Pune: Braving sub-zero temperatures Team Sanyogi comprising Pune-based Off-roading enthusiasts Ghanshyam Singh and Dr. Vitesh Popli hit the jackpot in the Himalayan terrain with their resilient driving and resolve to complete one of the toughest drives of their nascent career together for their dream of off-road adventure and in the process struck gold by having their names listed in the Asia Book of Records.
The two from totally different backgrounds in terms of profession had got together as Team Sanyogi to take part in Mountain GOAT expedition, an endurance drive from Shimla to Kaza via Manali criss-crossing the extreme weather conditions that dipped to 30 degrees below zero. In the expedition, also referred to as 4WD Winter Marathon, which ran from February 16 to 23, the two were at the wheels of their 4WD Mahindra Thar from Pune in a non-stop endurance trip passing through Indore, Delhi and Chandigarh before reaching the Himalayan mountains in Shimla where they had the first whiff of hostile temperatures just as the two left Shimla they had to manoeuvre their vehicle through the slippery black ice. just after leaving Shimla. The toughest drive was passing through the 4-5 feet of snow as they r. approached Kaza. Ghanshyam and Dr. Popli had to skip passing through Atal tunnel, formerly and more popularly known as Rohtang pass as there was heavy traffic near Manali.
The toughest drive was passing through Jalori pass which is closed throughout year. This had steep slope covered with hardened Ice and Snow, slope gradient of 50 degree downwards which increased momentum of vehicle and only steering control is allowed, as breaking turns and slides vehicle more.
At Kaza when Team Sanyogi completed, they were part of the “record largest convoy of 4WD vehicles to reach Spiti valley in the Mountain Goat of Himachal Pradesh” is how the Asia Book of Record listed their achievement.
“We started our physical and mental preparation three months before the event by doing endurance and situational trainings to overcome extreme weather conditions.” Explained Ghanshyam about how the two readied for the eventual expedition.
“We focussed on the process, preparation and execution with discipline,’ said Ghanshyam of getting listed in the Asia Book of Records. “We were not worried about the result. The focus was on to live every moment,” Ghanshyam added.
On reaching Pune; speaking about the experience Ghanshyam Singh explained that the drive to Chicham and back was difficult as the temperature dipped to minus 35 degree. Also there was risk of slipping on Ice and falling in deep valley. No breaking was mantra to drive on ice.
“Passing through Hills covered with Snow and Ice has great risk of Avalanches leading to road closures. We had emergency ration in vehicle to survive two to three days along with sleeping bags and clothes.” Said Ghanshyam Singh.
“Shooting stone is common phenomenon in the snow-clad mountains,” he explained adding “we drove with caution without honking as vibration caused by sound could dislodge any precariously hanging stone.
“Discipline with Machine, Discipline of self, following the Convoy rules and being respectful to Nature is the key to surmount extreme challenges,” Ghanshyam mentioned the extreme safety measures every participant is expected to take.
His co-driver Dr. Vitesh said “Convoy run was high intensity high endurance, ultimate test of Man and Machine in hostile environment”.
“Mentally and physically, we were prepared for any adversity of Nature”, Dr. Vitesh added.
Many vehicles skidded at Jalori pass. Infact some turned180 degree. We saw a few turning 360 degree. Several were rescued. We did it very well and as we gained high momentum our vehicle was drifting sideways but we controlled it in right direction through steering control.
In poor visibility during snow, we handled the situation with extra snow lights and 4×4 driving,” both the Pune off-roaders readily explained.
The two also faced high altitude sickness, but made sure to stay hydrated through ORS and medication.
