Sometimes, life doesn’t give you what you desperately want. And sometimes, that’s exactly what leads you to something even bigger. My story was a bit too adventurous-but it didn’t begin there. It began in a hospital bed. A close friend had been admitted, and while visiting him, a wild idea sparked.
Maybe it was the hospital walls, maybe our bottled-up stress, but the urge to escape-to leave everything behind, even just for a while-felt absolutely necessary. My partner and I decided, almost impulsively, to go on a road trip from Bangalore to Ladakh. We didn’t ask anyone for permission; we simply informed them that we were setting out.
The Road Ahead
We started our journey from Bangalore, packing lightly but carrying a heavy mix of emotions. Our route was long-over 3,500 km-and our minds were set. The objective was straightforward: travel about 750 miles per day, get to Ladakh in five days, and accept whatever the road threw at us.
The road trip from Bangalore to Hyderabad to Nizamabad was tedious and monotonous. The next morning, we began from Nizamabad, heading toward Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, where We were astonished by some of the region’s stunning landscapes.
Every stretch had its own vibe. I especially remember the passage between Sagar and the highway-not because it was beautiful, but because it was raw, real, and disturbing. It was a reminder that India’s roads don’t just take you places; they show you everything-the good, the bad. the heartwarming, and the heartbreaking. And Sagar was where something unforgettable happened.
Sagar: The Early Morning Encounter
We left Sagar at around 4 AM, determined not to drive at night. But the road had other plans. Near Sagar, our GPS routed us onto a narrow, pitch-dark stretch that looked less like a road and more like a ghostly trail. No streetlights. No shops. Just an endless path swallowed by darkness.
Headlights pierced the darkness as we continued, and all of a sudden we came across herds of cows, buffaloes, and local milkmen moving through the darkness as if it were nothing out of the ordinary. The path was eerie-silent, wild, almost dreamlike. For a moment, it felt like a scene from a movie, the kind that sends a chill down your spine but also fills you with awe. Eventually,
After what felt like hours, we merged onto the main highway. The relief was immense. We were reminded that night of the importance of the journey rather than the final destination. These impromptu, unplanned moments are what stick around.
The Dark Side of the Road: Sagar to Greater Noida
On one section of the road, we found cows lying there, either dead or fainted. Witnessing this heartbreaking sight was quite tought and unbelievable, and we felt powerless because no one was there to assist.
But the strangeness didn’t stop there.
Throughout our journey-especially across rural Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh-we witnessed something deeply uncomfortable: people defecating openly by the roadside. Men and women both sometimes barely a few meters from passing traffic. There were moments I could literally see their exposed buttocks from the car window.
It was shocking-not from judgment, but because it spoke volumes about the lack of basic sanitation in our country. It wasn’t just awkward. It was heartbreaking.
Delhi to Jammu
I saw Delhi’s notorious dumping yard for the first time. It looked like a mountain, but my partner laughed and explained what it was. Crossing Murthal, we enjoyed the iconic paratha with butter. The drive from Delhi to Jammu was strikingly green, and the Punjabi songs playing on the radio added to the fun.
Jammu to Srinagar: Beauty with a Hint of Danger
By day five, we rolled into Srinagar feeling tired but vividly alive. We could see the mountains ahead, and Ladakh was now close enough to go to. We got more than simply beautiful panoramas and impressions from our journey. It also helped us get well, rendered everything simpler, and gave us a story we’ll always cherish.
It was both terrifying and thrilling to travel from Jammu to Srinagar. The roads ran in loops, the mountains were covered in fog, and the valleys looked like they were straight out of a postcard. It was everything we envisioned. The surroundings got more and more magnificent and complicated to figure out as we approached towards Ramban.
There are landslides in Ramban, and it looks like something could fall at any moment. The road was so terrible that we almost slid into a canyon at one point. It wasn’t just a bump or a pothole; it was a time when we really thought we were going to die. Our car skidded close to the edge: for a second, everything stopped. That stretch shook us deeply.
What was supposed to be a scenic drive felt like a near-death experience, especially as first- timers. The mountains were raw, unpredictable, and unforgiving. That day, it wasn’t just exhaustion we carried-it was fear. But we kept on, knowing that the only way out was through.
Despite the tension, the drive was unforgettable. The blend of tranquility and danger caused us an unexpected enjoyment, as if the landscape were evaluating us prior to welcoming us in.
Srinagar: Floating Dreams on Dal Lake
It seemed like a breath of fresh air to finally reach to Srinagar after an exhausting long journey. We got back together with friends and spent the night on a houseboat on Dal Lake. It’s hard to put into words how amazing that was. The calm water, cool air, and gentle rocking of the boat put us in a trance..
That night, we took a shikara ride under the stars.The lake was so quiet that the only sound was the splash of the paddle. This was one of the most peaceful times of our trip. Morning was equally magical. We woke early to float through the flower market on Dal Lake.
