Driving a point: 19-year-old Mehreen conquers 13 Himalayan passes solo

In a remarkable feat of grit and determination, Mehreen Dhillon (19), a solo traveller and adventure enthusiast from Chandigarh, has created history by driving alone across 13 of the highest motorable passes in the Himalayas, covering 3,482 km in 14 days. Her achievement has earned her a place in the India Book of Records, inspiring young women adventurers across the nation.

Starting her expedition from Greater Noida on June 13, Mehreen navigated some of the toughest and most dangerous routes in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, including the world’s highest motorable road at Umling La (19,024 ft). “It was not just about the distance,” Mehreen said after completing her journey. “It was about showing that no dream is too high and no road too rough.”

She embarked on a solo drive through treacherous terrain, navigating snowbound roads, icy winds and perilous mountain trails. Her journey took her across formidable passes, including Rohtang Pass (13,058 ft), the gateway to Lahaul; Shinku La (16,580 ft), a remote and steep ascent; Khardung La (18,328 ft), one of the most iconic high-altitude roads and Umling La (19,024 ft), the highest motorable road in the world. Additionally, she braved lesser-known but equally daunting passes like Tsagala, Warila, Pologingkala and Yaye Tso, rarely attempted by travellers due to their rugged nature.

She was supported in planning by Mountain Goat, a travel company specialising in high-altitude expeditions. Founders Suraj Tayal and Shashwat Gupta lauded her, saying: “She has proved that passion, preparation and courage can take you anywhere.”

Her father, Dharam Dhillon, called her “a warrior of will”, proud of how she carried a powerful message for women adventurers: “She showed the world that the tallest peaks can be conquered with courage.”

Mehreen has conquered an impressive array of high-altitude passes. Her journey took her across Umling La, standing at 19,024 feet, the highest motorable road in the world. Other notable passes she traversed include Khardung La at 18,328 feet, renowned for its breathtaking views of the Nubra and Shyok river valleys and Chang La at 17,492 feet, known for its stunning vistas of the Pangong Lake. Additionally, Mehreen passed through Warila at 17,429 feet, Lachung La at 16,616 feet and Shinku La at 16,580 feet. Further, her route included Singe La at 16,120 feet, Baralacha La at 16,040 feet, Sirsir La at 15,757 feet, Pologingkala at 15,892 feet, Yaye Tso at 15,647 feet and Tsagala at 15,260 feet. Lastly, she also conquered Rohtang Pass, standing at 13,058 feet, a gateway to Lahaul.

This wasn’t Mehreen’s first milestone. In February 2025, she became the youngest woman to drive across the Winter Spiti Circuit in snow. Covering 1,192 km in just seven days (Kufri-Manali via Rampur, Kaza, Chicham Bridge, Kalpa and Jalori Pass), she earned her first entry in the India Book of Records on March 3, 2025.

Born on August 8, 2006, Mehreen now stands as one of India’s youngest women adventurers to have redefined what it means to travel solo across some of the world’s harshest terrains.