LEH: Mahendra Mahajan, a dentist from Nashik, has created the world record for the fastest on-foot crossing of the distance between Leh and Manali.
Mahendra, who completed the over 400 kilometre distance in July this year, has now been certified as the record holder by the Guinness Book of World Records.
According to records, Mahajan ran the 428 km between Leh and Manali in July of this year, taking just four days and 21 hours, compared to the eight days allotted to him to walk the distance. Mahajan managed to finish the journey three days ahead of schedule.
Mahajan eclipsed the previous record held by ultra-runner Sifiya Khan, who in 2021 took 6 days and 12 hours to walk from Leh to Manali. She had, however, made the 480 km route when there was no Atal Tunnel and had also ascended the Rohtang Pass.
Mahajan shared details of his trek, saying that Army soldiers and cyclists cheered him along the way. He also said that, except for walking over the Atal Tunnel near Manali, for which he needed approvals and lost some time, he had no trouble obtaining permission to complete the expedition. Mahajan has now received a certificate from the Guinness Book.
