Leh & Beyond: The Epic Umling La Pass Expedition

Leh Ladakh, often known as the "Land of the High Passes," is a captivating region nestled in the northernmost part of India. This remote Himalayan destination enchants travelers with its surreal landscapes, where magnificent mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and stark plateaus harmoniously coexist. At altitudes frequently exceeding 10,000 feet, the air in Leh Ladakh is pure and invigorating, and its beauty is both awe-inspiring and humbling. The region beckons adventure enthusiasts with opportunities for trekking, motorcycle expeditions, and cultural immersion. With its Buddhist monasteries, rich Ladakhi culture, and unparalleled natural splendor, Leh Ladakh is a place where every twist in the road reveals a fresh and breathtaking vista, making it a dream destination for those seeking an immersive high-altitude adventure. I embarked on this remarkable journey in a well-equipped Land Rover Defender organized by Cougar Motorsports.

Our expedition commenced from Leh, heading towards the enchanting Nubra Valley. Nubra Valley is renowned for its striking sand dunes, but what makes it truly distinctive is the presence of Bactrian camels, with their two humps, a sight rarely seen outside Mongolia. The previous evening in Leh, we had the opportunity to savor tea made from sea buckthorn berries, and during our journey to Nubra, we encountered numerous sea buckthorn plants, even pausing to sample the berries in their raw form. The drive to Nubra offered breathtaking vistas, passing by Khardung La, once hailed as the world's highest motorable pass at an elevation of 17,582 feet. In Nubra, we explored the Diskit Gompa monastery, where I learned about two distinct types of Buddhas: Shakyamuni (the Gautama Buddha, recognized as the first Buddha, depicted with folded legs) and Maitreya (the future Buddha, with both legs on the ground, symbolizing readiness to enter the world).

Our next destination was Pangong Tso, the world's highest saltwater lake, spanning nearly 160 kilometers, with one-third of its shoreline in India and the remaining two-thirds in China. This picturesque lake gained fame through the popular Hindi movie, "3 Idiots." We stayed in the charming village of Merak, nestled along the southern shores of Pangong Tso.

Continuing our journey beyond Pangong Tso, we reached Hanle, with a brief stop at the Rezang La war memorial. The memorial showcased the remarkable bravery of 120 soldiers who valiantly defended our country against over a thousand Chinese soldiers. Reading the accounts and observing the remnants of the war sent shivers down my spine. As we continued to Hanle, we unexpectedly encountered a roadwork site, leading to a 45-minute wait. During this break, we had some enjoyable interactions with fellow travelers. Hanle is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, and its nighttime skies offered an exceptional view of the Milky Way galaxy and various constellations.

The highlight of our journey unfolded on the final day when my mother, aunt, and I fulfilled a bucket-list item by driving to Umling La Pass. Umling La is now recognized as the world's highest motorable pass, surpassing even the Everest base camp, towering at an astounding altitude of 19,024 feet above sea level. Our all-women crew's adventure to Umling La was the crowning achievement of our remarkable trip.