Pedalling across continents, finding peace in the Himalayas

Dharamshala opened its arms to global cycling enthusiast Thorsten Bruce, a 51-year-old senior executive, who arrived after an extraordinary eight-month expedition that began in Harrogate, England, on March 1.

Tracing rivers, scaling high mountain passes and weaving through diverse cultures, Bruce followed the Danube through Europe before venturing into Central Asia. His route eventually carried him into Pakistan via Gilgit and the legendary Pamir Highway — a cyclist’s paradise shadowed by unpredictable floods, landslides and rushing rivers. Yet, amid the hardships, Bruce found beauty. He fondly recalled local hospitality, including an impromptu meal shared with police officers in Punjab who welcomed him like family.

His most testing moment came when the Wagah Border closed unexpectedly, forcing him to pause the pedal-powered journey. Reluctantly, he flew via Abu Dhabi to Amritsar, only to resume cycling across flood-ravaged Punjab and the landslide-scarred Pathankot-Manali highway. From there, the mountains led him into Dharamsala.

Awaiting him were local riders Rohit Samuel, Jeremy Russell and Kunal Dhuria, who celebrated his arrival. At Boulders bicycle store, his faithful bike received much-needed care before the next leg. But the pinnacle of Dharamsala, Bruce said, was receiving blessings from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, an encounter he described as the “highlight” of his entire odyssey.

A seasoned professional who once headed Fresenius’s Southeast Asia operations, Bruce was visibly moved by the warmth he encountered across borders. Kangra Valley’s trails especially captivated him, and he explored them alongside his new Indian cycling companions.

From Dharamsala, Bruce now pedals toward Delhi, where he will reunite with his wife, Emma. Together, the duo plans to cycle to Pokhara, Nepal, and then set their sights on the mighty Manaslu peak. Reflecting on his Himalayan sojourn, Bruce said the hospitality of local cyclists overwhelmed him and he is already plotting a return ride with Emma through the Kangra Valley.