Two riders. Two powerful machines—Suzuki V-Strom 250 & Triumph Speed 400. One relentless mission: Umling La. But Ladakh had other plans. Did we make it? The mountains hold the answer. Watch the full adventure unfold on YouTube!
The Third Attempt: A Journey Written by the Mountains
Some roads call you back, no matter how many times they push you away. After two failed attempts, my best riding partner and I decided to conquer Umling La—the world’s highest motorable pass at 19,024 ft. We revved up our Suzuki V-Strom 250 and Triumph Speed 400 for one more shot.
This wasn’t just about reaching the top. It was about respecting the mountains, testing our limits, and embracing whatever Ladakh threw at us. And trust me, Ladakh didn’t hold back.
When the Weather Decides Your Fate
We had a plan. Ladakh laughed at it.
One moment, the sun was blazing; the next, snowflakes swirled around us like a frozen whirlwind. High-altitude winds howled, passes shut down, and our carefully crafted route dissolved into uncertainty. But that’s when the real adventure began.
Detours led us to places we never knew existed:
- Secret valleys where time stood still
- Remote Himalayan villages untouched by tourism
- An unexpected border visit to POK that added an entirely new dimension to our trip
- Glacial streams that tested our bikes (and our riding skills)
The V-Strom 250 and Speed 400 proved why they’re the perfect Ladakh companions. They tackled everything from slushy trails to razor-sharp bends with unshakable grit.
The Real Victory Wasn’t on the Map
- Laughing through the struggle as altitude turned simple tasks into slow-motion comedy.
- Sharing stories with locals who’ve seen more Ladakh winters than we ever will.
- That surreal moment when the mountains humbled us—reminding us who’s really in charge.
Did we finally stand at the top of Umling La?
Well… that’s a story best told on video.
The Ride Isn’t Over Yet
This adventure was too wild, too raw, and too unpredictable to fit into words. The full story—every triumph, every setback, every unplanned miracle—is waiting for you on my YouTube series.
Because some journeys… you just have to see to believe.
