Breaking stereotypes, a group of women has scaled the mighty heights of Himalayas riding to the world's highest motorable road - 'Khardung La' on scooters!
The second season of 'TVS Himalayan Highs' saw 21 year old Anam Hashim leading 10 other women riding on their TVS Scooty Zests, which are fitted with 110 cc engines as opposed to motorcycles, the popular vehicle for riders
The ride up to around 18,340 feet to the Himalayas is being used by the company to showcase the power of the scooter emerging as a mean machine for high altitude rides.
Hashim, a fashion student who hails from Lucknow had gone on the inaugural edition of the ride last year riding over 2,100 km in just 18 days.
"The expedition itself was very challenging. It rained heavily from Mandi to Manali, on our way from Sarju to Killong, a bridge collapsed and we had to get down and into the water stream. It was only way out to pass that stretch," Hashim said.
"Some girls got nauseous, others developed a headache. I had to be a driving force for all of them, boosting their confidence and pushing them achieve their target. I had to see that all of them were fit not only physically but mentally," the self-trained motor head and automobile enthusiast said.
The riders were unanimous in their description of the ride -- more so on their way back down, surpassing unpredictable weather, harsh environment and altitude sickness.
High premium is placed on mental fitness much more than raw physical strength during such adventures.
"There has to be a burning desire to chase that one dream of yours and it must not cool down before you achieve it. So mental strength at some point holds more importance than mere physical capabilities, because once you have it right in your mind you will surely achieve it," says Trupti Sarmalkar, another rider from Mumbai.
Sarmaklar rang in her 50th birthday the day she touched the Khardung La' summit, making it a memorable occasion.
"It has been adventurous, thrilling at this age for me. I believe in a male dominating society women must take out time to chase and finally achieve their dreams. Its was memorable moment of my life when I took that first deep breath in the air of Himalayas," Sarmklar said.
The season 2 of 'Himalayan Highs' was flagged off on August 11 from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh and came to an end on August 21. It was preceded by auditions in different parts of the country to find best candidates for the entourage.
"We got around fifty thousand applications after the ride's success last year. It was really a task to pick ten out of that huge number. We simply looked for genuine passion and a positive attitude to go on," Anniruddha Haldar, Vice President- Marketing of TVS motor company said.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
