Thrilling Journey from Kishtwar to Pangi: An Edge-of-the-Seat Experience
On the morning of the 1st of June, Narender Kr. Gautam and his fellow BCMTian, Pankaj from Gurgaon, embarked on an exhilarating two-week journey through the rugged Himalayan terrain of Himachal Pradesh. Their destination: the land of the high passes.
Their itinerary included the picturesque Kishtwar, Gulabgarh, Ishtiyari, and the remote Pangi valley, renowned for their challenging and thrilling mountain roads. The route, often described as "raw, ruthless, and unreal," features rough, unpaved, and narrow trails that demand high concentration and careful riding.
The journey was not without its hazards. The roads typically feature steep inclines, sharp hairpin bends, loose gravel, and stretches alongside deep valleys, making the ride thrilling yet hazardous for two-wheelers like scooters. Weather and road conditions can change rapidly, with risks of landslides, potholes, and dangling rocks common in these high-altitude passes — adding to the adventurous but precarious nature of the ride.
Narender, aware of these challenges, prepared meticulously. He equipped himself with a solar charger, tent, and a sleeping bag for camping. To solve the problem of refueling his scooter, which had a 5.5L fuel tank, he cut the seat in half, dismounted the no longer required pieces, and had a tailor seal the exposed sponge of the seat.
Day 3 of their journey led them to Udhampur. The road between Gulabgarh-Killar, which they traversed, was an amazing but scary one. Riding through the rock-cut road would surely test one's skills.
On Day 4 and 5, they encountered the Cliffhanger Road. The Pangi valley, their destination for these days, is well-known for its remote and rugged roads that test the endurance of any rider or vehicle, with limited amenities and emergency access. The thrill comes from the stunning Himalayan landscapes combined with the adrenaline rush of riding on remote mountain trails.
Narender started his journey at 5 in the morning on the 1st of June, bidding goodbye to his sleeping children for the next two weeks. He was warmly welcomed by DS Dhillon paaji at his residence in Ludhiana before setting off on his adventure.
This journey through the dangerous yet thrilling mountain roads of Himachal Pradesh is an example of the spirit of adventure that drives many to explore the uncharted territories of our beautiful country. Riders should be prepared for challenging conditions and unpredictable weather, making it an exhilarating but demanding adventure requiring skill, preparation, and caution.
Narender and Pankaj decided to travel in electric vehicles for their adventure, considering the long journeys and the need for less car maintenance. As they prepared for their trip, Narender made adjustments to his scooter, such as cutting the seat in half and having a tailor seal the exposed sponge, in order to carry camping equipment like a solar charger, tent, and sleeping bag.
Despite the rugged terrain and challenges ahead, the picturesque Kishtwar, Gulabgarh, Ishtiyari, and the remote Pangi valley were still highlights on their itinerary, each renowned for their challenging and thrilling mountain roads. Their journey was filled with adventure travel, as they faced steep inclines, sharp hairpin bends, loose gravel, and deep valleys, all while enjoying the stunning Himalayan landscapes.
After celebrating their successful journey, Narender returned home to his sleeping children, rejuvenated by the adventure and experiences he had alongside fellow BCMTian, Pankaj. The journey served as an inspiration for others, showcasing the spirit of adventure that drives many to explore the uncharted territories of their own beautiful country.
