Every loss of life is sad, especially one so keen on adventure and life on the edge. But then when the mountains hit back, they do so viciously.

The stretch between Batal and Chattru has claimed many lives over the years. Its primarily bacause there is no road there as such and also that the weather can change from good to bad to worse with breath-taking rapidity. Just a well-beaten track on the Chandra riverbed marks the route. All remains well as long as the sun shines or there's rain. The path remains visible. But when the valley fills up with low stratus cloud and it starts snowing, all visual references get erased in a matter of minutes. People get lost in the 'white-out' conditions and perish from cold, hunger and dehydration. One cannot discern any features even a few feet ahead and the one caught out ends up going round in circles before succumbing to cold and exhaustion.

In all probability, Jewel Edward wasn't wearing or carrying full winter gear with him while cycling through the area. Cyclists travel light and keep most of their gear in their support vehicle. He probably didn't expect getting caught in a really bad 'white-out' kind of a snow-storm. To make things worse, he was separated from his team mates. My guess is that being older and slower, he got left behind. Alone, with little clothing, no shelter or food or even a possibility of building a fire can only lead to one conclusion - a fatal end.

There's a lesson in here for all who plan to travel either through Lahaul - Spiti or Ladakh. Please do not take this terrain lightly. Be prepared with plenty of clothing, emergency food, some way of lighting a fire and make-shift shelter arrangements. You bike has enough fuel to start a fire many times over. A strong polythene sheet, about 15' x 15' can substitute for a good enough makeshift shelter if put across two bikes parked a few feet apart. Carry a puncture repair kit and enough spares to help get you out of most situations. And most important of all, learn to read the weather. Few have even the faintest idea of what certain types of cloud or a change in wind direction or even an unusual calm can tell you about what the weather can be in the near future.

The stark reality of this region is is pitilessness when the weather goes bad. It makes no difference if you've crossed it once or twice or thrice wearing wind-cheaters, sneakers and a song on your lips. You were plain simple lucky. Do it so thoughtlessly and repeatedly and some day the odds will catch up. Respect the hills and be thankful to them when you safely get across them. Having been to Ladakh 3 times and through Spiti some 9 times over the years and through most weather situations, I still don't dare to take anything for granted. Paranoia. I don't care. I just don't want to be frozen meat on a desolate riverbed.

the weather in mountains this year has been quite weird. i was going from losar to manali on my r15 on 3 rd june and it was snowing at kunzum pass .we rode for the next good 2-3 years in snow .

I'm sorry but i don't quite agree with alot of the sentiments here. OF's practical wisdom is useful as always.

BUT

I'm afraid the broad facts of the story point it to being an unfortunate mishap. The gent was an expert - knew the terrain, knew the challenges. The accident happened below Chhatru from the account. And not due to a snowstorm.

Project Himalaya | Joel Schone

Its only fair that we give our due respects to an adventurer in his last moments. He is not here to defend his misfortune or our assumption of his lack of preparation. Let us respect the late brave adventurer.