🚨 STUCK in a SNOWSTORM at -10°C | Chitkul’s Extreme Winter! I ft. VW Taigun

#snowstorm #chitkul #spitivalley

‪@countlessjourneys‬ presents

🚨 We got stuck in a dangerous snowstorm while driving to Chitkul! The roads were covered in snow, visibility was low, and the temperatures dropped to -10°C. This was one of the most extreme winter experiences we’ve faced. Watch to see if we made it out safely!

The Spiti Valley trip had always been on my bucket list, but little did I know that this journey would turn into one of the most intense and challenging experiences of my life. Driving through some of the most scenic yet treacherous roads of the Himalayas was an adventure in itself, but getting stuck in a snowstorm in Chitkul was an entirely different story.

As we set out from Reckong Peo towards Chitkul, the excitement was palpable. The snow-covered roads, the towering mountains, and the crisp mountain air made the drive feel surreal. Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border, was supposed to be a peaceful stop, but nature had other plans for us.

A Dreamy Drive Turns Into a Challenge
The drive from Reckong Peo to Chitkul was breathtaking, with the Baspa River flowing beside us and the towering peaks guarding the valley. The roads, though narrow, were manageable, and the snow added a magical touch to the entire landscape. As we approached Sangla Valley, we could see snowflakes beginning to fall lightly, which only added to our excitement.

However, as we ascended towards Chitkul, the weather started to change dramatically. The light snowfall quickly turned into a heavy blizzard, reducing visibility significantly. The once clear road was now covered in a thick blanket of snow, making it difficult to maneuver our Volkswagen Taigun.

With no network connectivity, we were completely cut off from the world. No GPS, no emergency contacts—just us, our vehicle, and the unforgiving Himalayan weather.

The Moment Our Taigun Got Stuck
As we carefully navigated the snow-covered road, disaster struck. The wheels of our Taigun lost traction and sank into the thick snow, refusing to budge. No matter how much we tried to accelerate or steer, the car wouldn’t move. The tires were spinning, but there was no grip. We were officially stuck in the middle of a snowstorm.

At first, we thought it would be a minor hiccup. We got out, examined the situation, and tried some basic techniques to free the car:

✅ Removing excess snow from under the tires
✅ Switching between drive and reverse to create momentum
✅ Lowering tire pressure slightly for better traction

But nothing worked. The snowfall was intensifying, and the temperature was dropping rapidly. The realization hit us—we were stranded in sub-zero conditions, miles away from any immediate help.

The Struggle for Survival
As the snowfall thickened, we were faced with two choices:
1️⃣ Stay inside the car, conserve fuel, and hope someone passes by
2️⃣ Step out in the freezing cold and look for help in nearby villages

We decided to wait inside the car for some time, as the heater kept us warm. But after an hour, with no signs of human activity, we started getting anxious. The road was almost invisible under the snow, and our food and water supplies were limited.

We stepped out into the storm, covered head to toe in layers of warm clothing, and started looking for any signs of life. Luckily, after walking for about 20 minutes, we spotted a small dhaba near a cluster of houses in Chitkul. The locals, used to such extreme conditions, immediately recognized our problem and rushed to help.

The Rescue Mission: Getting Our Taigun Out
A group of 4-5 villagers, armed with shovels and ropes, came with us to assess the situation. They suggested we:

✅ Use shovels to dig around the tires and clear excess snow
✅ Place wooden planks and sandbags under the wheels for grip
✅ Push the car manually while accelerating gently

After almost an hour of effort, our Taigun finally moved an inch! Encouraged by the progress, we coordinated our efforts, pushing and steering at the same time, until—SUCCESS! The car was free from the snow, and we were back on the road.

We profusely thanked the locals, who refused to take any money but accepted our heartfelt gratitude. This experience reinforced the kindness and resilience of the mountain people, who always stand by travelers in need.