Journey to Umling La – World's Highest Motorable Pass | Ladakh Series Finale
This video marks the final and most unforgettable chapter of our Ladakh expedition — from the breathtaking blues of Pangong Tso to the surreal solitude of Hanle, and finally to conquering the mighty Umling La, the highest motorable pass in the world at over 19,000 ft.
Our convoy of four adventurous vehicles — Jaguar F-Pace, Mahindra Thar 4x4, Jimny, and the fearless XUV300 4x2 — pushed through every kind of terrain Ladakh had to offer. From off-road trails and sandy plains, to rocky climbs and icy water crossings, this was the ultimate test of machine and man.
The journey began as we bid farewell to Pangong Tso, following the beautiful bends along its shimmering waters. The route from Pangong to Hanle treated us to jaw-dropping vistas, serene lakes, and towering passes like Kaksang La, where the landscape felt almost alien — a painting made of golden sand, snow peaks, and deep silence.
As we neared Hanle, fuel anxiety kicked in — our Jimny and XUV300 were running dangerously low. The only petrol pump in Nyoma was dry. Hope returned when we found a small private shop in Hanle selling fuel — albeit at a premium (₹140/litre petrol, ₹100/litre diesel). But at that moment, fuel was not just fuel — it was survival.
We rested briefly in Hanle and began our ascent to Umling La the next day. The road to Umling La wasn’t easy — endless off-road patches, raw terrain, and oxygen-deprived air tested us at every turn. The Jimny overheated midway, and we had to pause to let it cool down — a reminder that even machines struggle in these extreme conditions.
As we climbed higher, the beauty became unreal — wild yaks, sheeps, and horses wandered the plains freely. We followed the Indus River, winding through the Karakoram range, surrounded by silence so loud it echoed your heartbeat.
And then, we reached it:
🏁 UMLING LA — 19,024 feet.
The signboard stood tall like a badge of honor. The sense of achievement was overwhelming.
We sipped tea at the World’s Highest Café, collected our certificates of bravery, and let the cold winds carry our laughter and pride.
One of the biggest surprises? A Maruti Alto made it to Umling La too — a car that proved why it’s known as the Queen of the Hills. The driver and the machine deserved every bit of admiration.
Among all the vehicles, the XUV300 4x2 was the underdog that stunned everyone with its performance — a front-wheel-drive that kept pace with beasts meant for this terrain. Hats off to its spirit and engineering.
I also want to share a few tips with fellow adventurers planning this route:
Always carry camphor – it helps improve oxygen absorption.
Sip water every 5–10 minutes – dehydration hits harder in high altitudes.
Avoid physical strain like running or sudden exertion — you may feel breathless instantly.
Respect the mountains. These routes demand patience, humility, and preparation.
After conquering Umling La, we returned to Hanle as the sun dipped behind the mountains, setting the sky on fire with orange and purple hues. The silence of the drive back gave space for reflection — on how far we’d come, how many breakdowns, detours, laughs, and breathtaking sights we’d shared.
This Ladakh journey changed me. ---------------------------------------
It taught me about resilience, teamwork, and the power of nature.
We broke down. We got up. We laughed. We learned.
From fixing a Pajero in Nubra to heating Jaguars at Chang La, from fuel crises to dancing in freezing Pangong winds, from roaring Thars to silent moments at Hanle — every second was worth it.
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This isn’t just a vlog. It’s a slice of my soul I’m sharing with you.
If you’ve followed the entire series, thank you.
This is not the end. It’s the beginning of many more adventures to come.
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🎥 Don’t forget to check out my Instagram (@aaruksh) for behind-the-scenes moments, exclusive photos, and more stories from the road.
💬 Let me know in the comments what part of the series touched you the most.
🚙 Until next time — stay curious, stay wild, stay alive.
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