Mahindra Thar rescues Bolero in Spiti Valley: 4X4 more important than just ground clearance [Video]

The Himalayan ranges are home to one of the most treacherous roads in the world. Numerous water crossing, landslides, and the weather conditions ensure that the roads in the upper Himalayan ranges are not in perfect condition. In the areas like Spiti Valley, the roads are covered with numerous water crossings or nullahs that create hindrances for the vehicles. Here is one such water crossing, which is known as Chota Dhara on Kaza-Manali route and is infamous for its water flow.

The video by Gautam Kashyap shows the hardships a vehicle has to go through in this region. The Chota Dhara water crossing can be seen flowing at high speed. The video shows a stuck Mahindra Bolero in the water crossing while the Mahindra Thar parked in front of the Bolero has crossed the same on its own. However, the Thar stopped to give a lending hand to the 4X2 sibling Mahindra Bolero. The video shows a towing rope tied to the front of the Mahindra Bolero, which is being pulled by the Mahindra Thar.

The Mahindra Thar is a very capable vehicle and can rescue other vehicles without much problem. It gets the 4X4 drive system with the low-ratio transfer case that ensures maximum traction and towing power. The Mahindra Thar did not put much effort in the rescue mission and pulled out the Bolero successfully. It should be noted that Mahindra Bolero is only available in 4X2 variants. However, Mahindra does make the 4X4 version of the Bolero but it is not for the civilians and is exclusively sold to the paramilitary forces.

Both the vehicles are similarly powered and get similar ground clearance. The only major difference between the Thar and the Bolero is the 4X4 drive system. This video shows why only ground clearance will not make the vehicle go through any kind of surface. This is the reason why 4X4 systems are needed to tackle the off-roading situations. There are many who believe in the fact that only a high ground clearance is enough for the vehicle to make it go through any kind of road.

Water crossings in the mountains

The water crossings in the high mountains are formed by the melting snow and glaciers. The flow of water increases with the rate of melting. This is why it is always recommended to cross the major water crossings during the early morning. Overnight, the cold surrounding temperature freezes the water and makes the water flow very less. As the temperature rises during the day, the water flow also increases. In the evening, the water flow is at the maximum in such water crossings. To safely cross it, always try to first walk through it and check for any obstacles before getting the vehicle in it.