Over 25 Mahindra 4x4s were commissioned for this trip. The participants had to sign up online and only two members per vehicle were allowed. Mahindra basically provided the vehicles as well as made all the arrangements in terms of paperwork, boarding and lodgings, and of course the many scrumptious meals. With everything in place the convoy left Delhi and headed past Manali to Solang. From there, they snaked their way through the mountains towards Jispa and took a two-day break there. This was a welcome stop for the convoy had to cross Rohtang Pass along the way and thanks to trucks and heavy vehicle movement, the road had disintegrated into a long haul of slush filled with rocks. Crossing Rohtang proved to be a test for both man and machine. The stay in Jispa was also a great way to help the participants acclimatise to the high altitudes. Since most of them were first-timers in the area, this was a necessary precaution. From Jispa the convoy drove out to Tso Moriri and camped by the lake. If there ever was a place that can be termed heaven on earth, this would be it. The entire aura of the place was worth every second spent there. However the journey had to continue and it was time to head towards Leh.
Leh marked the midway through this adventure drive and it also was a great place to have a two-day lay-over. The time spent in Leh didn’t have to do with recuperating; it was actually scheduled so that one could travel around the vicinity of Leh and visit Khardung La, Magnetic Hill and also schedule a drive out to Pangong Tso. Like I said, this adventure had more to do with experiencing the hills rather than racing through them, and the Mahindra Monastery Escape provided for all this action. The drive from Leh to Srinagar was a test of sorts and for the first time on the journey, it put the drivers in a situation of driving a long hard day. The approximately 400-kilometre journey that runs via Kargil through Dras, over Zoji La Pass and into the Kashmir Valley and culminates in Srinagar, is one of the most gruelling drives as roads in most parts are non existent. However the scenery is straight out of a painting. Running a convoy of 25 vehicles through this meant that we were expecting a lot of stops due to driver fatigue as well as vehicle trouble.
However the drivers didn’t seem to have any issues and the robust Mahindra Scorpios, Boleros and Thars held up their part of the bargain and got us to Srinagar without any trouble whatsoever! Regardless, the long drive ended with a special treat, as all of us were checked into brilliantly crafted Kashmiri houseboats right on Negin Lake. An adventure packed with the luxuries of a five-star trip just couldn’t get better than this. Of course the Wazwan (Kashmiri meal course that involves the preparation of mutton in at least 21 different recipes) served to us after the long day’s drive was the ultimate ending to a brilliant day. With a chance to unwind in Srinagar and enjoy shikara trips on the lake, the Monastery Escape was nearing its end.
With all the participants nice and rested, it was decided that the drive from Srinagar to Delhi would be done in a single shift! The journey is over 900 kilometres and considering the fact that we were driving in a convoy meant that this would have to be co-ordinated extremely well. The drive was completed in twenty-six hours flat and I personally extend a standing ovation to the organisers and Team Mahindra for pulling off such an adventure. Not only did they decide to take amateurs to the most testing part of the country, they also managed to mould them into seasoned drivers in just ten days while offering a brilliant package tour through the mountains. Putting together such a trip is a monumental effort, and the fact that it was carried out in true style made the Monastery Escape even more desirable. Where else can you get the pleasure of driving through the mountains, the benefits of a package tour, a chance to learn the basic skills of rallying, a relaxed schedule so that you can really enjoy the surroundings, the safety of being part of a convoy, and the chance to learn more about yourself all in one single trip!
The experience of driving through these mountains, the greatest mountains of them all, is very emotional. Those who have been up there know this only too well and as the Monastery Escape came to an end in Delhi, it was clearly visible on all the participants’ faces that each of them had an individual experience as well. I personally feel that these ten days have been both a physical and mental journey and if you weren’t religious before you left, be assured that these mountains will instill a little faith back into you.

Article by Vikram Gour for Zigwheels

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