Our Himalayan journey continued on Day 3, as we set off from Leh around 10 am. The air was crisp, the streets buzzing, and we knew we had a legendary road ahead of us — the climb to Khardung La Pass.

At 17,582 feet (5,359 m), Khardung La is often regarded as one of the highest motorable passes in the world. While newer surveys and GPS data place other passes slightly higher, the legend of Khardung La still stands tall. Built in 1976 and opened to the public in 1988, it has long been a vital supply route for the Indian Army. The climb was a steady mix of winding roads, thinning oxygen, and a dash of adrenaline. The higher we went, the more the snow-capped peaks revealed themselves — a reminder of just how vast and unforgiving the Himalayas can be.

Crossing the pass felt surreal — a mix of triumph, exhaustion, and awe. From there, we descended towards North Pullu, a checkpoint village at around 15,300 feet, where we paused for a much-needed lunch and chai. Surrounded by rugged mountain walls and deep valleys, it was the perfect recharge stop before the long ride ahead.

The road then led us into the Nubra Valley, carved by the powerful Shyok River — its name translating to “River of Death.” Despite its foreboding name, the Shyok valley was alive with contrasts: narrow gorges giving way to wide sandy plains, and shimmering water twisting its way through barren landscapes.

Our first stop in the valley was Diskit, home to the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra, dating back to the 14th century. Overlooking it all is the magnificent 32-metre Maitreya Buddha statue, a symbol of peace, compassion, and protection for the valley. Standing beneath it, with panoramic views of the desert-like landscape below, was truly humbling.

Not far from Diskit lies one of the most surreal sights of the journey — the Hunder Sand Dunes. Here, against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, we found Bactrian camels, descendants of those brought from Central Asia along the ancient Silk Route. Riding through the dunes felt like stepping into another time, where trade caravans once crossed these high-altitude deserts.

As the sun dipped lower, we rolled into our campsite in Nubra Valley. Sitting by the fire that night, we reflected on the day — conquering Khardung La, tracing the Shyok River, standing before ancient monasteries, and witnessing a desert with camels at 10,000 feet. Day 3 wasn’t just about the ride — it was about connecting with the history, culture, and raw beauty of Ladakh.