gandhi versus Congress of Rahul Gandhi: BJP’s Rekha Verma takes swipe over ‘mismanagement’ - November 4, 2024
- Scrap dealer staged shooting on himself, finds probe by Baddi SP - November 4, 2024
Already cycled 23,355 km he plans to conquer more peaks
The Newz Radar
Mandi: Jaspreet Paul of Mandi took upon himself a daunting task of cycling up to Parashar covered with two-and-a-half feet of snow, setting a groundbreaking precedent in cycling and making history. 
His achievement marked the first-ever bicycle journey to Parashar amidst such challenging conditions, leaving even devotees of Parashar Rishi astonished.
Jaspreet navigated through both hard and soft snow, riding where possible and dragging the bicycle when necessary, with the most arduous stretch being from Hanogi to Bandi. 
Now, Jaspreet aims to further explore Kamrunag, Shaitadhar, and Shikari Devi amid the snow.
Currently, a thick layer of snow blankets the area near Parashar Rishi temple, inhabited by only a few brave souls daring to tread amidst such harsh conditions. 
Departing from Mandi at 5 am on February 14, Jaspreet charted a new course to Parashar via Hanogi, Bandi, and Kaanth, a route less traveled due to its difficulty and remoteness. Jaspreet reached Parashar by dusk, with the most challenging leg being the 15 km steep ascent from Hanogi to Bandi, consuming five hours of his time.
As he approached the Parashar Rishi temple, encountering snowfall, Jaspreet adeptly maneuvered his bicycle through varying snow conditions, combining cycling with moments of dragging. Despite the challenges, Jaspreet’s determination prevailed, showcasing his resilience.
Jaspreet said he intends to conquer Kamrunag, Shaitadhar, and Shikari Devi’s peaks amidst the snow, aiming to achieve this goal in the current season. Emphasizing the environmental benefits of cycling, he advocates for its use in snowy terrain, promoting both a cleaner environment and healthier lifestyle choices.
Jaspreet’s arrival at Parashar on a bicycle left priests and onlookers astounded, with priest Amar Singh remarking on the rarity of such an accomplishment amidst the harsh conditions. He acknowledges the few individuals residing near the Parashar temple who diligently care for its upkeep.
Jaspreet boasts an impressive cycling record, including victories in national and district-level competitions, as well as completing challenging journeys such as from Thunag to Chandratal via Rohtang Pass, Manali to Chamba via Udaipur and Sach Pass, and Shimla to Chansal Pass.
He secured third place in the First MTV Himachal Championship and recently conquered the highest peak in Mandi district, Shikari Devi, by bicycle. His achievements have garnered praise from the Mandi district administration. Through his cycling expeditions, Jaspreet has traversed numerous peaks in Mandi district and beyond, promoting both physical fitness and environmental consciousness.
Initially cycling to maintain fitness during the pandemic, Jaspreet’s passion for cycling has evolved into a mission to raise awareness among the youth about the benefits of cycling and environmental conservation. He endeavors to spread this message through his travels, photography, and social media presence, while also supporting tourism in Himachal Pradesh. Jaspreet urges people to reintegrate cycling into their daily routines for both personal well-being and environmental preservation.
Jaspreet’s cycling journey, which commenced in September 2020, has spanned an impressive 23,355 kilometers by February 17, 2024, with an elevation gain of 438,540 meters, setting a remarkable standard for cycling enthusiasts across the state.
