Motorcycle Diaries! Udupi's Sidwin Shetty holds Tulunad flag at incredible heights

A determined youth hailing from Brahmagiri, Udupi, has accomplished a truly extraordinary feat. After bidding farewell to his software job, Sidwin Shetty, (28) embarked on a solo bike expedition that spanned a staggering 18,000 kilometers. His remarkable journey culminated in the hoisting of the Tulunad flag at two renowned landmarks: the world’s highest Umling La in Ladakh and the revered Mount Everest base camp.

Son of Suresh Krishna Shetty and Sujaya S Shetty, Sidwin Shetty holds a degree in Computer Science Engineering from Nitte College. His passion for trekking fueled his desire to undertake this remarkable adventure, which commenced on May 6, 2023, from his hometown of Udupi.

Riding his trusty Himalayan bike, he traversed through 21 states across India, including 5 central territories, and extended his journey to the neighboring nations of Nepal and Bhutan. He triumphantly returned to Udupi on July 19.

His remarkable journey also led him to some of the highest regions on the planet.

Sidwin’s journey took him to awe-inspiring altitudes, including the Umling La at 19,024 feet, the iconic Mount Everest Base Camp at 17,598 feet, and even to the world’s highest Shiva temple, Tungnath. A profound wish of his was to traverse the entire nation while paying homage to the Shiva temples it holds.

Notably, Sidwin Shetty’s journey marked the first instance of someone from Udupi hoisting the Tulunad flag at such incredible heights across the globe.

Throughout his expedition, Sidwin faced a wide range of temperatures, braving scorching 50-degree heat to chilling lows of -16 degrees. His voyage provided him with the unique opportunity to experience the architectural marvels of over 100 temples, gurdwaras, churches, and mosques. This incredible journey also enabled him to engage with individuals from diverse religious backgrounds, immersing himself in their cultures and traditions. One of the most memorable aspects of his journey was the chance to interact with officers of the armed forces from three different countries.