Mountains, Mysteries and Motorcycles: Triumph Northeast Expedition

I've scraped knees on the track, embraced the wind blast on open roads, and savoured earthy trails. Yet, my spirits never truly soared until the air became thin. Thankfully, the call of the mountains beckoned and I was blessed to join Triumph India’s inaugural adventure ride expedition in the Northeast. Triumph enthusiasts, a motley crew of strangers united by a shared love of motorcycling and a longing for exploration, had signed up for this adventure. I was deeply enthusiastic, though a bit apprehensive — not about the challenges ahead, but about riding with Vijay Parmar, a respected columnist in our magazine and a dedicated adventure fanatic known for his sharp, witty, and often brutal feedback. With my cautious and observant nature, I eagerly anticipated the thrill of exploring what seemed like a motorcycling paradise. I firmly believe that while all motorcycles can transport us to various destinations, the level of comfort and competence of a purpose-built bike significantly influences the overall experience. Fortunately, I was accompanied by the Scrambler 400 X, a motorcycle I had already developed a deep affection for upon my initial ride. I looked forward not only to riding the Scrambler 400 X in its natural habitat – the mountains – but also testing its capabilities.

The journey through the Northeast was like a rollercoaster of weather changes, creating an intriguing and dynamic experience. We travelled from the scorching heat of Guwahati in Assam to heavy rains of Arunachal Pradesh and then to cooler temperatures, truly testing our adaptability and the machines. Before we could celebrate and give ourselves a pat on the back, Vijay Parmar, in his playful nature, said, ‘‘It is just the beginning, and what lies ahead will be even more rewarding and challenging, so level up and don’t celebrate too early.’’ As we approached Mandala Top, a view point at 10,000 feet, his words rang true. We encountered stunning scenery and roads that seemed tailor-made for our journey. Riding through the darkness, I found a deep sense of contentment despite the sub-optimal visibility in the forests and valley views.

One of the highlights was Sela pass, a place I’ve longed to visit. My journey through Sela pass was filled with unexpected challenges – the combination of clouds unloading rain, freezing temperatures, and misty fog made for a thrilling ride. However, I made a mistake. I ignored warnings about the weather and wore trail riding gloves instead of waterproof ones so that I didn’t have to take them off every time I wanted to take a picture of the stunning scenery. A mistake for which my fingers paid the price – they were numb inside the wet gloves. I pushed myself to reach the Pass, but once I conquered it, I had to take a breather. A reserve rider took over while I hydrated and warmed my hands. Fifteen minutes later, I was back in the saddle.

Arunachal Pradesh has an air of unexplored allure. Zemithang is one such enigma, a place so remote that it remains a well-kept secret. Since hardly any tourists head this deep into the Northeast, the place is practically untouched. The ride from Tawang to Zemithang revealed extraordinary breathtaking views resembling the Swiss countryside. The Triumph Scrambler 400 X’s performance was effortless, and the engine’s character made the ride quite engaging. Riding to places like Zemithang fosters a sense of discovery rather than tourism, making it an absolute must-visit for passionate enthusiasts.

We were captivated by Zemithang, and many of us wanted to stay longer. However, the next destination promised to be even more stunning. Those whose bikes couldn’t deal with harsh terrain were directed there via the road route, but with the Scrambler 400 X, I had the liberty of taking on the challenging off-road terrain. The Scrambler adeptly navigated every obstacle, demonstrating how even a smaller bike can keep up with Tigers and conquer hard trails. Its dynamics are stellar, with a 19-inch front wheel and MRF tyres instilling confidence when the tarmac ends, and what further amplifies the experience is its plush suspension that ensures exceptional stability off-road. After conquering the mighty Bum La at a lofty 15,200ft, we all felt a sense of accomplishment.

The invigorating excitement and unyielding spirit of exploration ensured that each day became an unforgettable memory for a lifetime. The experiences and camaraderie among riders grew stronger with each adventure. The Scrambler 400 X, with its powerful engine character and exceptional riding dynamics, not only delivered a thrilling ride but also instilled unwavering confidence and pushed me to have as much fun as I could potentially extract, propelling me to embrace motorcycling nirvana gracefully.

Conquering the mountains is a feeling that I will cherish for a lifetime, and there are countless more exhilarating experiences I am eager to share. But instead of idly talking about it, why not seize the opportunity to explore the pristine and uncharted Northeast on your bike? Always remember the saying, ‘‘Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures.’’