Day 162 - Desert Fury, Nature's Wrath: Surviving a Sandstorm in Mongolia

Day 162 (12 June 2023) - Altai to Khovd, Mongolia

DAY 162 (12 JUNE 2023) – I left Altai for a 450 km ride to Khovd. The ambient temperature was at 39 C and due to that my motorbike engine was slowly heating up.

It was a smooth quiet ride surrounded by a largely empty semi-desert landscape. I had another 50 km left before reaching my destination when there was a sudden gush of wind! It didn’t take me long to realise that I was riding directly into a sandstorm!

I couldn’t see the road ahead and the winds were blowing against me as I was struggling to keep my motorbike steady!

At one point, I had to stop the bike and switch on my hazard lights. I stood there for some time not knowing what to do. Luckily, I had my helmet on to protect my face.

YOUTUBE SHORT: Caught In the Middle of a Sandstorm! Altai to Khovd! The Mongolia Diaries!

After a while, a white Toyota car stopped near me and the driver signalled me to follow him.

So, I followed his car with my motorbike, struggling to keep it steady and keeping a close eye on his hazard light for direction. After about 15 km, the visibility got clearer. I managed to overtake him and reach my hotel in Altai safely. I am thankful for his timely help.

This was my first time experiencing a sandstorm on this solo ride tour – an experience I will definitely never forget!

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