(Pune > Nagpur > Sambalpur > Howrah)
They say the first three days of any mega-expedition are the “filter” days—they test your gear, your bike, and most importantly, your mental headspace. Setting out from Pune on my KTM 390 Adventure, I knew the 1,860 km sprint to Howrah was going to be more than just a commute to my roots; it was the ultimate warm-up for the Himalayas.
Day 1: The 740km Push (Pune to Nagpur)
Nov 8, 2023
I rolled out of Pune with enough adrenaline to power a small city, but by the time the sun dipped and the highway lights took over near Nagpur, that adrenaline was replaced by pure exhaustion.
I didn’t roll into my hotel until 10:30 PM. When you’ve been in the saddle for nearly 14 hours, your brain stops being a GPS and starts being a countdown clock for a bed. I’ve learned the hard way: never leave your night halt to chance. Thankfully, I had pre-booked my stay. Being completely drained of energy is a vulnerable state to be in, and having a confirmed door to walk into is the best gift you can give your future self.
Day 2: The Solo Rider’s Reality (Nagpur to Sambalpur – 560km)
Nov 9, 2023
I’d be naive if I didn’t admit that traveling as a solo female rider comes with its own unique set of “extra” calculations. You aren’t just looking for a bed; you’re looking for security.
Finding a hotel that balances a budget with genuine safety can be a gamble on the road. In Sambalpur, I found my sanctuary at the Odisha Tourism Guest House. There’s a specific kind of peace that comes with staying in a government-run facility—it felt secure, the staff was professional, and for a solo woman rider, that sense of safety is worth its weight in gold. It allowed me to actually rest instead of sleeping with one eye open.
Day 3: The Hunger Games (Sambalpur to Howrah – 560km)
Nov 10, 2023
The final leg of Phase I was a homecoming, but the road decided to give me one last challenge. Interestingly, it wasn’t the tarmac—the roads were actually decent. The struggle? Infrastructure. Finding a decent place for a food break or, more importantly, a clean toilet halt was a mission in itself. It’s the unglamorous side of touring that no one tells you about in the Instagram reels. I spent a good chunk of the day calculating my water intake vs. the probability of finding a usable restroom. Despite the “hunger games” on the highway, I pulled into my driveway in Howrah at 6:30 PM, just in time for the familiar smells of home.
Phase I Status:
- Kilometers covered: 1,860
- Lessons learned: Pre-book your exhaustion, trust government tourism stays, and always carry snacks.
Next up: The North-East Odyssey begins as I head toward the clouds of Arunachal!
