Shinkula Pass (11th October 2026)
It is the 11th of October, and I am on my way from Padum to Manali, a route that includes crossing one of the highest motorable passes in the world: the Shinkula Pass.
The weather when leaving Padum already felt dicey. The sun was up, but no sunlight could be felt only biting, immense cold. Right before I reached the pass, it started to snow. This is the first time in my life I am experiencing live snow, and that too at this extreme level while riding my motorcycle.
As I started climbing the pass, I could feel the cold tearing through my body and all the winter layers I was wearing. After reaching the top, I stopped for a tea and saw many other travelers deciding not to go any further. I finished my tea and moved ahead.
Slowly, my fingers started getting numb. As I pushed on, the snow just kept increasing it wasn't letting up even a bit. I rode my bike through the falling snow for about 35 to 45 kilometers all the way down to Darcha.
A few thoughts: Black ice is the scariest thing I've ever encountered in my life. It is not something to be taken lightly. I kept going purely because of my stubborn nature, though I was extremely careful with how I handled myself and the bike in that situation.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend anyone do something like this especially if you're not as crazy as me. And as for me? I would do it all over again. Just a little better than the last time.