Some journeys are more than simply travel– they’re a mix of thrill, learning, and marvel. My Ladakh experience with the Astro Cars and truck Rally was exactly that. With 15 vehicles driving together through the Himalayas, nights invested stargazing in the clearest skies, this was a trip of a life time.
Day 1– Gurgaon to Sissu: The Convoy Starts 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 film. The thrill of travelling together in such a huge group just amplified the excitement. A sudden landslide postponed us, and we finally made it to the hotel around 2 AM. With simply a number of hours of rest, we geared up for the journey to Leh.
Day 2– Sissu to Leh: The Roadway Less Traveled This stretch was one of the longest of the trip. Surrounded by limitless barren mountains and winding roadways, it was the spirit of adventure that kept us progressing. Each halt– whether for a steaming cup of chai or maggie or to capture the stunning landscapes– reinforced the bond of sharing this journey together.
Among the highlights of our journey was our unscripted roadside dance breaks. We would halt in the middle of the road, show up the music from our automobiles, and start dancing– soon gathering travel companions around us. These spontaneous moments of pleasure made the trip unforgettable.
However the Ladakh trip also tested our endurance. A few of our group members struggled with the thin air and high altitude, reminding us that this experience was definitely not for the faint-hearted.
The most stressful moment came when the car I was in practically encountered a landslide. As stones began toppling down the mountain, we were torn in between stopping or attempting to cross quickly. We chose to continue– and just then, I saw a rock racing directly toward our cars and truck. It triggered minor damage, but the experience shook me deeply. That occurrence made me understand how unforeseeable and unforgiving the mountains can be. It likewise became one of the most memorable memories of the journey– part thrilling, part terrifying.
It was on my method from Sissu to Leh when I encountered something genuinely supernatural, an experience so extensive that I have actually shared it independently in another blog site.
You can Check out Here: https://travelwithnilz.com/2025/01/12/road-trip-to-ladakh-where-adventure-meets-the-supernatural/
We finally rolled into Leh around 2 AM, with the following day booked for acclimatization.
Day 3– Leh: Rest & Exploration
Leh gave us the much-needed pause to breathe, acclimatize, and soak in its beauty– checking out abbeys, roaming through lively markets, and experiencing the regional culture. It was also where we fueled up, understanding the real astro-magic still awaited us. That night, we had our really first stargazing session, an intro to the countless stars glittering throughout the sky– setting the tone for the cosmic journey ahead.
Day 4– Hanle: Stargazing with the Cosmos This was the emphasize of the Astro Car Rally. Hanle, home to among the world’s greatest observatories, gave us skies unlike anywhere else. The astronomy session here was surreal– I had actually never ever seen the Milky Way so clearly. Under billions of stars, I felt both tiny and infinite. We discovered the basics of astrophotography– how to record the stars on camera. After numerous efforts (and a lot of experimentation), I lastly managed to click the image you see listed below. It was such a satisfying minute to see the night sky come alive through my lens. 
Day 5– Pangong Lake: Ladakh’s Blue Gem From stars to waters, Ladakh never ever stopped unexpected us. Pangong Lake, with its shimmering blue, was mesmerising. Sitting by the lake with fellow travellers felt like a scene you never ever wish to end. Checking Out Pangong Lake was a dream become a reality. I had actually seen it many times in films, however experiencing its mesmerising charm in person was a totally different experience– much more wonderful than I had actually ever thought of.
Day 6– Nubra Valley: Experiencing Sand Dunes in the Himalayas Nubra revealed us Ladakh’s variety– sand dunes, double-humped camels, and breathtaking views. In Nubra Valley, the magic of the night handled a whole new charm. After our astronomy session, the gang gathered around a cosy fireplace, somebody strummed a guitar and sang, while the rest people shared stories, laughter, and peaceful minutes of wonder at the star-studded sky above. 
It was the perfect way to end the day– a simple, sincere get-together that made the valley feel a lot more enchanting.
Day 7– Back to Leh & Beyond– The Majestic Khardung La On our way back from Nubra Valley to Leh, we hit among the most unforgettable highlights of the whole journey– Khardung La, the world’s greatest motorable pass at 5,359 meters. The moment we reached the top, it was pure wonder. The wind was crisp and energising, and the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. Cameras clicked frantically, but even they couldn’t capture the sheer splendour of standing at one of the acmes accessible by roadway. Beyond its scenic charm, Khardung La seemed like a spiritual checkpoint. Every tourist, every cars and truck in our rally seemed to pause and absorb the minute– quiet in marvel, hearts racing from the elevation, and minds humbled by nature’s scale. We have actually had maggiee at practically every
It might sound unbelievable, but there we were– blasting music from our automobile and dancing our hearts out at almost 18,000 feet above water level! Khardung La wasn’t simply a stop– it was the showstopper of the journey, the sort of view that makes all the long drives, the winding roadways, and the high-altitude difficulties completely worth it.
As we descended from Khardung La, we hit another landslide while the roadway was being cleared. Instead of simply lingering, we turned up the music once again and danced right on the road. Even the bicycle riders stuck with us took part, turning it into an unscripted mini party amidst the mountains.
Going back to Leh felt emotional. After days of driving together, stargazing, and sharing many stories, we weren’t just travelers– we were now an automobile rally family. The drive back to Manali was filled with laughter and memories engraved permanently.
After an extraordinary journey through Nubra Valley, Pangong, and Khardung La, we invested another day in Leh. This was a relaxed day, offering us a chance to explore the regional Leh market, get souvenirs, and soak in the town’s dynamic culture. From colorful handicrafts to fragrant street food, every corner reflected the beauty of Ladakh.
As night fell, we remained in Leh one last time, sharing stories from the journey, reviewing our stargazing images, and enjoying the sense of achievement from our experience.
Day 8– Leh to Manali: The Roadway Back
On the journey back, the convoy split based on the return routes: some travelers headed through Srinagar, while those returning through Manali, including myself. The drive was scenic and reflective, offering us time to revisit the awesome landscapes one last time.
Reaching Manali, most of the group planned to leave for Gurgaon early the next early morning. Considering that it was a weekend, I decided to remain back for a day to check out Manali at my own speed. I wandered through the town, soaking in the lavish green valleys, charming cafes, and riverside courses, catching some final memories before capturing an evening bus back.
This choice offered me an ideal peaceful conclusion to an otherwise adrenaline-packed trip, enabling me to enjoy Manali’s tranquil beauty before heading home.
Final Thoughts
A journey to Ladakh is memorable, however doing it with an Astro Car Rally? That’s next level. It wasn’t almost the roads, lakes, or valleys– it had to do with looking up at deep space and realising how amazing life is.
The organisers held a competitors where the very best astrophotography shot won a telescope, while the rest of us got certificates for our efforts. It was a fun method to celebrate everyone’s efforts at recording the night sky. If you get the opportunity, sign up with an astronomy-based travel experience– you’ll see not just the world, but the cosmos differently.
Hope you delighted in the journey through our adventure!
Cheers!