Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Aug 18: Age is no barrier to adventure, and 57-year-old Wilma Crasta Carvalho from Kundapur has once again proved it. After capturing attention in 2023 with a daring motorcycle journey to Umling La—the world’s highest motorable pass—alongside her daughter, Cherish Carvalho, Wilma has now achieved another remarkable feat.
This Independence Day, she rode 1,300 kilometres over eight days to hoist the national flag near the China border at the Siachen Glacier, one of the world’s most challenging terrains.
Wilma, a corporate trainer by profession, has long been passionate about motorcycle riding, often embarking on journeys with her daughter Cherish. Speaking about the expedition, she described the Siachen ride as one of her toughest so far. “I had set my heart on hoisting the flag there. Though I couldn’t make it by morning as planned, I finally reached the spot by afternoon, and the joy of completing the ride was unmatched,” she said.
She was part of a six-member riding team for the expedition. Their route began from Leh, passed through the scenic Zanskar Valley, moved towards the Gurkhan Valley near Kargil, and finally reached Siachen. At one point, with just 60 km left, she nearly thought of stopping, but sheer determination kept her going. Along the way, she also met fellow adventurer Dinesh Karna, a cyclist from Kundapur, and shared stories that added warmth to the journey.
This was Wilma’s third biking expedition to Ladakh. Earlier in 2023, she and her daughter had successfully conquered Umling La, situated at an altitude of 19,024 feet above sea level in Ladakh on the India–China border. At the age of 55, she had reached the world’s highest motorable pass, a feat that only a few riders dare to attempt.
A strong believer in yoga, pranayama, and meditation, Wilma attributes her endurance and adventurous spirit to a disciplined lifestyle. Her passion for riding continues to inspire many, proving that age is never a limitation when it comes to chasing dreams.