Cold Nights and New Friends – Share the window-side view while Vimal and Vani Parmar embark on an extreme overland expedition with Mahindra Adventure
FROM NATURE’S FURY TO HER WARMTH
“Vimal, only a few seats are available, and I am going ahead and blocking two” I remember my wife saying something on these lines. Before I could even respond, she had confirmed over a text message to Nidhi of Wander Beyond Boundaries, a Noida based extreme overland expedition organiser.
My wife, Dr Vani Parmar (a cancer surgeon and off-road competitor) and I are not new to overland drives, having done 5 to 6 so far. But this one was quite extreme in terms of the terrain. Around 2,000 km, over two weeks, in nine 4x4 Mahindra Scorpios and two 4x4 Mahindra Thars (This was a Mahindra Adventure powered expedition) with 19 participants, 2 dogs, 2 photographers, one journalist, two mechanics and two expedition leaders. From 15 to 26 Jan 2021.
While the original route was Noida to Chakrata (originally a cantonment of the British Indian Army, Chakrata lies between the Tons and Yamuna rivers, at an elevation of about 7,000 feet), Larot (the last village before Chanshal pass), Chanshal Pass (at 14,830 ft., it is the highest peak in the Shimla district. The pass remains open from May to October and is covered with snow for the rest of the year), Rampur Bushahr (situated on the left bank of river Sutlej it was a princely state in India during the British Raj), Kalpa (home to India’s first ever voter Shyam Saran Negi), Khanag, Jalori Pass (this pass at a height of 10,500 feet connects Shimla district to Kullu District), Manali, Killar, Kishtwar, Jalandhar and back to Noida, we were prepared to change plans based on ground conditions which ultimately did happen.
From Noida to Manali it was smooth rolling. On 23 Jan we left early from Manali, drove through the prestigious Atal Tunnel (longest tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world), but, just an hour or two before our destination Killar, things started getting worse. Snowfall was heavy and even with snow chains, the mighty Scorpios started sliding. A small mistake could take us hurtling down into the deep valley. We retraced our way back to a BRO
(Border Roads Organisation) camp at Tindi, who were kind enough to accommodate the entire convoy. By the time we hit bed (sleeping bag!) it was 2.30 AM and freezing cold, at almost minus 25 Degree C.
Next day, we could make it only till Shour and not beyond. The road ahead could not be cleared. Our expedition got extended by a day. Ultimately, we decided to return to Noida via Manali.
Overall, we had a great time. Experienced nature’s fury and her warmth, got to see some beautiful snow-capped mountains, frozen rivers, starlit sky, met some amazing locals, savoured local cuisine, drove through small villages, bonded with convoy members who are now friends forever, clicked a lot of pictures, learnt to live without mobile connectivity and realised the importance of slowing down in life and taking the journey within.