Caught in a snowstorm at 16580 feet in India – brutal day

By far the scariest & most intense day on a motorbike I’ve had outside of extreme desert racing! In the Himalayas you have to plan for the unexpected! It is time for part two in the multi part Himalaya India Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycle adventure series -    • Himalayas adv adventure on the Royal ...  

We arrived to the Shinkula Pass military check point at 15.30...the friendly soldier quickly told us we were too late. The weather was pulling in & strong winds & snow would make it dangerous & inpassable. The 2-hour ascent would mean a 17.30pm summit in the worst of the blizzard. After explaining that we had suitable equipment including Mosko heated jackets, his worry faded & encouragement followed.
The next 4 hours intensified by the minute. As we climbed the altitude the terrain escalated. Snow on either side, deep melt running down the rocky path with treacherous slippery stones & bolders hidden in the currents. And then we got to the ice & winds. As lead bike I pushed on calling back warnings into our Cardo Intercoms. But as trail blazer I had no warnings myself & as I hit some slushy brown snow my wheels hit the sheet ice below. Boom. I was down. Thankfully I’m accustomed to falling & lept clear. Even more thankfully the Himalayan is a robust ‘Vanessa-proof’ beast & as the Shinkula pass was being smashed by a snow blizzard I’m grateful for no damage from my momentary lack of talent.

Reaching the 16,580 summit it was full sideways snow & -4 plus wind chill temperatures. The decent had it’s own challenges. Despite being mostly “tarmac” (landside damaged) the heavy fog, snow that turned to rain & strong winds with a lot of ground water meant for a slow & wet ride down.

Arriving to a Darcha homestay we had an warn welcome around a toasty fire in the grandma’s bedroom, before delicious food. The Himalayas as definitely living up to expectations! A trip of a lifetime!

Zangla - Darcha
Total time: 9hr 43min
Riding time: 5hr 12min
Distance: 113miles / 181km
Max altitude reached: 16,532ft

Next up we will be facing the infamous Manali Highway on motorcycles, stay tuned for part 3.

Please follow my adventures on:
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Website: https://www.thegirlonabike.com/
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If you made it this far, comment and join the conversation

Supported by
Teng Tools #getorganised https://www.tengtools.com/
Cardo Systems #askforcardo https://cardosystems.rfrl.co/5gxzq and use code “TGOAB“
Michelin #teammichelin
Revolution Race
CTEK Chargers


Please follow my adventures on:
Instagram:   / thegirlonabike  
Facebook:   / thegirlonabike  
Website: https://www.thegirlonabike.com/
LinkedIn:   / vanessaprocter  
TikTok:   / thegirlonabike  
WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029...

If you made it this far, comment and join the conversation

Supported by
Teng Tools #getorganised https://www.tengtools.com/
Cardo Systems #askforcardo https://cardosystems.rfrl.co/5gxzq and use code “TGOAB“
Michelin #teammichelin
Revolution Race
CTEK Chargers

Edit & Thumbnail - Team KapDx Media - (Suruj Barman & Arjun Tumung)

Music Credits: Epidemic Sounds https://www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

Tracks
ES_I Follow Your Heartbeat (Instrumental Version) - Tellow.mp3
ES_Beer, Beards & BBQ - Rockin' For Decades.mp3
ES_Watchers and Doers (Instrumental Version) - Christopher Malley.mp3
ES_Indian Ocean - Palace on Wheels.mp3
ES_River Bird - Pawan Krishna.mp3
ES_Look Down Upon Me - Marc Torch.mp3
ES_Poison Rain (Instrumental Version) - Suffer City.mp3
ES_Shame (Instrumental Version) - Carvings.mp3
ES_Travel the Distance - Trailer Worx.mp3
ES_Let's Go Go Go - Tigerblood Jewel.mp3

Timestamps:
00:26 - Towards Snowstorm at 16580 feet in India
03:22 - Cold night
08:15 - Reached Padum for breakfast
09:11 - What should we call the Himalaya
12:56 - Snacking during the Himalayan ride
15:34 - Crossing the Shinkula Pass
16:35 - Snow ride crash during Shinkula Pass crossing
17:19 - At this point, I’m 12.5 weeks pregnant
18:43 - Reached the 16,580 summit Shinkula Top
20:45 - Reached Darcha homestay
24:17 - Day 3 start at Darcha Village
25:48 - 300 km prep for the infamous Manali Highway
27:35 - Watch the Iceland top tips to make the ultimate off-road motorbike adventure tour

#himalayas #royalenfield #motorcycleadventure #indiatravel #travelvlog #thegirlonabike