Altitude sickness hospitalises biker – the brutal reality of the Himalayas

As the ultimate Himalayas motorcycle adventure continues we get a scary reality check… altitude sickness. It’s a very serious, real and dangerous things. Starting the day at Tso Kar lake, a considerable altitude, our energy was grounded with the news that a fellow UK traveller had been taken ill with altitude sickness. His oxygen levels down to 52% instead of the desired +80% leaving him no option other than an ambulance ride to Leh hospital. This is part 4 in a multi part Himalayas adventure riding the Royal Enfield Himalayan.

The reminder kept us sharp on our own acclimatisation activities and encouraged us to get checked. This area has frequent government funded oxygen centres. A quick finger monitor and the three of us were cleared with perfect oxygen blood levels. A good reassurance as we departed for the shorter 93km day.

The views across the Tso Kar salt flats as we headed on made from frequent wows with wild horses and wild asses roaming freely. The road to Nyoma following the Indus river is one with very high military presence. Vast army camps lining the valley with huge off road vehicles, artillery units and a considerable volume of man power. The first few had our eyes locked with amazement but they soon became a normal feature. Stepping into another Indian Army run cafe stop in Nyoma it was ideal timing as a sandstorm blew through. We could feel the rattles of the roof panels fluttering and totally lost sight of the bikes parked just outside with the clouds of dust.

Arriving to our Nyoma Deskit Eco Homestay it was an ecstatic moment realising they had a hot shower and a warm bedroom. Tomorrow is our marathon loop tackling a world record awarded road! Stay tuned for the next episode in this multi part series.

Tso Kar - Nyoma
Total time: 5hr 22min
Riding time: 2hr 12min
Distance: 57 miles / 92km
Max altitude reached: 16,263ft

Let me know in the comments below if you have any other additions, tips or advice for adventure riding through the Himalayas

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Timestamp:
1:03 - Altitude sickness therapy
3:22 - Tso Kar Lake
7:50 - Tso Kar salt flats view
9:45 - Nyoma
11:52 - Nyoma Deskit Eco Homestay

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


#himalayas #motorcycleadventure #indiatravel #travelvlog #altitudesickness #thegirlonabike