Renault Conquers World’s Highest Road At Umling La
In late August of this year, Renault set out to prove that Renault vehicles are not just built for cruising around town but are engineered to conquer more challenging terrains. And so they set out to drive their entire range to Umling La — the world’s highest motorable road.
A Testament to Engineering Excellence
At 19,300 feet above sea level, Umling La is a testament to human engineering. The 1000-kilometre expedition through the rugged landscapes of Ladakh, India wasn’t just about reaching the top — it was about proving that every vehicle in the Renault range could handle the extreme conditions that come with high-altitude driving.
What is amazing about this journey is that it was not done with specialised off-road vehicles but by the Kwid, Triber, and Kiger, which are family-friendly urban rides.
Venkatram Mamillapalle, Country CEO and MD of Renault India Operations said: “We are extremely proud to be the first OEM to bring our entire product range to Umling La pass, showcasing the true spirit of adventure that defines Renault.”
This achievement isn’t just about setting records — it’s about demonstrating that every Renault vehicle is built with the same commitment to excellence.
The Route and Journey
The expedition, which commenced on August 29, 2024, took the team through some of Ladakh’s most challenging and breathtaking terrain over nine days.
Starting from the historic city of Leh, the convoy first tackled the formidable Chang La pass before reaching Pangong Tso Lake.
From there, the team ventured to the remote village of Hanle, home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory— one of the world’s coldest and driest deserts to conduct crucial high-altitude performance tests.
The final leg pushed through increasingly challenging terrain to reach Umling La, where the team successfully parked all three models — the Kwid, Triber, and Kiger — at the world’s highest parking spot, marking a historic moment in automotive achievement.
Experience Proven Performance
While daily commutes might not involve scaling the heights of Ladakh, knowing these vehicles are capable of such extraordinary feats brings an unmatched sense of confidence.
Interested in putting a Renault to the test? Visit your nearest Group1 Renault dealership to test drive one today.
