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Starting from Chandigarh, the drive covers five high mountain passes including the highest motoring road in the world to Umling La 5798M (19,024ft) giving you the bragging rights of a lifetime. Other notable passes Rohtang La (3978M), BaraLacha La (4850M), Tanglang La, and Shunkula Pass.
We have outlined a spectacular route, a scenic drive especially the way to Zanskar Valley and the drive to Hanle from Pangong. This is a striking opportunity to experience the beautiful Ladakh in a curated drive for enthusiasts with lots of bonhomie and fellowship.
Route Survey 2023 – 02
Good Morning Everyone! We're back from Leh after an epic Recce No. 02.
Day 2 of the drive from Nubra Valley to Pangong could not be taken due to the Shyok river overflowing at Khalsar so we took the alternate route back to Leh and onto Pangong via the mighty changla pass.
Stopped for Lunch at a lovely cafe in Leh and crossed the mighty Chang La reaching Pangong via Tangste * IOC pump where the direct road from nubar valley joins.
Mann on Pangong Lake is our night halt at 14,000 ft its magical the view from the lake . We looked at all the cottages in this area before heading out to Hanle via the Rezlangla War Memorial.
The drive to Hanle is a smooth dirt road very beautiful in the valley with flowing streams joins the main Leh–Hanle Highway at Loma. Cafe Milky Way run by the army will be our lunch stop before the climb to Umling La Pass.The IOC Fuel Bowser will be parked here from 2nd evening to 4th morning. More of that later on a sepearte note on fuel stops and distances.
Most of the selected Hotels at Hanle have powerful telescopes for star gazing. Hopefully we will have clear skies come 3rd October. A seperate note on Hanle and Tsokar Accomodation follows by weekend.
Having already done the Umling La pass route we headed back to Leh running alongside the famous Indus River. An extra night's stay was on the cards as a cancelled flight led to a lovely Ladakhi dinner at Namza Dining. It was a great experience.
So now, the route is all set for an epic drive looking forward to clear skies and fine weather from mid august onwards . Hotels checked at Nubra Valley, Pangong, Hanle, IOC fuel bowser arranged at Hanle, and we are all good to go. None of us had any discomfort at the high altitude except on the first day getting into Leh by flight which is very normal. Since we are driving up, acclimatising would be easier. A separate brief on medicines to carry will be shared in the revised check list shortly. For Shree and Subhash it was their first trip to Ladakh and they were mesmerised by the natural beauty of Ladakh the Land of High Passes.
"Kiki Soso Lar Gyal Lo"
Praise to the Gods. A saying very popular in that part of the country.
