The second edition of Pakistan’s international cycling event Tour De Khunjrab Cycle Race 2019 has been launched after huge success of the 2018 event, which was well received by local and global cycling federations. Two international teams from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are also part of the event along with 11 local teams from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan, Punjab, Sindh and some government departments. Gilgit-Baltistan Provincial Minister for Sports Fida Muhammad Khan announced that 2nd Tour de Khunjrab International Cycle Race will be held from June 27 to 30 and will be held in four stages.
During the grand tour, the cyclists will cover a distance of nearly 280km, pedaling past Pakistan’s most scenic mountains such as Golden Peak, Lady Finger, Rakaposhi and other mountains. In the first leg of the race, they will cover nearly 68km starting from Gilgit (altitude, 1,500m) and ending at Ghulmat (2,000m) in Nagar Valley.
Tour de Khunjerab 2018 event highlights
Tour de Khunjerab is much more than a cycling event. It introduces the participants to our unique culture, music, food and the natural beauty of the region
said GB Tourism Minister, Fida Khan.
Through the cycling event and sports activities, we aim to promote GB as adventure tourism destination
Fida said.
Besides boosting tourism and economy of the region, the event is also aimed at engaging local youth in sports and healthy activities. The race will culminate at Khunjerab Pass (4,700m), the highest paved international border between Pakistan and China at an altitude of 5,000 meters, which is considered to be the toughest stage. The event will include elevation gain from 850 to 2,000 meters.
We appreciate such events, these help promote the positive image of Pakistan.
Also check Our Ultimate Tour Guide to Hunza and Khunjerab
3 stages of the competition
The first stage is from Gilgit city to Rakaposhi base camp of Nagar district. The second stage is from Rakaposhi base camp to Karimabad in Hunza, third stage starts from Sost and the race ends at Khunjerab pass. The cyclists are expected to arrive on Sunday at the highest placed international border between Pakistan and China at an altitude of 16,000 feet, covering a distance of 27 kilometers in four stages.
First Stage of Tour de Khunjerab 2019
The first stage of ‘Tour de Khunjerab 2019’ cycle race ended on 27th June as 138 participants paddled 67 kilometers from Gilgit to the Rakaposhi base camp. This cycle race is getting interesting day by day.
Stage 01 Results
- Najib Ullah (WAPDA) – 2:01:34
- Abdullah Khan (ARMY) – 2:01:34
- Viran Ramesh (Sri Lanka) – 2:02:49
Team Wapda was declared winner of the first stage of the event
27th June, 2019
Winner Najeebullah from Wapda arrived Rakaposhi base camp, Nagar district via Karakoram Highway crossings, covering 77km distance of the first stage of the race from Gilgit city, within two hours, one minute and 34 seconds. Abdullah Khan from Pakistan Army stood second and crossed the distance in two hours, one minute and 34 seconds(just few milimeters behind the first position). Viran Ramesh from Sri Lanka crossed the distance in two hours, two minutes and 49 seconds and finished third.
Second Stage of Tour De Khunjerab
The second stage of ‘Tour de Khunjerab 2019’ Cycle Race started from Rakaposhi Nagar to Hunza on Friday morning. This event is getting more and more interesting as the event gets closer to ending stages.
Stage 02 Results
- Najib Ullah (WAPDA) – 3:21:01
- Abdul Razzaq (SSGC) – 3:22:35
- Abdullah Khan (ARMY) – 3:32:19
Team Wapda was declared winner of the second stage of the event too
28th June, 2019
Final Stage of Tour De Khunjerab
The final stage of ‘Tour de Khunjerab 2019’ Cycle Race started from Sost (The last town of Pakistan) to Khunjerab Pass on Saturday morning. The event was covered by International media like BBC as well.
Stage 03 Results (Overall time classification)
- Najib Ullah (WAPDA) – 8:41:39
- Hanzala (Baluchistan) – 8:44:43
- Abdul Razzaq (SSGC) – 8:46:47
Team Wapda was declared winner of ‘Tour de Khunjerab Cycle Race’
30th June, 2019
Overall summary of this event!!!
After the four days of amazing cycle race between 70 cyclists and an amazing event in beautiful area of Gilgit Baltistan and Hunza. The event has been organised by the Gilgit-Baltistan government in collaboration with Pakistan Cycling Federation to promote tourism in the region. The first phase of the event came to an end on Thursday in which 138 contestants paddled 67 kilometers from Gilgit to the Rakaposhi base camp. The race is happening in most beautiful northern areas of Pakistan. Last year in May, its 1st edition was launched and got much appreciation around the world. The second edition started on 27th June 2019. Many international cyclists also participated in the event.
Finally the event came to an end on 30th June at Khunjerab pass at an height of 15,700 feet and an amazing atmosphere was created.
These types of events create a positive image of Pakistan and these steps by Government of Gilgit Baltistan are appreciable. We hope more events like this will happen in future to increase tourism in our country.
