Munish Sood
MANDI:
From the Atal Tunnel to Rohtang Pass, a doctor and an athlete completed an inspiring mission of strength, health, and purpose.
Dr Viking Bhanoo, Director of Bhanoo Hospital Pvt. Ltd. and President’s Award winner, along with national gold medallist Chaman, successfully finished a tough cycling and running expedition through the Himalayas. They covered about 28 km from the Atal Tunnel (North Portal) to Rohtang Pass, one of the country’s steepest and coldest routes.
Their goal was not fame or records, but to promote fitness and a drug-free lifestyle among young people.
Journey through the Himalayas
Starting early morning from the Atal Tunnel, nearly 10,000 feet above sea level, they aimed to reach Rohtang Pass at 13,500 feet. The road was narrow, steep and icy, with thin air that made breathing hard. Still, Dr Bhanoo kept cycling through the winding path, while Chaman ran beside him in freezing winds and rocky terrain.
The rising altitude tested their stamina, but they moved ahead with one goal — to show that real strength lies in discipline and clean living.
Athlete Chaman completed the 28 km route in just 2 hours and 52 minutes, despite the tough climb and cold. The last few kilometres were painful — he suffered chest pain and dizziness but refused to stop. With strong willpower and support from Dr Bhanoo, he finished the journey.
When they finally reached Rohtang Pass, both were tired but proud. Standing among the snow-covered peaks of the Pir Panjal range, they embraced, knowing their effort carried a powerful message.
Inspiring the youth amid drug addiction
After the expedition, Dr Bhanoo said, “It’s not about reaching the top but about motivating others to start their journey. Health and discipline are the real success in life.”
Dr Bhanoo, who has also climbed Mount Everest, runs the Bhanoo Charitable Trust to promote health and welfare. His work shows how both medicine and motivation can heal society.
For Chaman, this challenge was about saving lives. “Many young people are falling into drug abuse. Even running a few kilometres daily can keep us fit and away from bad habits,” he said.
He also urged people to value athletics. “Everyone wants to be a cricketer or government worker, but few understand the power of being an athlete. I want to change that,” he added.
Their expedition was more than a physical test — it was a lesson in resilience, focus, and purpose. Through the cold winds and high climbs, Dr. Bhanoo and Chaman showed that true victory lies not in medals, but in inspiring others.
As the sun rose over the Himalayas, their journey became a message to India’s youth — to stay fit, live drug-free, and find pride in a healthy, disciplined life.
