Some journeys are more than just travel—they’re a mix of thrill, learning, and wonder. My Ladakh adventure with the Astro Car Rally was exactly that. With 15 cars driving together through the Himalayas, nights spent stargazing in the clearest skies, and friendships built on the road, this was a trip of a lifetime.
Day 1 – Gurgaon to Sissu: The Convoy Begins
The rally kicked off with high spirits. Driving from Gurgaon through Manali and the Atal Tunnel into Sissu felt magical—our 15-car convoy winding through the mountains looked straight out of a movie. The thrill of travelling together in such a big group only amplified the excitement. A sudden landslide delayed us, and we finally made it to the hotel around 2 AM. With just a couple of hours of rest, we geared up for the journey to Leh.
Day 2 – Sissu to Leh: The Road Less Traveled
This stretch was one of the longest of the trip. Surrounded by endless barren mountains and winding roads, it was the spirit of adventure that kept us moving forward. Each halt—whether for a steaming cup of chai or to capture the stunning landscapes—strengthened the bond of sharing this journey together. We finally rolled into Leh around 2 AM, with the following day reserved for acclimatization.
Day 3 – Leh: Rest & Exploration
Leh gave us the much-needed pause to breathe, acclimatize, and soak in its charm—exploring monasteries, wandering through vibrant markets, and experiencing the local culture. It was also where we fueled up, knowing the true astro-magic still awaited us. That night, we had our very first stargazing session, an introduction to the countless stars glittering across the sky—setting the tone for the cosmic journey ahead.
Day 4 – Hanle: Stargazing with the Cosmos
This was the highlight of the Astro Car Rally. Hanle, home to one of the world’s highest observatories, gave us skies unlike anywhere else. The astronomy session here was surreal—I had never seen the Milky Way so clearly. Under billions of stars, I felt both tiny and infinite. We learned the basics of astrophotography—how to capture the stars on camera. After several attempts (and a lot of trial and error), I finally managed to click the picture you see below. It was such a rewarding moment to see the night sky come alive through my lens.
Day 5 – Pangong Lake: Ladakh’s Blue Jewel
From stars to waters, Ladakh never stopped surprising us. Pangong Lake, with its shimmering blue, was mesmerising. Sitting by the lake with fellow travellers felt like a scene you never want to end. Visiting Pangong Lake was a dream come true. I had seen it countless times in movies, but witnessing its mesmerising beauty in person was an entirely different experience—far more magical than I had ever imagined.
Day 6 – Nubra Valley: Experiencing Sand Dunes in the Himalayas
Nubra showed us Ladakh’s diversity—sand dunes, double-humped camels, and breathtaking views. In Nubra Valley, the magic of the night took on a whole new charm. After our astronomy session, the gang gathered around a cosy fireplace, someone strummed a guitar and sang, while the rest of us shared stories, laughter, and quiet moments of awe at the star-studded sky above. It was the perfect way to end the day—a simple, heartfelt get-together that made the valley feel even more enchanting.
Day 7 – Back to Leh & Beyond – The Majestic Khardung La
On our way back from Nubra Valley to Leh, we hit one of the most unforgettable highlights of the entire journey—Khardung La, the world’s highest motorable pass at 5,359 meters. The moment we reached the top, it was pure awe. The wind was crisp and energising, and the sense of achievement was overwhelming. Cameras clicked frantically, but even they couldn’t capture the sheer grandeur of standing at one of the highest points accessible by road. Beyond its scenic beauty, Khardung La felt like a spiritual checkpoint. Every traveler, every car in our rally seemed to pause and absorb the moment—silent in wonder, hearts racing from the altitude, and minds humbled by nature’s scale.
It might sound unbelievable, but there we were—blasting music from our car and dancing our hearts out at almost 18,000 feet above sea level! Khardung La wasn’t just a stop—it was the showstopper of the journey, the kind of view that makes all the long drives, the winding roads, and the high-altitude challenges completely worth it.
As we descended from Khardung La, we hit another landslide while the road was being cleared. Rather than just waiting around, we turned up the music again and danced right on the road. Even the bikers stuck with us joined in, turning it into an impromptu mini party amidst the mountains.Returning to Leh felt emotional. After days of driving together, stargazing, and sharing countless stories, we weren’t just travelers—we were now a car rally family. The drive back to Manali was filled with laughter and memories etched forever.
After an incredible journey through Nubra Valley, Pangong, and Khardung La, we spent another day in Leh. This was a relaxed day, giving us a chance to explore the local Leh market, pick up souvenirs, and soak in the town’s vibrant culture. From colorful handicrafts to aromatic street food, every corner reflected the charm of Ladakh.
As night fell, we stayed in Leh one last time, sharing stories from the trip, reviewing our stargazing photos, and savoring the sense of accomplishment from our adventure.
Day 8 – Leh to Manali: The Road Back
On the journey back, the convoy split based on the return routes: some travelers headed via Srinagar, while those returning via Manali, including myself. The drive was scenic and reflective, giving us time to revisit the breathtaking landscapes one last time.
Reaching Manali, most of the group planned to leave for Gurgaon early the next morning. Since it was a weekend, I decided to stay back for a day to explore Manali at my own pace. I wandered through the town, soaking in the lush green valleys, quaint cafes, and riverside paths, capturing some final memories before catching an evening bus back.
This decision gave me a perfect quiet conclusion to an otherwise adrenaline-packed trip, allowing me to savor Manali’s serene beauty before heading home.
Final Thoughts
A road trip to Ladakh is unforgettable, but doing it with an Astro Car Rally? That’s next level. It wasn’t just about the roads, lakes, or valleys—it was about looking up at the universe and realising how extraordinary life is.
The organisers held a competition where the best astrophotography shot won a telescope, while the rest of us received certificates for our efforts. It was a fun way to celebrate everyone’s attempts at capturing the night sky. If you get the chance, join an astronomy-based travel experience—you’ll see not just the world, but the cosmos differently.
Hope you enjoyed the journey through our adventure!
Cheers!
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