Into The High Himalayas, Behind The Wheel Of A Defender

Ladakh has a way of making the road as memorable as the place you are driving towards. A turn can take you from a high mountain pass into a wide valley, a monastery can suddenly appear against a barren hillside, and a stretch of empty road can become the highlight of the day.

This sense of discovery sits at the heart of Defender Journeys, which returned for its fourth edition in January 2026 with nine routes and 23 journeys across India and beyond. From the high passes of Ladakh to the white sands of Kutch, the programme takes travellers across some of the country's most striking landscapes, combining the freedom of self-drive with off-road adventure, local experiences, regional flavours and stays at luxury hotels and boutique retreats.

Among the journeys this season, the Umling La Himalayan Journey takes the idea of a road trip to some of its most breathtaking points. Over seven nights and eight days, the route travels from Leh to Nubra, Pangong Tso and Hanle before reaching Umling La, one of the highest motorable roads in the world. Behind the wheel of a Defender 110, the journey is as much about taking on the road as it is about discovering the landscapes, history and culture along the way.

Start Slow In Leh

If you have travelled to Ladakh before, you will know that the first few hours are best spent taking it slow. After arriving in Leh, guests check into The Grand Dragon Ladakh, with the first day reserved for acclimatising, settling in and taking in the mountain air. Come evening, a specially curated cultural performance introduces the group to Ladakhi traditions, offering a gentle first glimpse into the place before the road takes over.

The next day opens up Leh and its surroundings, with visits to the Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. There is also a choice between Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery and Shanti Stupa. It is an unhurried introduction to Ladakh, giving travellers time to take in its history, faith and landscapes before setting off towards the high passes.

Across Khardung La And Into Nubra

By day three, the real adventure begins. Guests set off from Leh towards Nubra, crossing Khardung La, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Beyond the pass, the landscape changes dramatically as the road descends into the vast Nubra Valley, a former trading route that once connected Ladakh with Central Asia. Rugged mountains give way to sand dunes, small villages and wide open spaces, while a visit to Diskit Monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Nubra, adds a cultural layer to the drive. There is also a chance to spot Bactrian camels among the dunes, a reminder of the valley's Silk Route past.

The journey then slows down at TUTC Chamba Camp Diskit, where guests spend two nights and have time to experience Nubra without constantly being on the move. The following day, the road leads towards Siachen Base Camp, the world's highest battlefield, bringing a very different side of Ladakh into focus. It is a landscape shaped not only by mountains and ancient trade routes, but also by its strategic location and military history. After the drive, returning to the comfort of the camp offers a chance to unwind, take in the valley and reflect on how much of Ladakh has already unfolded along the way.

From Pangong's Blue Waters To Hanle's Dark Skies

From Nubra, the journey continues towards Pangong Tso, with the road winding through dramatic mountain terrain before the lake's striking blue waters finally come into view. Sitting at over 4,000 metres above sea level, Pangong is one of Ladakh's most recognisable landscapes, but arriving after a long drive gives the experience a different feel. At The Merak Pangong, there is time to slow down, take in the setting and enjoy the lake without simply stopping for a photograph before moving on.

The next morning, the road heads towards Hanle along the Chushul route, with a stop at the Rezang La War Memorial, connecting the landscape with the stories of the soldiers who fought here. Hanle offers a completely different experience. Far from city lights, its high-altitude location and exceptionally clear skies make it an excellent place for stargazing. At The Sky Abode, the evening is about slowing down and looking up. After a day of remote roads and changing terrain, there is something special about ending it with a comfortable stay, a good meal and time to simply take in where you are.

The High Point: Taking On Umling La

Then comes the part the journey has been building towards. From Hanle, the road climbs towards Umling La, among the highest motorable roads in the world. Behind the wheel of a Defender 110, guests take on the drive themselves, with two dedicated instructors travelling alongside the group. The route moves between tarmac and mud-and-rut sections, offering a chance to experience the Defender on terrain that is a world away from everyday driving.

What makes the moment of reaching Umling La particularly rewarding is that you have driven there yourself. You have navigated the changing terrain, taken on the more demanding stretches and watched the landscape unfold from behind the wheel. From here, the journey turns back towards Leh, passing through Nyoma, Mahe, Kiari and Upshi before ending with a farewell dinner at The Grand Dragon Ladakh. After seven days on the road, it is a fitting way to close a journey that has been as much about the drive as the destination.

Where Adventure Meets The Defender Way Of Travel

There is a certain appeal in taking on a journey like this without having to plan every kilometre yourself. With Defender Journeys, the route is carefully planned, the stays are chosen, meals and experiences are included, and instructors travel with the group throughout. You get the freedom of self-drive, while knowing there is a team around you when the terrain gets challenging.

The Umling La journey brings together 14 guests across seven vehicles, offering a more personal way to experience the journey. There is time to share the road, sit down for meals, exchange stories about the day's drive and get to know the people travelling alongside you. That balance is perhaps what makes Defender Journeys stand out. The experience is not defined by the challenge of the terrain alone, but by everything that surrounds it - a considered route, beautiful stays, local experiences and the freedom to experience Ladakh from behind the wheel of a Defender. Defender 110 makes it possible to travel beyond the familiar, reaching landscapes and places that might otherwise remain out of reach, while the journey itself gives you time to take them in.

The Information

The Umling La Himalayan Journey runs from August 13–20, August 21–28 and August 29–September 5, 2026. Prices started at INR 550,000 for two adults on twin or double occupancy for Indian nationals, inclusive of Defender 110, accommodation, meals and experiences, subject to 5% GST.

To explore all the journeys, visit the website https://www.landrover.in/experiences/defender-journeys.html