M A I N   N E W S

Challenge of tough terrain
H. Kishie Singh

Leh, June 24
It was a unique challenge, with the mighty 4X4 machines going on rather inhospitable terrain and at the same time keeping an eye on ecological considerations. Isuzu Challenge is an expedition to the highest motorable region of the world. On June 18, as many as 18 vehicles, Trooper MUVs and Ippo 4X4 trucks, left Manali. The team passed the Rohtang Pass and descended on the Lahaul valley.

The stark and brown mountains are a preview of the scene ahead. The motorists passed through Jispa, Keylong, and camped overnight at Patseo, which is 3790 m above the sea level. Refuelling was at Tandi, the only fuel station on this road. The next day, Isuzu Challenge crossed Baralacha La at 4892 m and Lachluang La at 5065 m.

After climbing up to the Moriri plain, the team left the Manali-Leh highway. Refuelling was done from a truck carrying 1,000 litres of diesel. The overnight camp was on the shore of Tso Kar, a saltwater lake.

After this, there was no road, only a gravel track, the ultimate in off-roading. Passing through Tolokongka and the hot springs at Guga in a village called Gundo, Isuzu Challenge donated Rs 10,000 to Tibetan children at the village. The night halt was in Karzok village, on the shore of the beautiful Tso-moriri. Once again the Isuzu Challenge made a donation to this remote village. Amid the clashing of cymbals, blowing of horns, and a Buddhist puja, 50 solar lanterns were presented to the village.

From Karzok, it was back to Kunzum. The real surprise was at the bridge at Mahe. Isuzu Challenge turned right at the T-junction. For the first time ever, foreigners were allowed beyond this point into the “Inner Line”. Night halt was in the shadow of the Hanle monastery, a little-known and hardly-visited place due to travel restrictions. The road to Hanle is a completely desert road. The only indication of direction is a telegraph line. The drive from Karzok to Khaktid on the shore of Pangong Tso was through Chushul.

It was here in November 1962 that the Chinese attacked India and some of the bloodiest fighting took place. 13 Kumaon, led by Major Shaitan Singh, fought to the last man and the last bullet here. The drive along the Panggong Tso was simply magnificent. On June 23, two days after the Summer Equinox, Isuzu Challenge crossed over Chang La, 17,400 feet above sea level. A five-hour trek over Wari La was cancelled because of 1 m of snow that fell overnight.

Isuzu Challenge then crossed Khardung La 18,380 feet, the highest motorable pass in the world to get to Panamik in the Nubra valley.

The challenge had started from Rishikesh on June 11 and went over Rohtang via Jalori pass, Kulu and Manali.