Follow Kandivali-resident and culinary entrepreneur Ankita Thakur’s journey to the current highest motorable pass in the world on a 100cc scooter
Ankita Thakur at the top of Umling La, the current highest motorable pass in the world at 19,024 feet
Umling LA pass in Ladakh is the current highest motorable pass in the world at 19,024 feet. Riding through this pass has been a dream that Kandivali-based Ankita Deepak Thakur has had for over 10 years. The catch is, she would not ride on a motorbike, but on her eight-year-old 100cc Honda Dio scooter. If she completed the feat, she would possibly be the first woman scooterist to do so. The 29-year-old finally decided to take the trip in May this year. But the experience did not come without obstacles or doubt.
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Thakur poses at the border of Thang village in Ladakh
One such incident wasn’t Thakur’s hesitation or uncertainty among the group she was riding with that she or her scooter, Cheetah, wouldn’t make it to the finish line. On their way to Hanle Village in Ladakh, the group crossed paths with bikers on their second leg of the trip. Obviously, Thakur’s white-green scooter stood out and they remarked after their high-end bike broke down en route to Umling La, a scooter had no chance of making it through. Thakur’s ride leader Shehbaaz Sheikh was quick to retort. “Check her Instagram later,” he said, pointing to the fact that Thakur would post her accomplishments on the social media platform. And she did.
Thakur, who also co-runs a food stall in Malad, relives the journey for us. Beginning with a train ride from Mumbai to Amritsar with Cheetah, Thakur commenced the expedition on her two-wheeler in Amritsar and made her way to Batote and Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. The scooterist traversed cold desert landscapes as well as scenic but harsh routes, including Zoji La Pass and Pangong Lake (where scenes from 3 Idiots was shot), which are notorious for sharp bends and cold weather conditions. She also rode through Chang La, Tanglang La, Lachung La, Nakee La, and Baralacha La.
The scooterist at Drass in Kargil district in Ladakh
Some of her most memorable moments from the trip are mini success stories. She recounts video-calling her mechanic in Mumbai to help her repair an issue with her scooter; shouting “I’ve done it!” after crossing Khardung La pass — one of the world’s highest motorable passes and miraculously covering a long distance with minimum petrol. There were other dangerous episodes like conquering steep inclines after parts of her scooter’s wiring burnt out; riding through heavy snowfall without functional headlights, and escaping a fox chase after her slower-than-usual scooter suddenly picked up speed.
The final countdown to Umling La from Hanle, through Nurbula Top was a difficult path to conquer. “Visibility was low due to heavy snowfall; I had to follow the tyre marks of the bikes in front of me, riding at 10-20 km/hr. It took a lot of patience to reach the top but I was determined,” Thakur pauses and thoughtfully explains, “I have a connection with my scooter; we’ve achieved dreams together. There were times I spoke to her saying ‘Come on, Cheetah, come on!’ And we came through. I am glad that I didn’t have to bring her home in the back of a truck or leave her anywhere.” On her return, at Magnetic Hill in Ladakh, people received the scooterist with much fanfare. “Tourists from Maharashtra were excited that a girl from their home state had successfully reached the summit. They took selfies with me. I felt like a celebrity!” an elated Thakur laughs.
Ankita Thakur. Pic/Aishwarya Deodhar
She completed her expedition on June 13, after a journey of 2,800 km. “I am proud of myself. I started with the biggest ride and accomplished it. Next, I want to do an all-India tour. I would love to take my Dio with me, but she’s getting old. So let’s see,” Thakur signs off.
Ride smart
1 It’s possible to circuit on a 100 or 150cc scooter; you need to be mentally prepared
2 Find a supportive group. My group encouraged me a lot.
3 Practise well; ride shorter distances to build your confidence
4 If you’re a woman rider, stay alert of your surroundings; wear fitted; and not tight clothing for a comfortable journey; and be confident of your abilities
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