Meenakshi Das, a solo woman biker from Assam, has quietly redefined what it means to travel, to dare and to live beyond expectations. Born and raised in Guwahati, she grew up like many others – in a culture rich with tradition, but often hesitant when it came to bold, independent choices for women. What set Meenakshi apart was a quiet fire – a deep yearning to see the world on her own terms, not through travel packages or group tours, but from the seat of a motorcycle she would ride herself.
Her journey into biking started humbly. What began as short rides through Assam’s winding roads soon turned into longer trips across state borders, and eventually international boundaries. With limited resources but unlimited will, Meenakshi began charting a course most would find impossible.
Over several years, Meenakshi rode solo through 64 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas – without a support team. She carried her luggage, fixed her motorcycle, and braved everything from storms to border interrogations alone. Each challenge became part of her rhythm, fueled by a deeper purpose.
What made her journey even more powerful was her identity. From Assam in India’s often-overlooked Northeast, Meenakshi carried her roots with pride. Through her stories, she introduced the world to the spirit and resilience of her homeland – breaking stereotypes and setting new benchmarks.
Her rides weren’t just personal milestones – they were acts of defiance and representation. With every mile, she challenged the idea that women should stay within limits, that safety lies in restriction, or that dreams have deadlines. She became a symbol of possibility, especially for young women from small towns.
Through blogs and social media, her travel stories became quiet revolutions – honest accounts of courage, kindness, and solitude. Without seeking attention, she became a voice. Her 64-country ride is now under review for global recognition, but for Meenakshi, the true reward is every message that says, “Because of you, I dared.”
She rides not to escape, but to connect. From Guwahati to Patagonia, her journey maps not just place, but human potential. Through it all, she remains grounded, driven, and deeply Assamese – a woman who took her home with her and made the world her own.
During an exclusive conversation with Meenakshi, she articulates the deeper motivations and personal convictions that inspired her journey as a solo rider.
Q. You grew up in Assam…what kind of childhood did you have?
A. I grew up in the Kharguli area of Guwahati. I’ve been riding two-wheelers since I was 16, mostly a scooty. Riding has always been a big part of my life – I love it. Most of the time, you’d find me with my two-wheeler, exploring or just enjoying the ride.
Q. Was there a moment or person who sparked your love for two wheels and the open road?
A. Whenever I felt low or tired, I would take my two-wheeler out for a ride. Riding against the wind and feeling the fresh air always lifted my spirits and gave me a sense of positivity. My love for motorcycling deepened when I started riding pillion with my husband, Bedanta Rajkhowa. As we explored the scenic roads of Northeast Indiaand even Bhutan, I found myself falling in love with the journey.
One day, while we were riding through Jowai in Meghalaya, the roads were so beautiful that a thought struck me: Why am I sitting behind? Why shouldn’t I ride a motorcycle myself and experience this freedom firsthand?That very day, I told my husband, ‘Let’s come back here again, but next time on two motorcycles – I want to ride my own.’ And in 2019, I bought my first motorcycle. That marked the beginning of my solo riding journey.
Q. Did your family support your decision to travel alone, especially on a motorcycle?
A. My husband is also a rider, so he understood my passion from the start. As travel bloggers, we run a channel called Riders MB, and in 2022, we decided to explore separately – he rode to Ladakh, and I took my first solo international trip to Nepal.Handling everything on my own was empowering, and the people of Nepal appreciated the message of Indo-Nepal friendship I carried. That journey sparked a bigger dream. Later that year, I planned a ride to London,aiming to set a world record by covering 67 countries. In the end, despite some geopolitical challenges, I completed 64 countries, riding with a message of women’s empowerment, peace, and international friendship.
Q. What made you decide to take on something as massive as riding across 64 countries?
A. Initially, I never planned to ride across 64 countries. But whenever I travelled with my husband, people would often say that I was only able to do it because he was with me- that everything seemed easy because I had his support. I kept hearing things like, ‘She’s only riding because her husband is with her.’That pushed me to prove otherwise. I wanted to show that a woman can ride solo, make her own decisions, and take on challenges independently. So I told my husband, ‘This journey isn’t about me – it’s about earning respect for women.’That became my mission. I wanted to break the stereotype that women need someone to lead them. I planned the entire ride by myself, without any team. This wasn’t just a personal journey – it was a message for all women: Yes, we can do it too.
Q. How did you plan such a large-scale international road journey – visas, logistics, budget, bike prep?
A. I planned everything myself – visas, logistics, budget, and prepping the bike. Travel agencies refused to help since I was going solo by motorcycle and crossing borders by road. I faced multiple rejections, especially for the UK visa, so I did all the paperwork on my own. I arranged the costly Carnet de Passages from Mumbai without sponsors, despite reaching out to companies and ministries.Support came through crowdfunding and my fitness clients, which gave me the confidence to begin. Locals often hosted me, and I kept costs low by eating smart and relying on well-wishers. Many say I travelled the world without money,and in many ways, I did.
Q. Out of all 64 countries, which one felt like home? Which one challenged you the most?
A. Of the 64 countries I visited, nearly every place felt like home. People welcomed me with warmth, shared their best food, showed me their beautiful towns and treated me like family. Whether it was truck drivers, single men, or families in Germany and France, I was always treated with respect – as a sister, a daughter, never a burden, even when language was a barrier.Of course, there were tough moments too. During a snowstorm near Georgia, I had a serious accident when my bike slipped on ice. The bike was badly damaged, but I was rescued – thanks to the Indian Embassy. Through it all, the kindness I received felt nothing sort of a miracle.
