Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: A 21-year-old student from Bongaigaon, Assam, has achieved a remarkable feat by navigating a standard scooty to the remote and rugged Gongkar La Lake in Arunachal Pradesh. Situated at an altitude between 15,000 and 15,600 feet, the lake is widely considered one of the least explored and most challenging destinations in Northeast India. While such high-altitude expeditions are typically reserved for specialized adventure motorcycles, Ankur Sarkar completed the journey using the same standard model scooty distributed to high-achieving students under the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award.
Sarkar’s four-day journey pushed both rider and machine to their physical limits. Traveling without GPS, mobile connectivity, or backup support, he faced freezing temperatures, torrential rain, and steep, icy inclines. Despite warnings from other bikers who doubted the small-wheeled vehicle could handle the muddy and treacherous terrain, he remained determined. Reflecting on his internal resolve during the trip, Sarkar noted, "There's no return until I see Gongkar La."
The journey became particularly harrowing near the Tulung La checkpoint, where sub-zero temperatures and thick fog caused intense physical exhaustion and doubt. After navigating landslides near the Tenga Valley and pushing the scooty up steep inclines, Sarkar finally reached the destination, finding the lake encased in ice. He spent only 20 minutes at the summit due to a rapidly intensifying snowstorm that posed a significant safety risk.
Sarkar described the ultimate experience as surreal, noting that despite the mechanical challenges and weather, the view justified the struggle. His success serves as a testament to the idea that preparation and focus can overcome a lack of specialized equipment. As he told India Today NE, "It’s the mindset, not the machine."
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