It looked like a magical world with boats decorated with beautiful flowers, vendors softly calling out, and mist rising from the lake. Everything happened within the lake itself. We felt as if we had left reality behind and stepped into a postcard.
Three Cars, One Destination: Onward to Ladakh
After a couple of peaceful days in Srinagar-reconnecting and enjoying Dal Lake-it was time to go forward.
Next stop: Ladakh.
With excitement and nervous energy, we packed up and left Srinagar. The first major landmark was Zoji La Pass. It’s not just a mountain pass-it’s a test of nerves.We were met with a rough warning that this road was not for the faint of heart: it had tall heights, dramatic cliffs, and endless valleys. Every turn felt like a new adventure.
By the time we reached Ladakh, our road trip had grown into a small caravan of three cars, each with its own stories and music. Four of us had started from Bangalore; others joined from Kashmir. Different backgrounds, different origins-but now all headed toward the same dream: Pangong Lake.
After a short rest in Leh, we set out again-this time with Pangong in our sights. The drive promised high-altitude beauty, unpredictable roads, unforgettable vistas. There was a lot of excitement in the air. We had traveled so far and seen so many different landscapes. Now we were only one stretch away from the famous blue lake in the Himalayas.
The Road to Pangong: Or Was It Even a Road?
Filled with anticipation, we left Leh for Pangong Lake. Stories and pictures hadn’t prepared us for the reality: halfway through, the road practically disappeared. Oxygen was just at 50%. We felt fine, but some Kashmiri friends experienced nausea and nosebleeds.
What followed felt more like an off-roading expedition-loose rocks, steep climbs, sudden dips, and dusty trails. We bounced, slid, and crawled, steering through unpredictability. The car took a beating. Every bump reminded us: this was survival with a view.
The journey was just as special as the destination because of the rawness of the landscape, the isolation, and the quiet.
The Struggle No One Told Us About
Reaching Pangong Lake was magical. But getting there-and out-was a battle. Our cars struggled on steep inclines and rough terrain, even refusing to climb. Engines roared, tires slipped, and we realized we had to get out and push-in thin mountain air, at high altitude,
exhausted and breathless but laughing through it all. Every car in our group faced it; it felt as though the mountains themselves demanded effort to witness their beauty. It was tough, but became an unforgettable story: we didn’t just drive to Pangong_we pushed our way there.
The Moment That Froze Us
As if pushing cars uphill wasn’t enough, something happened during that climb that none of us will ever forget. Looking down into the valley beside the road, we saw four army vehicles and several civilian cars shattered at the bottom-small, broken, and haunting. That hit hard. It was real-not news or a movie, but right before us.
Afterwards, silence filled our car. Fear replaced any sense of relaxation. One mistake could mean catastrophe; it was a chilling reminder of the risk and our good fortune.
Mountains Full of Color. Yet No Life
As we moved toward Pangong Lake, the landscape became surreal. Mountains showed shades of brown, gold, grey, even hints of purple and red-nature’s palette. But there was no sign of life-not a plant, not a blade of grass. Barren, cracked, wind-swept land surrounded us. Visually stunning, yet lifeless. The mountains felt ancient and sacred.
The Realization: Getting There Was Just Half the Battle
By the time we arrived at Pangong, we were physically and mentally spent. Off-roading, altitude. cold, lack of network-everything had taken its toll. Reaching Pangong felt like
Completing a mission. But soon the real challenge surfaced: “If getting here was this hard… we still have to go back the same way.” There were no shortcuts or easy exits. Achievement was tinged with anxiety: The mountain was not yet done with us.
Morning at Pangong: Straight Out of a Movie
After a bad night, we went outside and saw something that made everything worth it. The morning sun made the crystal-clear blue water look like it wasn’t real. The colors of Pangong Lake were breathtaking-turquoise, deep blue, and green.
Then came a wave of déjà vu: we realized this was the same spot where “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” and the famous “3 Idiots” scene where Aamir Khan on a scooter was filmed.
Not just one scooter-dozens lined up by the lake as a tribute. It was strange to be at the place where so many famous scenes were filmed, but it was even more amazing to see this movie beauty in person.. Pangong wasn’t just a destination-it was an emotion.
A Scene That Changed Everything
Beginning our return from Pangong, depleted in body and spirit, we thought the hardest part was done. The mountains had one more lesson. On a narrow, winding road, we saw a man approaching on a bike. Something was off-his bike wobbled, he seemed unsteady. Suddenly, he lost balance and tumbled into the valey right before our eves, It was horrifying. Silence blanketed us.
One second he was there-the next gone. We never knew what happened to him. But we did know the mountains had given us a message: “This is real. Beautiful, but dangerous. Respect it.”
