About 200 "Kung fu nuns" kicked off a month-long journey from Nepal through India yesterday, swapping their flowing maroon robes for lycra leggings to raise awareness about human trafficking and gender equality. The Buddhist nuns are trained in martial arts and frequently organise pilgrimages and cycling trips to promote gender equality. "We are starting our fifth cycle yatra [pilgrimage] and our main mission is about increasing awareness about female empowerment, the environment and human trafficking," nun Yeshe Lhamo said.

The nuns will cover a 3,000-km route from Kathmandu, pedalling through south India to Delhi and then to Darjeeling. Pics/AFP