Day 11 – Leh to Mumbai

The sun rose next morning and the mood was somber. It was time to leave. Many of our friends had already left due to their early flights. The rest us had breakfast, loaded our luggage into the waiting XUVs and head to Leh airport at around 8.30 am for out 10.30 flight to Delhi. As the flight took off, I reflected on the past 10 days as I gazed at the snow covered mountains from the aircraft window. Time just flew by and I was going back with memories and friends for a life time. We landed at Delhi and everyone went their separate ways after goodbyes and one final group selfie. A couple of hours later, I was back in my car in Mumbai rush hour traffic, missing the mountains and wanting to go back.

 The Spiti Escape I went to last year had raised my expectations for the next one, and the 2019 Monastery Escape did not disappoint. Organization and execution by Team Mahindra Adventure and Team XSO was top notch. Not a single hiccup during the 10 day drive. And I can’t end my travelogue without the mention of the XUV300, my faithful sidekick on this trip. Even after having driven it in the city, driving the baby Mahindra on that kind of terrain was an experience in itself. No 4×4, but it more than kept up with its siblings the Scorpio, XUV500 and the Thar on this expedition. The powerful engine, smooth gearbox and compact size made for the perfect mountain goat. All this with every creature comfort that one needs.  It was always on my bucket to drive all the way to Leh, and thanks to Mahindra Adventure, I can now mark a tick on that one. I’m already looking forward to the next expedition, but till then, memories from this epic adventure will be on my mind for a long time to come.

Mahindra invited Throttle Blips for the 2019 Monastery Escape. They took care of all the expenses and logistics of the trip.

2019 Mahindra Monastery Escape photo gallery:

2019 Monastery Escape video: