Age is often treated like a countdown or a reason to slow down, stay home, and let younger people chase the big adventures.But should age actually limit people from exploring adventures, or should the elderly also live the life of their dreams?Even though people are often caught in a tussle between taking a step further or back, a ‘dadi’ has completely broken the glass ceiling and embraced the thrill of living life even in her 80s.
Photo: thetravelist.in/ Instagram
Meet Dadi Ji : The 80-year-old woman who reached Umling La Pass
An 80-year-old woman, fondly referred to as “Dadi Ji by social media, has become an internet sensation after successfully reaching Umling La Pass in Ladakh, which stands at an elevation of 19,024 feet, officially recognised as the world’s highest motorable pass. Her journey was documented by Chhattisgarh-based travel company The Travelist, and the video showing her triumphant moment at the pass has gone viral across social media platforms.In the video, Dadi Ji can be seen smiling and posing next to the iconic Umling La signboard, looking unbothered by the snowfall and sub-zero temperatures around her. Sharing the clip, The Travelist captioned it with a message, “When your spirit is young, age becomes just a number.”The caption went on to describe how Dadi Ji didn’t just reach a physical destination; she set an example that dreams don’t come with an expiry date, no matter how many years have gone by.Social media users have flooded the comments section with praise and admiration, with many calling her a true inspiration and a reminder that adventure has no upper age limit.
Social media reactions
Social media can’t stop appreciating the lady’s courage at 80, and the post has since gotten numerous likes, comments, and reshares on social media. One commenter wrote, “We are proud of you”, another added, “Wow Ma’am True inspiration ❤️🔥”. A third user wrote, “Congratulations young woman ❌80years ❌”.
Where is Umling La Pass, and how difficult is the journey?
Umling La Pass is located in Ladakh, close to the India-China border, and connects the remote villages of Chisumle and Demchok. It has held the title of the world’s highest motorable pass and remains one of the most cherished destinations for road trip enthusiasts in India.Reaching the pass isn’t easy for anyone, let alone an octogenarian. Travellers typically fly into Leh, the nearest airport, before hiring a taxi or self-driving via Hanle and Chisumle.The final leg of the route is notoriously demanding, with steep, winding roads, dangerously low oxygen levels, and rugged, unpredictable terrain. Making matters tougher, there are no fuel stations for over 250 km after Hanle, and food outlets, medical help, and mobile connectivity are practically non-existent along large stretches of the route.Anyone planning the trip is strongly advised to carry extra fuel, plenty of water, snacks, and essential medication.
