Why I’ll Never Visit Shandur Pass in the Winter Again EP:03 скачать в хорошем качестве

Why I’ll Never Visit Shandur Pass in the Winter Again EP:03

Today was the final and most difficult day of our mission to cross Shandur Pass in winter on a bike. The day we had been preparing for finally arrived. We were in Mastuj, and from here, Shandur Pass is about 41 kilometers away. In normal conditions, this distance takes around 2 to 3 hours on a bike, but winter changes everything. Extreme cold, snow, and wind make every kilometer harder. We stayed the night in Mastuj, where the cold was brutal. The night temperature dropped to around -25°C to -30°C. Even with heaters and double blankets, it was difficult to stay warm. Water pipes were completely frozen, and geysers don’t work here due to extreme cold. Water had to be heated and given in buckets for basic use. In the morning, our bikes refused to start because of the cold. We had to pour hot water on the engine to bring it back to life. Only after that did the bike finally start. Before heading toward Shandur Pass, we visited Khooni Chashma, located just a few minutes from Mastuj. Many stories surround this place, but the truth is simple—the red color of the water comes from iron oxide inside the mountain, not from any legends. The red water looked stunning, and parts of it were frozen due to the cold. On our way back, my bike had a puncture, and because of freezing temperatures, repairing it on the road was impossible. We fixed it later in Mastuj Bazaar, had breakfast and lunch there, and finally started our journey toward Shandur Pass at around 11:40 AM. Just outside Mastuj, the road became extremely rough—rocky, uneven, and off-road. Large stones made riding slow and exhausting. After a few kilometers, the road improved slightly as construction work is ongoing. Wherever water crossed the road, it was completely frozen. Riding over ice required full focus, as even a small mistake could lead to a fall. The cold was intense throughout the route. Along the way, we crossed several small villages between Mastuj and Shandur Pass, slowly moving forward through this remote and beautiful region. This entire road is part of the Chitral–Gilgit road project, expected to be completed by 2028. Once finished, this route will become a major tourism hub, connecting Chitral, Shandur, Mastuj, and Ghizer. As we climbed higher, snow started increasing. Reaching Shandur Pass itself was manageable, but beyond the top, conditions became extreme. The wind at the top was unbearable—sharp, freezing, and cutting through the body. Even in sunlight, the cold felt like -50°C. We couldn’t stay at the top for more than a minute. After crossing Shandur Top, my bike slipped and fell, but Alhamdulillah, I wasn’t seriously injured. At that point, we installed snow ropes (snow chains) on the tires to make the journey ahead possible. From Shandur Top onward, the snow became deeper and more dangerous. The track left by jeeps was the only safe line—moving even slightly off-track meant getting stuck or falling. We passed the world’s highest polo ground, completely frozen, and Shandur Lake, also fully frozen. Hands and feet started freezing badly, but we kept moving forward. By the time we reached Langar, near the GB Scouts Army check post, it was around 5 PM. My hands and feet were completely frozen and in pain. The army personnel immediately helped, took me inside a warm room with heaters, and provided water so I could slowly regain feeling in my hands and feet. That moment is something I will never forget. The pain from frozen limbs while warming them is impossible to explain in words. Due to extreme cold and remaining distance toward Phander, the army advised us to stay the night at the check post. We agreed and spent the night there. The temperature dropped to around -40°C. The next morning, snowfall started again. Even water would freeze within minutes. Everything here was extreme. Alhamdulillah, we successfully crossed Shandur Pass, but I must say—this was one of the hardest bike journeys imaginable. Even the GB Army soldiers appreciated our courage and determination. My honest advice to everyone: never attempt Shandur Pass on a bike in winter. If you must travel, use a 4x4 vehicle. Doing this on a bike is extremely dangerous and life-threatening. This route is completely deserted in winter. From Shandur Pass to Langar, we didn’t see a single person. The silence, cold, and isolation are real. This was not just a ride—it was a test of endurance, faith, and patience. Music: Adventure by Lucjo   / lucjomusic   Creative Commons — Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported — CC BY-ND 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://www.audiolibrary.com.co/lucjo... Music promoted by Audio Library    • Adventure – Lucjo (No Copyright Music)   #ShandurPass #WinterBikeRide #ShandurPassWinter #BikeAdventurePakistan #ExtremeWinterRide #MotorcycleAdventure #NorthernPakistan #HighAltitudeRide #WinterExpedition