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An autorickshaw that once ferried passengers along the familiar roads of Mangaluru in Karnataka is now navigating some of India’s most challenging mountain routes. At nearly 15,000 feet above sea level, its gears jammed in the freezing conditions, leaving four friends stranded and searching for a way forward. But turning back was hardly an option for the men who had waited nearly seven years to make this journey.<\/p>\n
Four friends from Deralakatte in Mangaluru have embarked on an extraordinary road trip covering more than 7,000 kilometres, travelling from coastal Karnataka to Kashmir and Ladakh in an ordinary autorickshaw. What began as a casual conversation among friends several years ago has become an adventure involving mountain roads, freezing temperatures, unexpected expenses and mechanical troubles.<\/p>\n
The four friends Sadik, Hasan, Azeem and Afreed, began their journey on October 10. All four had previously worked as autorickshaw drivers around Deralakatte. Although their careers eventually took different directions, their shared dream of travelling across India in an autorickshaw remained. For years, the plan was postponed because of work commitments, financial constraints and family responsibilities. Whenever one friend was available, another had obligations to attend to. Eventually, they decided that if they kept waiting for the perfect opportunity, the journey might never happen.<\/p>\n
Rather than hiring a car or choosing a more comfortable vehicle, they decided to undertake the expedition in an autorickshaw, the very vehicle that had once been central to their livelihoods. The group prepared Sadik’s 2017-model autorickshaw for the journey after checking its mechanical condition. They had previously travelled to places such as Madikeri and Chikkamagaluru which are close by in autorickshaws, but the Kashmir expedition was far more ambitious.<\/p>\n
Their route took them through Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi before they reached Kashmir. The friends spent four days in Kashmir and subsequently travelled to Ladakh, where the high-altitude terrain presented some of their toughest challenges. One particularly difficult episode occurred when the autorickshaw’s gears jammed in the cold at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet. The mechanical problem cost them nearly an entire day, while the lack of nearby mechanics made the situation more difficult. Fuel availability also became a concern. The friends were able to obtain LPG for the autorickshaw in Madhya Pradesh, but subsequently continued their journey using petrol. As a precaution, they carried approximately 20 litres of additional petrol for emergencies.<\/p>\n
Their challenges were not limited to the vehicle. While travelling through Jammu, the group struggled to find accommodation after a tiring day on the road. Despite having travelled for nearly seven hours, they were unable to secure a room nearby. With the next available accommodation reportedly around 200 kilometres away, they spent the night at a petrol pump. The mountain weather has also forced them to change their travel routine. During the initial stages, they could remain on the road until 10 or 11 pm before stopping at hotels. In the colder northern regions, however, they began ending their journeys by around 7 pm to avoid travelling late in difficult conditions.<\/p>\n
The expedition has also been an expensive undertaking. The friends initially estimated that the entire trip would cost approximately Rs 1.5 lakh. However, they have already spent more than Rs 1 lakh before completing the journey. The final expenditure is expected to depend on the remaining distance, weather conditions and possible vehicle repairs. Travelling across state boundaries in an autorickshaw brought additional complications. The group encountered police checks and had to produce their documents for verification. They also reportedly paid traffic-related fines at some locations.<\/p>\n
Since autorickshaws cannot use certain expressways, the friends have been travelling along service roads and other permitted routes. Although this adds to their journey time, it allows them to continue using the vehicle they chose for their adventure. Throughout the expedition, they have carried a Tulu Nadu flag on their autorickshaw, proudly representing their coastal Karnataka roots. The flag has become a distinctive part of their journey, accompanying them through unfamiliar cities and mountainous landscapes. By the time Local 18 Kannada reached them, the friends had completed their stay in Kashmir and were travelling through Ladakh, with plans to proceed towards Manali before returning to Mangaluru through Rajasthan. They estimated that the return journey could take at least another 20 days, although the weather and condition of the autorickshaw could extend their schedule.<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, the four have received encouragement from people they encountered along the route. Their experience has also strengthened their belief that adventurous travel need not be limited to expensive vehicles or elaborate arrangements. The friends have already begun thinking about another journey, this time towards Kanyakumari at the southern tip of India. For now, however, their immediate goal is to bring their autorickshaw safely home after completing the journey they once only talked about.<\/p>\n