Guwahati: Tawang will host Monduro 6.0, India’s only enduro-format mountain biking championship, from Nov 9 to 14, with race stages reaching elevations of up to 14,400 feet.Organised by the Tawang Cycling Association (TCA) under the theme “Ghost of the Mountains”, the six-day event will challenge riders with steep climbs, technical descents and rugged Himalayan trails.The championship is expected to draw leading cyclists from India and abroad, including Nepal’s Nirav Shrestha, Britain’s Christopher Keeling and former Indian national downhill champion Aaron Kharpuri.In enduro-format racing, riders navigate designated mountain trails involving both uphill climbs and downhill descents.TCA spokesperson Kunchok Tsering said the event had been attracting growing international interest.“Every year, Monduro is growing bigger, attracting riders from across the world who are increasingly discovering the event. Set in the high Himalayan region, with the highest point of the race at 14,400 feet, it is among the world’s highest endurance races and the only event of its kind in India,” he said.“I believe people from across the world should come here, participate in the race and experience this destination,” Tsering added.The event will be inaugurated and flagged off on Nov 9. Practice sessions will be held on Nov 10 and 11, followed by a rest day on Nov 12. The competitive races are scheduled for Nov 13 and 14.The sixth edition is being led by TCA president and chief organising executive Sangey Tsering and race director Dukhum Magu. Organisers are overseeing technical arrangements, safety protocols and hospitality, with the aim of meeting international standards while retaining the event’s Himalayan character.Officials said chief minister Pema Khandu’s vision of placing Arunachal Pradesh on the global sports tourism map had contributed to Monduro’s growing profile. The state govt’s inclusion of the championship in its official calendar has further strengthened institutional support.The event is also being promoted as a showcase for Tawang’s natural landscape and Monpa heritage.“The championship seamlessly fuses high-octane racing with cultural integration, highlighting Tawang’s rich Monpa heritage while championing sustainable eco-tourism and sports promotion across the region,” the Tawang administration said in a media release.
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