I wasn't letting go of the opportunity to visit Manali after 17 years, let alone a road trip to Leh starting from there. A lineup of Mahindra SUVs — the Scorpio N, XUV700, and the Thar — gearing up for an adventure was just the start I wished for. This drive was not your regular highway run from Manali to Leh but an adventure crossing high-altitude passes, narrow paths, scenic landscapes, and tackling lack of oxygen at places.
A convoy of 14 Mahindras snaked through the winding roads of Himachal, towards Shinku La. While we were to visit places high on the tourist radar, it also featured some that were just heard of but not seen. Passing through the Sissu and Jispa villages, the lush green landscape morphed into a white canvas, with snowy peaks visible from a distance and soon right next to us. The first morning on the road gave us our first taste of off-roading, driving through slippery and steep hairpins. While some of the participants had sweaty palms, the Mahindra SUVs remained calm and ready for more.
I was behind the ’wheel of the XUV700, impressing me with its torquey diesel engine and the ease with which it chewed up the miles while providing comfort. We reached Padum in the still of the night, and the Mahindra SUVs marched on, navigating narrow roads with sharp rocks, stones, and sand – an official welcome by Ladakh, where you and your vehicle work hard to earn the reward of spectacular views.
Pensi La at 14,400ft was one secluded pass we reached by crossing the Drang-Drung glacier. Freshly laid tarmac meant these rugged off-roaders transformed into comfortable cruisers on smooth open roads, effortlessly navigating the twisties. The smooth roads were nice, but then came Zanskar Valley, with its tall peaks and challenging terrain.
The Scorpio N and Thar, with their rugged ladder frames and 4x4, tackled the tough situations with ease. The XUV700’s all-wheel-drive system matched their prowess in the rough stuff. I was thoroughly impressed by its ruggedness and go-anywhere attitude, all while offering the comfort and features of a top-tier cruiser. It was a thrilling blend of adrenaline and adventure, proving that the XUV700 could hold its own.
Summers mean business in Ladakh, with open access to high passes and long traffic queues to crawl through. Navigating the narrow roads required the attention of a hawk, but these SUVs, despite their size, proved to be effortless handlers. A drive to Nubra Valley meant navigating through Khardung La, overwhelmed with tourists and traffic. Though a longer route timewise, but undoubtedly scenic, so we rerouted via Wari La. Trails are meant to be taken, especially when you’re behind the wheel of a Mahindra SUV on an adventure, as off-road trails were essentially shortcuts up the hill climb. Nubra Valley, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, captivated us completely. It was a perfect reel-to-real moment that struck us deeply as we crossed Diskit, home to a 106-foot-tall Buddha statue and the dunes of Hundar. As we left Nubra Valley behind, we crossed Partapur Army base, a key provider for Siachen, towards Thang, the last border village before the India-POK LOC along the Shyok river.
We headed towards Pangong Tso, the world’s highest saltwater lake, with its crystal-clear water and stunning landscape — truly a sight to behold. Umling La, the world’s highest motorable road, awaited these Mahindra SUVs at 19024ft after a night by the lake. Reaching here isn’t easy — a proper devil’s circuit, the steep hairpins are notorious, and the lack of oxygen is ready to kill engines at will. The chosen route was through Rezang La. If you’re intrigued by war history and seek in-depth knowledge about the 1962 Indo-Chinese war, the Rezang La War Memorial is a must-visit. The journey tested the SUVs, with rutted tracks and dried riverbeds putting their suspensions through intense scrutiny.
Once in Hanle, you’ve got freshly laid and well-marked tarmac — these Mahindra SUVs powered through each hairpin, keeping us comfortable and at ease. We also went somewhere very few people go – down the other side of Umling La. There lies the China border, and on the border is the Indian village of Demchok, which offers stunning views of the hills and bunkers of both armies.
As I drove back to Leh, the Indus river flowing beside me and smooth roads to enjoy, my adventure came to a close. The Scorpio N and Thar have long been the go-to vehicles for such terrain, but driving the XUV700 extensively in these conditions left me thoroughly impressed. Despite being a monocoque compared to its ladder frame, 4x4 siblings, the XUV has the same Mahindra DNA. This journey for me reaffirmed that adventure isn’t just about the destination, but also the ride that takes you there.