Photo Story: The Monduro 3.0 is the World's Highest Altitude Enduro MTB Race in Arunachal Pradesh, India
Tawang Monastery is Asia's 2nd largest Buddhist monastery sitting at an altitude of 3000m.
Words: Vinay Menon
A 12 hours drive north from Guwahati city in the state of Assam, through multiple Indian Army checkposts, I arrived to a beautiful, soft humming town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Hidden in the northeast of India, Arunachal Pradesh has a vast expanse of forest wrapped mountains. Utilizing these green jungles and prime dirt, a team of local mountain bikers from Tawang, linked together age old migration trails, new village pathways and cattle grazing trails and mapped an amazing network of routes that could quite possibly be some of the best trails in India.
In sight, abandoned bunkers which once served during Indo-China war over half a century ago, are now taken over by earth. The green grass hides tales of sacrifices and triumphs, much like the riders who blazed down the hills in Tawang, who sacrificed their blood and sweat to log-in the fastest time down the mountain. We're at the world's highest altitude Enduro mountain bike race in the land of Monpa tribe, called MONDURO.
"Monduro 3.0" jersey reveal by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu.
"Monduro 3.0" Opening ceremony by the hands of Hon'ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu.
Street procession, part of Tawang's annual traditional festival.
The 2 day, 10 stage Enduro race kicked into its 3rd year earlier this winter. Flagged off by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu, who is also a fitness enthusiast and has backed the Monduro event since its inception in 2021. With special stages dropping in from an altitude of 4400m, Monduro can be challenging for your lungs and limbs. Into its third year, "Monduro 3.0" saw some of the fastest enduro competitors from Indonesia, Nepal, UK and India.
Roof top shuttle rides while on earth's roof at 4400mts.
Riders set for a long day of racing ahead.
Nepal's rocket, Rajesh Magar ready for lift off.
Seasoned DH/Enduro racer Apshai Niangti from Meghalaya dropping in on Stage-1 of Day-2.
Hyderabad's Prajwal Pingali comes from a town that is relatively flat, but quickly adapted to Tawang's mega descents.
Meghalaya's Aaron Kharpuri styling it mid race, landing him a 6th place finish overall.
Apshai Niangti holding on to his bars through the stages. 5th fastest for the weekend.
While the trails in Tawang may bottom out your full squish bikes, Monduro also includes a Hardtail category. Hard back jockeys bounced their way down roots, ruts, rocks, jumps, partying their way down the 10 stages.
Hardtail bouncers. Cranking his 0mm travel frame as fast as his elder brother, Ridor Niangti rolling into the white pow section of Stage-1, Day-2 .
Part of the trail dig team of Monduro 3.0, Ridor rode the 10 stages with more flow than the melting snow. On top of the podium in Hardtail category.
A surprised Yak observes the uncommon mountain biker speeding down one of Tawang's cattle trails.
Hiking up higher onto the next stage start line.
India's National Downhill Champion, Ismamul Howk from Assam keeping his best Enduro foot forward with a 4th fastest timing for Monduro 3.0.
British Nepali mountain bomber, Chris Keeling from Kathmandu, Nepal blurred through the 10 stages, taking home the third place trophy.
Monduro blending in prayer flags and race tapes. Chris Keeling in his holy zone.
Speed and finesse! Rama Teguh from Indonesia raising the heat in Tawang.
Taking the fastest way down the Himalayan rocks, Rama speeding through to a 2nd place on the podium.
A different kind of Yak spotted in Tawang's forest.
Making his way down sharp trails of Monduro, Nepal's Rajesh Magar.
After 2 days, 10 stages of racing, Nepal's Rajesh Magar (aka RJ Ripper) took home the big win.
Buddhist monks considering taking up a new sport.
The Monduro 3.0 Champions (Full Suspension). Rajesh Magar - Nepal (1st), Rama Teguh - Indonesia (2nd) and Christopher Keeling - Great Britain (3rd).
The Hardtail heroes. Monduro 3.0 Champions (Hardtail). Ridor Niangti - India (1st), Aldon Shylla - India (2nd) and Lamphang - India (3rd).
We are family!
As the 3rd edition of Monduro wrapped up, brighter news for the future editions rolled in. The organizers are in talks about introducing Monduro as one of the stops in the Asia Enduro Series.
Styling it into the golden skies of Tawang, Rama Teguh. \\ Photo: Malav Dutta
The 3rd Edition of Monduro was made possible with the support from,
Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh - Shri Pema Khandu
Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Department
Tawang Cycling Association
Spoke Hub Cycling
WhackyTalky.in
GT Adventures
NAC Cycling
Hyve Sports
Travel with Kora
Freerider Mountain Bike eMagazine
Monduro 3.0 and its colours. \\ Rider: Vinay Menon
\\ About the Author: A pioneering athlete, Vinay Menon has been on the forefront of promoting Downhill/Freeride mountain biking in India for over two decades. A Sports Filmmaker and Journalist, Vinay shares action sports tales on several media platforms.
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