Not Your Average Road Trip
Himanshu Athalye
Julley! At the end of May, my wife Smita, our children Avani (15) and Nilay (10), and I, set out from Pune in our trusted Mahindra XUV700, ready for the grand journey ahead. An epic road trip from our home in Pune to Ladakh. Our route carried us through seven vibrant states—Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Kashmir—along with two union territories: Chandigarh and Ladakh. The thrill of traversing India filled us with excitement as we watched the city’s familiar bustle give way to endless highways and ever-changing landscapes.
One of the most striking aspects of our journey was the dramatic transition from the sunlit plains to the mighty mountains. We began at altitudes just above 1,000 feet in the heart of Maharashtra, feeling the warmth of the air often soaring to 45°C. As we drove further north and east, the terrain subtly shifted—forests gave way to vast fields, then to rolling hills, and eventually to the first glimpses of towering peaks. The temperature dropped steadily as we gained altitude, and by the time we reached the mountain passes of Ladakh at a breathtaking 18,000 feet, we found ourselves bundling up against bone-chilling winds and sub-zero temperatures, with the mercury plunging to -5°C.
The diversity along the route was not just geographical but deeply cultural. Each state and region offered its own delicious cuisine—from spicy Maharashtrian snacks and rich Punjabi curries to the delicate flavours of Ladakhi thukpa. Our attire changed from light cottons to thick woollens as climates shifted, and we were fascinated by the vibrant mosaic of languages, customs, festivals, and traditional clothing unique to each stop on our way. Every region welcomed us in its own way, adding unforgettable flavours and colours to our adventure.
Arriving in Ladakh was the pinnacle of our expedition. The journey took us over some of the world’s highest mountain passes, like Khardung La, Zoji La, and Namik La, each offering breathtaking views and an exhilarating sense of accomplishment as we navigated the snowy heights. We visited iconic Pangong Lake, whose shimmering blue waters captivated us, and explored the remote village of Hanle, known for its astronomical observatory and tranquil beauty. Our route also led us to the edge of India’s borders, with stops at Turtuk, Chushul, and Thang—villages steeped in history and resilience. Along the way, we paid our respects at war memorials, including the Kargil War Memorial, the Siachen Base Camp, and the Rezang La War Memorial, and observed the formidable presence of the Indian Army, whose vigilance and dedication to safeguarding these remote frontiers filled us with admiration and gratitude.
Ladakh proved to be a paradise for birding and wildlife enthusiasts like us. Among its stark landscapes and peaceful wetlands, we had the rare privilege to spot the state bird, the elegant Black-Necked Crane, gracefully foraging in the marshes.
Our adventures led us to glimpses of the robust Himalayan Ibex scaling rocky slopes, and the elusive Himalayan Red Fox darting across the cold desert. On the riverbanks, we observed the distinctive Ibisbill, and flocks of Fire-Fronted Serin and Horned Lark adding splashes of color and song to the wild expanse. These moments, witnessing Ladakh’s incredible array of birds and mammals, brought a sense of wonder and deep connection to the natural world.
Our journey back retraced this diverse route, with evenings spent sharing laughter and stories, and soaking in the sights and flavours that each region offered. Through highways, rugged mountain roads, river crossings, and high-altitude passes, our Mahindra XUV700 proved to be a dependable companion, taking every challenge in stride and keeping us safe and comfortable throughout. Except for a tyre puncture, the XUV700 didn’t falter, and its steady performance across such varied terrain gave us confidence and peace of mind every single day. Looking back, I’m grateful for the time spent together as a family and the experiences we gathered along the way. Travelling from Pune to Ladakh and back, journeying through India was more than an adventure—it was a celebration of India’s incredible diversity and the bonds that unite us on the road and at home.
