In a remarkable display of endurance and courage, Mumbai’s 21-year-old Gamadia Colony resident, Zenia Kaizad Jamshedji has become the youngest Parsi woman to ride a motorcycle to Umling La, the world’s highest motorable pass. Zenia embarked on this awe-inspiring journey through the majestic landscapes of Ladakh, on ‘Mad Max’, her trusted, 14-year-old Hero Honda Karizma, navigating some of the most challenging terrains and altitudes. Zenia earned herself a position in the ‘India Book of Records 2024’ for being the youngest Parsi female solo bike rider to ride to the top of Umling La and back and completing the circuit covering from Srinagar to Chandigarh, including Zozilla Pass, Khardungla Pass, Changla, Thang Village and Siachen base camp.

Zenia started her journey on 7^th September, 2024, flying to Srinagar and by 9^th September, the riders set off towards the Kargil Memorial before continuing 244kms to Dha, before finally hitting Khardung La, one of the world’s highest passes, where they faced a severe snowstorm, leaving them stranded for six hours! They reached Hunder late night after an exhausting 206-kilometer ride, and after acclimatising for two days, headed on to Sumur and Siachen Base Camp. Riding through mountains taught Zenia much about endurance and off-road biking.

After few more days of prep, they headed for the highlight of the journey – Umling La, the world’s highest motorable pass, navigating treacherous off-road terrain before reaching the summit. “Being the youngest female Parsi rider to reach the top was a moment of immense pride for me,” Zenia shared, adding, “The beauty of the snow-covered roads left me in awe. It was a little scary at first, but the excitement outweighed any fear. It was one life’s best experiences with my bike!”

She braved much altitude sickness but having her mum, Khushnaaz Jamshedji, by her side provided immense support. They then headed from Hanle to the serene Tsomoriri Lake, 150 kms away, also visiting the Puga Hot Springs for some much-deserved respite. The 350 km ride to Jispa was challenging as the roads were filled with dust and muck, but it led them to the final stretch to Manali, wrapping up the amazing adventure with a 300 km ride to Chandigarh before heading back to Mumbai.

Zenia expressed much gratitude to her fellow bikers for their guidance through the journey as also to her proud parents, Kaizad and Khushnaaz Jamshedji, for encouraging and supporting her. “Riding through Ladakh has changed me in ways I can’t even begin to explain. The hardships, the cold, the altitude, everything was worth it. I’ve become braver and more confident in myself, and this experience has reduced my fears. I’m grateful for the guidance and support I received, especially from my parents… My dad made sure Mad Max was in top shape for this journey, I’m so thankful for all his effort and care,” says Zenia.

Zenia is already planning her next adventure, eager to continue pushing boundaries and exploring new heights on her trusted Mad Max. “This ride has opened up a whole new world for me, and I can’t wait for the next challenge,” she said with a glint of excitement in her eyes. Zenia Jamshedji’s historic ride to Umling La stands as a testament to the power of determination, passion, and the bond between riders who conquer not only the roads but also their own limits.