Chennai woman leads tough Himalayan rally

The 20-member team was flagged off on Sunday at New Delhi, to take part in the 13th edition of the Royal Himalayan Odyssey(HO). This is the first time that there is an all women’s team in the rally. 

The 17-day adventure ride will see them drive approximately 2,200 kms in some of the roughest terrains and highest mountain passes in the majestic locations across Himalayas and come to an end on July 23. 

“Be it man or woman irrespective of gender, negotiating the terrain of the mountain is very difficult. It is not like riding 100 km on a straight road. On a mountain it is more extreme,” said 31-year old Kashyap, who began riding motorbikes fifteen years ago.  She was also the first girl from India to finish the coveted Raid-deHimalaya, one of the country’s oldest international motorsport events.Hailing from different parts of the country, the women riders in the Odyssey come from varied backgrounds and objectives. 

Sowmya Narayanan, who hails from Kerala who has always been fond of bicycles and motorbikes as a child was gifted a Scooty while she was in school. After her marriage the instructional designer by profession was gifted a Bullet by her husband, with whom she says she eventually aims to ride solo from Kanyakumari to Khardung la. The contingent will pass through Solan, Narkanda, Manali, Jispa, Sarchu, Leh, Khardung La, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Jispa and Gushaini. Apart from the participants, the entire HO-W team will comprise of women, that is, the service staff, technicians, doctors and crew are all women.