From then on, our only thought was, “we just want to make it home safely.” The laughter faded, music stopped, and every turn felt heavier. Every kilometer counted. The Body Gives Up. But the Journey Stays Forever. We finally made it back to Leh after all the struggle of roadways, off-roading, determination, nervousness, and beauty.
But as soon as we got there, we were very drained from the high altitude, headaches, fatigue, body pain: we were drained. Driving back to Srinagar was now impossible.
Ladakh: Lesson Learned
Ladakh wasn’t just a destination-it was a journey that tested us, showed us unfiltered beauty, and forced us to realize how small we are compared to nature. We saw mountains without trees, roads without rails, and skies full of silence.
We experienced joy, fear, struggle, and peace-all in one trip. We broke down, fell sick, pushed cars, and witnessed moments that changed us. And through it all, we gained more than photos-a story that wil stay for life. Ladakh gave us respect for the road, for nature, and for life itself.
Our friends drove us back to Srinagar while we rested in the back seat, unable to even enjoy the beautiful stretch of road we’d missed on the way up and looked forward to on the way down. The scenery flashed by, but our eyes stayed closed. We just wanted to arrive safely.
Two Days in Pahalgam: Beauty, Calm, and Army Everywhere Back in Srinagar, we spent two days in Pahalgam-one of Kashmir’s most peaceful, scenic places. We stayed for two nights; it was a refreshing break.
We explored beautiful valleys, riverside ghats, sampled local Kashmiri food, shopped, and truly relaxed. But what stood out even more was the Indian Army-their presence everywhere: soldiers and vehicles on every corner, checkpoint, and road.
It was reassuring, but also a reminder that paradise has its complexities. Despite this. Pahalgam was a pleasant, tranquil, and friendly atmosphere to unwind before heading back to hotel.
The Road Back: Srinagar to Jammu
After a peaceful stay in Pahalgam, we left early for Jammu. We knew the road now, but the memory of landslides and almost hitting something stayed with us. We were more careful when we drove.The rivers and mountains were as beautiful as ever, but we regarded them with greater respect. By evening. we reached Jammu-our first big milestone on the way home.
From Srinagar to Delhi-Through Punjab, With Parathas
We drove south through Punjab’s huge fields, which were easier to drive on than mountain roads. Wide roads, flat land, and golden fields. We did the classic Punjabi thing: stopped for hot, buttery parathas at a roadside dhaba.
The aroma of ghee, the crunch of pickles, a cup of chai-it was the perfect break after so many rushed travel meals. With full stomachs and renewed energy. We pushed on to Delhi, arriving late at night-another milestone.
A Pause in Delhi-Then Onward to Jhansi to Nagpur
In Delhi, we spent four to five days, enjoying the city’s chaos and comfort, meeting familiar faces, and revisiting old memories. But soon, the road called again. It was time for Delhi to Jhansi to Nagpur. What funny thing happened that we halted for a tire check?
We found our car tire had been punctured-how and when, we don’t know. It felt like we had covered half of India on punctured tires. Neither we nor the car seemed to notice. By the way, our car was just a tew months old.
The journey felt different now. Going up to Ladakh was charged with excitement. Coming back was peaceful-satisfaction mingled with fatigue and quiet reflection over the lessons learned.
Nagpur to Hyderabad to Bangalore-The Final Stretch
From Nagpur, we drove to Hyderabad-stopping for the city’s famous Hyderabadi Biryani. After mountain and roadside snacks, the biryani tasted like a royal feast. The last part of the journey from Hyderabad to Bangalore felt unreal.
As we finally arrived home, memories of excitement, fatigue, and endless kilometers flooded back. Our road adventure from Bangalore to Ladakh suddenly came full circle: a journey filled with roads and mountains, beauty and terror, laughter and stillness, and most importantly, lifelong memories.
Back to Bangalore-and One Last Detour
Returning to Bangalore didn’t mean the journey was truly over. We made one last stop-at IKEA. What was supposed to be a ‘quick visit’ turned into four or five hours of wandering through aisles, testing furniture, imagining new spaces, and stuffing flat-packed boxes in the car.
By the time we finally arrived home, we weren’t just back from Ladakh-we’d come home with a lifetime of memories and a car full of new furniture. It was the perfect, bizarre way to end a journey I’ll never forget.
Why This Journey Changed My Life
This wasn’t just a trip by car. It was a turning point for me. When we began, I was in a dark place-so low that the thought of not returning didn’t scare me. I felt numb, detached a almost indifferent to life. But somewhere along the way-between endless highways, sharp bends, and moments when death was frighteningly close-something shifted.
Facing real danger, I discovered a renewed will to live. I wanted to survive. I wanted to come home. That raw urge to live shook me awake. By the time we reached Bangalore, I was no longer the same person who had left. This journey stripped me down, tested me, and in its own rough way.. gave me back my will to live
