ISLAMABAD: Aimed at exploring cycling destinations and promoting the sports in the region, the Gilgit-Baltistan government is organising a three-day high altitude ‘Tour De Khunjrab 2018’ cycle race on the Karakoram Highway from May 11.

This will be the first cycle race in Gilgit-Baltistan, and national and international cyclists will participate in it.

The race will culminate at Khunjerab Pass on May 13, which is famously called the roof of the world as it is the world’s highest paved international border between Pakistan and China at an altitude of 15,300 feet.

Addressing a press conference at Pakistan National Council of the Arts in Islamabad on Saturday, Gilgit Division Commissioner Usman Ahmed said 120 national and foreign cyclists from Australia, Afghanistan and United Kingdom would participate in the event.

Mr Ahmed, who was accompanied by Secretary Tourism Gilgit-Baltistan Waqar Ali Khan, said a number of foreigners based in Islamabad had also showed their willingness to participate in the event. “Moreover cyclists from different provinces, cities and corporations will also participate in the race,” he added.

He said the GB government in collaboration with Gilgit-Baltistan Cycling Association and Pakistan Cycling Federation was holding the race to promote tourism in the region.

Later, talking to Dawn, Mr Ahmed said cyclists would be transported to Gilgit. He said on the first day of the race, the cyclists would move towards Nagar where they would stay for the night.

“On May 12 they will start from Nagar and will move from Rakaposhi viewpoint to Sust. On May 13 they will move to Khunjerab Pass, where the event will culminate.”

The Gilgit commissioner said during the cycling race cultural events would be held at night, and on the last day, a musical night would be organised.

Mr Ahmed said the event would promote the soft image of the country.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2018