In this episode of our Ladakh Expedition, we started our journey from Diskit (Nubra Valley) with one goal in mind — to reach the iconic Pangong Lake. Our original route was meant to take us through the Shyok Valley and Tangtse, a relatively common path for travelers heading to Pangong. However, the universe had something entirely different planned for us.
Just about 101 kilometers point after Diskit, we received news that the Shyok route was shut down due to a heavy river overflow, making it impossible to continue along our intended path. With little time to waste, we had to improvise and chose the more remote and challenging route via Wari La Pass and Chang La Pass to reach Pangong.
As we started ascending Wari La, one of the toughest high-altitude passes in Ladakh, trouble began. Our trusted old warrior — the 2009 Mitsubishi Pajero — started to overheat on the steep climbs. We tried cooling it with water from nearby mountain streams, but the situation worsened with every kilometre. Eventually, we noticed a radiator leak, which made it impossible to continue any further.
With no mobile network and barely any signs of help nearby, we made the call to tow the Pajero using our Thar 4x4. For a while, it worked — until the Thar too gave in to the brutal climb and began overheating. Now, with two cars down in the middle of nowhere, we were stuck in the middle of a high-altitude trail with thinning oxygen, no mechanics, and a rapidly approaching sunset.
We decided to split our team — the Jimny went back to Diskit to look for a mechanic or some sort of help, while the Jaguar F-Pace and XUV300 continued climbing to inform the rest of the convoy. The rest of us stayed behind with the Pajero and Thar, letting the vehicles cool down while we took in the stunning Himalayan surroundings. We even managed to cook Maggi by the riverside, turning this unexpected halt into a peaceful moment amidst chaos.
Hours passed with no signs of help. Eventually, the Jimny returned — without any mechanic. With no other option left, we rolled our damaged vehicles back downhill to Diskit, where a local contact assured us that he would arrange a mechanic by the next day. We parked the Pajero safely, spent another unexpected night in Diskit, and hoped for better luck ahead.
This day truly tested our patience, our machines, and our decision-making in the face of adversity. But that’s what true overlanding is — unpredictable, raw, and humbling.
Watch the full vlog to experience:
A dramatic route change due to river overflow
Climbing the lesser-traveled Wari La Pass
Pajero overheating & breakdown drama
Thar towing rescue attempt
Making Maggi on a riverbank
Facing altitude, mechanical failures, and no support
A raw glimpse into real expedition travel in Ladakh
This isn’t just a road trip. This is Ladakh — unpredictable, mighty, and unforgettable.
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📍 Locations Covered:
Diskit, Nubra Valley
Wari La Pass
Chang La Pass (planned)
Pangong Tso (planned, but delayed)
🚙 Cars in our convoy:
Thar 4x4
Jimny
Pajero
Jaguar F-Pace
Mahindra XUV300
#lehladakh #nubra #pajero
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