Day 2: Kargill to Leh

Day 2 of my Himalayan adventure takes us on a spectacular journey from Kargil to Leh, riding through some of Ladakh’s most dramatic landscapes. This is not just a road trip — it’s a ride through history, culture, and raw nature.

We start in Kargil, a town that was once a bustling hub on the ancient Silk Route. Today, it’s best known for its role in the 1999 Kargil War — a place that blends resilience with scenic charm. Leaving Kargil, the Suru River runs alongside, its icy waters carving their way through the rugged valleys.

The first major highlight is Mulbekh, home to the famous Mulbekh Chamba Statue — a 9-metre tall rock-carved figure of Maitreya Buddha, believed to date back to the 7th or 8th century. Standing before it, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of timelessness, as if the mountains themselves are guarding this ancient treasure.

Next comes the climb to Namika La, at 3,700 metres above sea level. Its name means “Pillar of the Sky” in the local language — and true to its name, the views stretch endlessly in every direction. From here, the road winds its way to Fotu La, the highest point on the Srinagar–Leh highway at 4,108 metres. The thin air, crisp wind, and wide-open vistas make this a photographer’s dream.

From Fotu La, the landscape changes dramatically as we descend into Lamayuru, often called “Moonland” because of its strange, lunar-like terrain. Formed millions of years ago when this area was under a vast lake, the eroded clay formations look surreal — especially when seen from above. My drone captured these scenes perfectly, giving a whole new perspective to the ride that ground-level views just can’t match.

Finally, we roll into Leh, the heart of Ladakh. This historic town has been a crossroads for traders for centuries, and today it’s the perfect place to rest, recharge, and soak in the high-altitude culture before the next big ride.

Day 2 was more than just a ride — it was an immersion into landscapes that change every few kilometres, history that spans millennia, and moments where the sheer scale of the Himalayas leaves you speechless. The drone footage in this episode really brings the vastness to life, showing the winding roads, towering peaks, and the true scale of the adventure.