Kolkata to the Himalayas Ep 5 | Ladakh & Spiti Road Trip from Kolkata | Kargil | Sept'24

Road Tripping the Himalayas: From Padum to Mulbek via Drang Drung, Suru Valley & Kargil
After weeks of driving across the plains of India and slowly inching my way up the Himalayas from Kolkata, We found ourselff at the heart of Zanskar — Padum. This remote town, framed by rugged mountains and dotted with monasteries, became my launchpad for the most thrilling stretch of the journey: driving from Padum to Mulbek via the mighty Drang Drung Glacier, the enchanting Suru Valley, and the historic town of Kargil.
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Padum – Leaving the Heart of Zanskar
Padum felt like a hidden world — serene, untouched, and steeped in spirituality. Winding lanes, fluttering prayer flags, and views of monasteries like Karsha and Stongdey gave a sense of timelessness. But as I cranked up the engine and set off, the road ahead promised even bigger wonders.
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The Drang Drung Glacier – A Frozen River of Dreams
Climbing steadily towards Pensi La Pass (4,400 m), the road grew narrower and more dramatic. And then, it happened — the jaw-dropping view of the Drang Drung Glacier, Ladakh’s second largest. It stretched across the horizon like a frozen serpent, flowing down from the Himalayas in a cascade of ice. I parked the car, stepped out into the crisp, thin air, and just stood still. No photograph or video could truly capture the scale of this icy wonder.
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Suru Valley – From Barren to Green
Descending from Pensi La, the stark terrain slowly transformed into the lushness of Suru Valley. It felt like a different world altogether — green meadows, fields of barley, apricot orchards, and the Suru River sparkling in the sun. Towering above, the Nun-Kun peaks (7,000 m) glistened, reminding us of nature’s grandeur. The villages of Panikhar and Parkachik offered glimpses of traditional Ladakhi life — wooden homes, grazing yaks, and smiling locals who always had time for a conversation.
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Kargil – History Meets Hospitality
By late evening,We rolled into Kargil, a town known for its history and resilience. For me, it was also a welcome pause to refuel, both the car and myself. Walking through the bazaar, sipping warm kahwa, I felt a different energy here — a blend of old Silk Route stories and modern-day vitality.
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Mulbek – The Timeless Guardian
The last leg towards Mulbek was short but special. Just before the village, an ancient rock-carved statue of Maitreya Buddha greeted me. Over a thousand years old, it stands tall at the roadside, a silent witness to centuries of travelers who’ve crossed this route. For me, it felt like a blessing at the end of this high-altitude adventure.
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The Journey in Retrospect
Driving from Padum to Mulbek wasn’t just about covering kilometers — it was about witnessing landscapes shift from glaciers to meadows, from barren mountains to bustling towns. A self-drive road trip like this gives you the freedom to stop wherever the heart feels heavy with awe — at a bend in the road, a roaring river, or a patch of wildflowers.
From Kolkata’s plains to Ladakh’s high passes, this road trip was more than just a drive. It was an immersion into the rhythm of the land — unpredictable, challenging, yet profoundly rewarding.
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Episode 1:    • Kolkata to the Himalayas Ep 1 | Ladakh & S...  
Episode 2:    • Kolkata to the Himalayas Ep 2 | Ladakh & S...  
Episode 3:    • Kolkata to the Himalayas Ep 3 | Ladakh & S...  
Episode 4:    • Kolkata to the Himalayas Ep 4 |Ladakh & Sp...