Mumbai – Some drive for fun. Some drive for freedom. And then there are those who drive to set records at the edge of oxygen. In a feat that blends Czech engineering with Himalayan madness, Fans of Škoda have created history by driving a convoy of 28 Škodas to Umling La, the world’s highest motorable road — at least until that very day.
Yes, on the last day Umling La officially held that title, 60 Škoda owners decided it was time to add a dash of turbocharged glory to the altitude charts. The convoy — featuring the Kylaq, Kodiaq, Kushaq, Slavia, and even a heroic old Yeti — has now earned its place in both the India Book of Records and the Asia Book of Records as the largest convoy of cars to reach Umling La.
When Passion Meets Thin Air
Imagine 3,000 km of treacherous terrain, bone-freezing winds, temperatures swinging from -5°C to 25°C, and an oxygen level that would make your gym instructor faint. That’s the sort of drive Škoda fans call a weekend getaway. The convoy’s route — from Manali to Leh, across Khardung La, Pangong Tso, Hanle, and even Thang (India’s last village) — was not just a journey; it was a rolling testament to Škoda’s engineering and the stubborn optimism of its owners.
Families, doctors, marathoners, parents, and kids — all packed up their mountain-sized enthusiasm and drove up where even eagles think twice. At 19,024 feet, they found more than thin air — they found glory.
Škoda Spirit on Top of the World
Commenting on this rather breathless achievement, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said:
“At Škoda Auto India, we are not just crossing sales milestones but actual mountain passes. Our fans’ passion turns ownership into a movement. This record isn’t just about conquering altitude; it’s about celebrating a brand that belongs on every road — no matter how high.”
That enthusiasm seems well-founded. Škoda Auto India has been on a roll in 2025 — with record-breaking sales of 53,355 units between January and September, a 110% year-on-year growth in Q3, and an expanding network of 315 touchpoints across 179 cities. Talk about taking “customer reach” literally.