Q. What were some of the most difficult moments you faced on the road – physically, emotionally, or culturally?
A. The journey was full of challenges – both physical and emotional. Riding as a woman came with its own struggles. I dealt with painful periods, fevers, and rain – especially in the UK – yet I never took a rest day. I kept going, driven by the goal of returning to Guwahati within a year. Loading and unloading my luggage daily was exhausting, but I pushed through.
Emotionally, being away from my family – my daughter, husband, mother, even my dog – was the hardest. I often cried inside my helmet, torn between guilt and determination. But every time I broke down, I reminded myself: this ride wasn’t just for me – it was for every woman with a dream.
Culturally, it was a proud journey. I carried an Assamese gamusa everywhere and made it a point to speak about Assam. One unforgettable moment came at a British motorcycle club, when someone smiled and said, Joi Aai Axom. Hearing those words in a foreign land moved me deeply. It was a reminder that I wasn’t alone – my roots, my identity, and my Assam were always with me.
Q. As a solo female biker, did you ever face discrimination, harassment, or stereotyping while traveling? How did you deal with it?
A. I was genuinely afraid when I heard about an Indian female biker who was gang-raped in Dubai – and she wasn’t even traveling alone; she was with her husband. That news really shook me, especially because I was traveling solo. It made me more cautious and aware of the risks. But thankfully, I never faced any discrimination or harassment during my journey – especially outside India. In fact, people were incredibly welcoming and respectful towards me. I was treated with kindness and curiosity, not with judgment. That warmth and openness gave me the courage to keep going.
Q. Coming from the Northeast, do you feel you’re representing a part of India that’s still underrepresented globally?
A. Absolutely. I felt a deep responsibility to represent Northeast India, a region still largely unknown on the global stage. Many people I met had never even heard of it. So I made it my mission to share stories about my home – our Muga silk, world-famous tea, the one-horned rhino, BhootJolokia, and the living root bridges of Meghalaya.It was more than just riding a bike – it was about carrying a piece of my homeland with me, and making sure the beauty and richness of the Northeast were seen, heard, and remembered.
Q. What does it mean to you to carry Assam with you across continents – spiritually and symbolically?
A. I’m deeply proud to be Assamese. Wherever I go, I carry Assam in my heart—its culture, values, and spirit. I believe Assamese people are naturally kind and compassionate, always ready to help without expecting anything in return. A small gesture like touching the feet of elders often surprises people abroad, but for me, it’s a way of showing respect—something deeply rooted in our upbringing.
I love explaining who we are: what Joi Aai Axom means, the warmth behind our traditions, and how our food is about balance, not just spice. I often think of my father, who treated me and my brother equally – a lesson in fairness and love that I carry with pride.In every gesture, story, or memory I share, Assam travels with me – across every road and every border.
Q. Do you see yourself as a changemaker or a role model, or are you simply following your path?
A. I don’t see myself as a changemaker or role model – that’s never been my goal. I’m simply walking my own path, one step at a time. This journey has been deeply personal, shaped by the people I meet and the places I explore. Every day brings a new story, a new lesson – some joyful, some hard, all meaningful.
Solo travel has taught me that we’re not always in control. Life unfolds in its own way. You still have to show up, do the work, and trust that what’s meant for you will come. Being alone on the road has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It’s taught me patience, how to slow down, listen, adapt – and that growth often happens quietly, in the in-between moments.
I’m still learning – about the world, others, and myself. I don’t know where this path leads, but I’ve learned to embrace the uncertainty. And if my journey inspires someone along the way, that’s a beautiful bonus. But at heart, I just try to stay true to myself and keep moving forward.
Q. What’s next – is there a dream destination or a completely new challenge on your horizon?
A. Recently, I completed a life-changing ride through the highest motorable passes in Europe, covering five countries – an experience that also made me the first Indian to achieve this. It was a powerful reminder that with determination, boundaries can be pushed. Looking ahead, I’m returning to Laos to explore it in its entirety – not just as a traveler, but as a learner, eager to connect deeply with its culture and people. Another dream on the horizon is to ride across the vast and diverse landscapes of Australia, from its wild coasts to its rugged Outback. Each journey brings new challenges and deeper growth – and that’s what keeps me moving forward.
Q. Your favorite riding soundtrack?
A. For me, the perfect riding song is Matlabi Ho Ja Zara Matlabi – Duniya Ki Sunta Hai Kyun, Khud Ki Bhi Sun Le Kabhi. It resonates deeply with my journey and mindset. I often sing it while riding – it keeps me grounded and reminds me to follow my heart, not the noise of the world.
Q. One dish you missed most from Assam while abroad?
A. When I’m away from home, it’s the simple Assamese meals I miss the most – dal, aloopitika, and khar. These dishes may be humble, but they carry the taste of comfort, belonging, and the warmth of home. No exotic cuisine can replace that feeling.
Q. Country with the best roads?
A. In my experience, the Nordic countries offer some of the best roads in the world. Smooth, scenic, and incredibly well-maintained, they make every ride a pleasure -especially for long-distance travelers like me.
Q. One country you’d live in, if not India?
A. If I ever had to choose another country to live in, it would be Italy. I’m drawn to its stunning mountain landscapes, which feel both challenging and peaceful. The terrain, the culture, and the spirit of adventure in Italy make it feel like a second home.
