A Journey Through the Sky: Faridabad to Leh and Back – A Family’s Himalayan Saga
June 17: From Plains to Peaks – Reaching Jispa (~10,500 ft)
By 8:00 AM on June 17th, we rolled into Jispa (3,200 m / 10,499 ft)—a peaceful village set on the banks of the Bhaga river. The crisp air and stunning mountain backdrop signaled that we had truly entered Himachal’s higher realms.
But getting there was half the story. Along the way, we crossed some incredible landmarks:
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Manali (2,050 m / 6,726 ft): The bustling hill town was our last major stop in the lower Himalayas.
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Atal Tunnel: This engineering marvel—India’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft—took us from lush Kullu to the stark terrain of Lahaul Valley in just 10 minutes.
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South Portal: 3,060 m / 10,039 ft
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North Portal: 3,071 m / 10,072 ft
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Tandi (2,573 m / 8,439 ft): We refueled here at the last operational petrol pump before Leh, as the pump at Keylong was non-functional.
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Darcha (3,360 m / 11,023 ft): The final permanent settlement before heading into true high-altitude wilderness.
That night in Jispa was about acclimatization. We began Diamox here based on advice from the Leh permit website. It was a calm evening of preparation.
June 18: The High Road to Leh (11,500 ft)
We left early, winding through epic landscapes and gaining altitude quickly:
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Sarchu (4,290 m / 14,070 ft): Crossing into Ladakh, we entered a stunning world of stark beauty.
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Nakee La (4,739 m / 15,547 ft) and Lachung La (5,059 m / 16,600 ft): The first major high passes greeted us with icy winds.
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Gata Loops: 21 adrenaline-pumping switchbacks that rise from ~4,190 m to ~4,660 m.
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Pang (4,600 m / 15,091 ft): A windy army camp zone where we rested briefly.
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More Plains (4,800 m / 15,748 ft): Surreal, flat, and seemingly endless terrain at 15,000+ ft.
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Tanglang La (5,328 m / 17,480 ft): The second-highest pass of our journey. Thin air, grand vistas.
We descended into Karu (3,500 m / 11,482 ft) and finally reached Leh (3,500 m / 11,500 ft) by 5:30 PM. That evening, we wandered through the serene Leh Market, recharging amidst prayer wheels and mountain calm.
June 19: Among Giants – Khardung La (17,582 ft)
We drove towards the famed Khardung La (5,359 m / 17,582 ft)—one of the world’s highest motorable roads. The climb was tough. The wind fierce. But the moment at the top was unforgettable. Flags flapped violently. Snow hugged the road. And the world felt still.
Later, we visited the sacred Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and meditated under the peaceful dome of Shanti Stupa at sunset. The feeling was unmatched.
June 20: The Crown Jewel – Chang La and Pangong Tso
This was the day we had dreamed of.
An early start took us toward Chang La (5,360 m / 17,585 ft), one of the most difficult and majestic passes in Ladakh. The road was icy and steep, but the pass offered a holy silence only the Himalayas can gift.
And then—the descent revealed her: Pangong Tso (4,350 m / 14,270 ft). A lake so surreal, it doesn’t seem real. Shifting hues of turquoise and sapphire played with the sky as we sat still in awe.
We spent time doing nothing—just being present with nature’s masterpiece. The lake gave us everything we came for: stillness, wonder, and togetherness.
By evening, we returned to Leh—forever changed.
June 21–22: The Final Push – Leh to Faridabad in Under 24 Hours
On June 21 at 4:30 AM, we began our ambitious return journey.
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1 hour delay at Pang due to road blasting.
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1 hour lost after Atal Tunnel due to heavy traffic.
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Reached Manali at 5:30 PM, grabbed a quick dinner.
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Then, a relentless night drive.
By 4:00 AM on June 22, we were in Delhi.
By 5:00 AM, we pulled into Faridabad.
Leh to Faridabad in less than 24 hours. Done.
A Family’s Grit
This was not a solo ride. My wife and 12-year-old son were with me throughout.
At Pang, my wife’s oxygen dropped to 56. It was terrifying. But the Army medical team acted swiftly. Within an hour, she was stable. We could have returned. But she urged us on—and we did, stronger.
She continued Diamox till June 20 under doctor’s advice. That, and her resilience, carried us.
The Altitude of Discovery
From Faridabad at 200 ft to Chang La at 17,585 ft, we rose through landscapes, yes. But we also rose in spirit.
We conquered snow, sickness, silence, and soul-searching.
And on June 20th, standing at Chang La and staring into the eternal blue of Pangong, we realized:
This wasn’t just a trip to Leh.
It was a journey to ourselves.
Have you done a road trip to Leh? Share your experience in the comments below! Or reach out if you need help planning your route
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