After an unexpected setback during our previous attempt, this day marked our renewed journey from Nubra Valley to the majestic Pangong Tso. With a mechanic onboard at Diskit, we were hopeful that the Pajero’s overheating issue could be resolved and we could finally make it to our dream destination — Pangong Lake.
We started the day early, determined to push through the high-altitude terrain with a convoy of vehicles including the Pajero, Jimny, Jaguar F-Pace, Thar, and XUV300. The plan was straightforward: head towards Durbuk, cross the mighty Chang La Pass — the third highest motorable road in the world — and reach Pangong Tso by late afternoon. However, as always, the mountains had other plans for us.
As we began climbing the Chang La Pass, another unexpected issue surfaced. The Jaguar F-Pace started to heat up midway through the climb. We had to stop and let it cool down while enjoying the views of the snow-capped mountains and cold wind howling around us. The altitude was getting to both man and machine. After a brief rest, the Jaguar was ready to go, and we resumed our climb.
But the Pajero wasn’t done giving us trouble yet. Despite the mechanic's earlier fixes, it continued to overheat, forcing us to make the tough call — it had to be towed. From Durbuk, we arranged for a local tow truck to take the Pajero to Leh, where a complete radiator replacement could be done. The cost? ₹45,000 — a steep price but the only feasible solution in that terrain. We said goodbye to the Pajero temporarily and continued our journey without it.
The rest of the drive to Pangong Tso was nothing short of magical. The pristine lake welcomed us with its changing shades of blue and a calmness that felt surreal. The silence of the valley, the chilling winds, and the sheer beauty of the place made every struggle worth it. We stayed at Pangong for two days, taking in every bit of nature's masterpiece.
From capturing stunning landscapes to witnessing some daring souls bathing in the icy waters of Pangong Tso (we still aren’t sure if that’s allowed!), this part of the expedition gave us memories we’ll cherish forever.
As our stay came to an end, we geared up for our next big challenge — reaching Umling La, the highest motorable road in the world.
Stay tuned for the next episode in this incredible Ladakh expedition. There’s more adventure, more twists, and a lot more beauty coming your way!
📍 Route Covered: Nubra → Chang La Pass → Durbuk → Pangong Tso
🛻 Vehicles: Pajero, Thar 4x4, Jimny, Jaguar F-Pace, XUV300
🧰 Challenges: Vehicle Overheating, High Altitude, Towing Arrangements
🏔️ Highlights: Chang La Pass, Pangong Tso Views, Mountain Terrain, Camp Life
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