The Queen of the Road: First Vietnamese Woman Conquers the World’s Highest Motorable Pass

At an astonishing elevation of 5,883 meters above sea level, Umling La Pass stands as the highest motorable road on the planet. It presents an extraordinary challenge for adventurers and motorcyclists alike.

Minh, an intrepid female motorcyclist from Vietnam, embarked on a daring journey to conquer this formidable pass. Her passion for motorcycling has fueled incredible adventures, including a 65-day expedition across four countries and a comprehensive tour of all 63 provinces in Vietnam.

Minh’s humility shines through as she attributes her remarkable accomplishments to luck. Her journey to Umling La was a test of endurance, taking around 10 days, with seven days dedicated solely to riding.

She joined a group traveling to Leh Ladakh and took a day to acclimatize to the altitude of 3,500 meters. This crucial step prepared her for the longer journeys ahead and the even higher altitudes she would encounter.

During her acclimatization, Minh faced internal struggles, questioning her ability to continue. She chose to forgo medication for altitude sickness, opting instead to let her body adjust naturally.

Minh endured extreme thirst and maintained her composure despite the challenging conditions. She pushed through, even as she was forced to lie at a 45-degree angle to rest. However, after consulting with others, she decided to take the medication, only to experience adverse effects that made her feel like she was dying.

Trusting her instincts, Minh discontinued the medication, determined to let her body recover naturally. She calmed herself through regulated breathing, fresh air, and rest. Fortunately, her resilience paid off, and she recovered the next morning, ready to continue her journey.

The seven-day expedition was fraught with challenges, including poor road conditions, hills, mountains, deserts, and rocky terrain. The group also faced water and electricity shortages, adding to the adventure.

Some sections of the road were impassable due to ice, and the group had to wait until the temperature rose above freezing in the morning. They also faced bitterly cold nights, with temperatures dropping to minus 8-13 degrees Celsius. To stay safe, they delayed their daily departures until the temperature became more manageable.

For certain treacherous sections, they switched to pickup trucks, braving the cold and enduring the challenges together. Minh’s determination to conquer Umling La was exceptional, and she did so without professional support, a remarkable feat.

Her passion for large-displacement motorcycles and extensive experience in motorcycle clubs and training sessions equipped her with the skills to navigate the winding roads. Despite her shorter stature, she persevered through motion sickness and frostbite, always pushing forward.

Minh’s journey was not without its challenges and setbacks. She experienced a minor accident on a sandy off-road track, losing visibility and control. With the help of her group, she pushed through and continued her journey, determined to keep her bike running smoothly.

Minh’s preference for large-displacement and manual motorcycles stems from their safety features, acceleration, and ability to overcome obstacles. She values the sense of control and the time to react that these bikes provide in emergency situations.

For long-distance rides, Minh trusts her Honda CB500X, while for city commutes and casual outings, she opts for a naked bike. And when it’s time to explore off-road, she chooses a dual-sport bike, always ready for the next adventure.

The Honda CB500X is a popular choice among enthusiasts for its affordability and safety, while the Yamaha WR155R is Minh’s tool of choice for practicing balance and maneuverability. She has also upgraded to larger bikes over time, always eager to explore new motorcycle experiences.

Minh’s love for large-displacement motorcycles extends beyond their performance. She appreciates the sense of freedom and power they offer, making longer rides and adventures more enjoyable. According to Minh, riding a large-displacement motorcycle is achievable with practice, and she encourages adventurers to give it a try.

However, she also advises riders to stick to highways for safety and to have a good understanding of motorcycle mechanics to handle any issues that may arise during their journeys.