Junais Sathar breaks barriers and goes from Kannur to Ladakh

Junais Sathar, a native of Kanacheri, Kannur, who undertook a 3700 km solo journey from Kannur to Ladakh on his specially modified vehicle. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

For Junais Sathar, disability doesn’t have to limit where life can take him. The 33-year-old from Kanacheri in Munderi, Kannur recently completed a 3,700km solo journey to Ladakh in a specially modified vehicle and hoped his experience would encourage others who are hesitant to travel.

Mr. Sathar had previously traveled to Mysuru, Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka, but Ladakh was another prospect. The plan to visit Kashmir eventually led him to Ladakh after 35 days on the road. He traveled mostly alone, covered around 150 to 200 km a day and traveled through 13 states.

“I never thought I would be able to travel such a long distance, but I just went,” he said.

He carried camping equipment in his vehicle so he could stop if needed. Gas stations often provided places to rest and take care of his basic needs. He encountered strong winds and dust storms in Rajasthan; he drove for two days in the rain on the way back.

Mr. Sathar said the people he met helped him keep going. Strangers offered to help and some became friends. As a small shop owner, he was also interested in the roadside businesses he saw along the way. “I was able to understand many things. I also met people,” he said.

For about five years, he saved money from his shop to finance the trip, which cost around ₹ 1.5 lakh, including the money he borrowed as a loan. Several others offered to help after hearing about their first trip to Ladakh. He recalled the financial and moral support from All Kerala Wheelchairs Federation, Angel’s team Pookad and Muhammad Shaheer from Mysuru.

Mr. Sathar acquired the vehicle used for the trip about six months ago with the support of Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran. He was earlier using a vehicle provided through the panchayat.

His mother, sister and brother were initially apprehensive about the trip. “They were scared, but they gave me the courage to go,” he said.

After watching videos of his journey, several people contacted him to ask how he managed the long distance journey and how he dealt with practical difficulties along the way. Some questioned whether their own physical limitations would make travel more difficult.

Mr. Sathar’s answer is simple: limitations should not become a reason to stop living. “Disability is not a problem. If you want to do something, you can do it,” he said. “

He had traveled little beyond Karnataka and Wayanad before this trip. The trip to Ladakh gave him new experiences, friendships and self-confidence. Now she encourages others to consider their own paths.

His journey became a silent challenge to those who delay their own journeys due to fear, physical limitations or the perception of others. For Mr. Sathar, the journey to Ladakh was more than just a journey across India: it took him beyond the boundaries he had once imagined for himself.

He traveled largely alone, faced adverse weather, managed his expenses and camps, and found his way through unknown places. He came back with new friends, new experiences and perhaps most of all with more self-confidence.

“I never thought I could go this far, but I did,” he said. His journey is now encouraging others to ask how they too can get started.

From his small shop in Kannur to the alpine landscape of Ladakh, Mr. Sathar has shown how taking a step can change what one believes is possible.

Published – 26 Sep 2026 07:00 IST