Here’s a story that truly deserves a salute — from the remote mountains of Zanskar in Ladakh
BHPian vivekdewanta recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
A man named Tsultrim Chonjor, lovingly called Meme Chonjorhas shown what one determined person can do for his community. He was recently honoured with the Padma Shrione of India’s highest civilian awards, for building a 38 km road across the mountains – all on his own, without any government help initially.
Why He Built the Road
Back in 2014, Meme Chonjor saw how cut-off his village was from the rest of the world. With no proper road, people had to walk long distances over rough and snowy terrain to reach help, supplies, or schools. So, instead of waiting for someone to fix the problem, he took matters into his own hands.
He began work on a road from Kargyak (in Zanskar) to Darcha (in Himachal Pradesh), crossing over Shinkun La Pass. The project took years, and he spent ₹57 lakh, all from his personal savings and by selling his ancestral land.
Later, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) stepped in to take over and extend the work he had started.
Who Is Meme Chonjor?
He worked for the government’s handicrafts department between 1965 and 2000, and after retiring, chose to help his region by focusing on connectivity and infrastructure. In an interview, he said he was happy about the Padma Shri award, but what truly matters to him is connecting every remote village by road, so that people aren’t isolated anymore.
Kargyak – A Hidden Gem in the Zanskar Valley
Tucked deep in the stunning mountains of Ladakh’s Zanskar region, the village of Kargyak sits peacefully along the Kargiakh Chu River in the Lungnak Valley. Located at a height of about 4,120 meters, this small, remote village offers a rare and beautiful look into traditional Ladakhi life.
Most of the people here follow Buddhism, and their daily life is shaped by their spiritual beliefs. The villagers are hardworking and mainly live by farming, having learned to survive and thrive in the tough weather and high-altitude conditions of the Himalayas.
Kargyak is not just a spot on the map—it is a symbol of the strength, simplicity, and strong traditions of the people living here. For those trekking on the popular Darcha–Padum trail, Kargyak is an important stop. It gives travelers a chance to rest, enjoy warm local hospitality, and experience real Zanskari culture.
Surrounded by the towering peaks and untouched beauty of the Zanskar Valley, visiting Kargyak is more than just a trek—it’s a step into a world where time slows down, and the spirit of the Himalayas can be felt in every smile and every stone.
Road to the Future: The Nimmu–Padum–Darcha (NPD)Route
The route that Meme Chonjor started building is now part of a much larger and strategic road project: the Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, linking Leh to Himachal Pradesh via Zanskar.
Why Is It Important?
Length: About 298 km
Rout: Manally → Darch → Padum → Nimmu → Leh
Military Use: Becomes the third all-weather route to Ladakh after Manali–Leh and Srinagar–Leh highways
Elevation: Goes over only one high pass – Shinkun La (16,558 ft)
Shinkun La Tunnel: All-Weather Connectivity
To make this route functional year-round (even in heavy snow), BRO is now working on a 4.5 km tunnel under Shinkun La Pass.
Cost:₹1,681.5 crore
Purpose: All-weather route for both civilians and the military
Zanskar River: The Valley’s Lifeline
The Zanskar River, one of the main tributaries of the Indus River, flows through this region.
The Doda River originates near Pensi La Pass
The kargyag and tsarap rivers come from near shingo la and barralacha la
All join to form the Zanskar River, which finally merges with the Indus near Nimmu
Travel Planning: Three Main Routes from Darcha to Leh
If you’re planning a road trip or just love route maps, here’s a comparison of three key routes from Darcha (Himachal Pradesh) to Leh (Ladakh). Each has its own adventure, terrain, and beauty.
Rout 1: Darch → Padum → Nimu → Leh (via Shinkun La)
Distance: \~651 km
Highlights: Fastest option (when fully completed), goes through the Shinkun La Pass, partially built by Meme Chonjor
Current Status: Under development by BRO
Route Breakdown:
* Chandigarh → Manali: 264 km
* Manali → Keylong: 69 km
* Love → Darcha: 31 km
* Darcher → Padum: 115+ km
* Padum → Lingshhead Jn → Nimmu → Leh: 154 km
ROUTE 2: DARCHA → PADUM → lingshed → lamayuru → leh
Distance: \~777 km
Highlights: Scenic route, ideal for off-roaders and adventure seekers
Terrain:Rough, multiple high-altitude passes
Passes Covered:
At Shihiku, Singe, in the sisect on the shore, ni the nisseri.
Route 3: Darcha → Patseu → Leh (Via Baralacha la & gata loops)
Distance: \~778 km
Highlights: Classic Manali–Leh highway route
Popular Among: Bikers and regular Ladakh road-trippers
Passes Covered:
Baalacha La, Na, Lachung La, Lachung La, Tangang La, Gata Loops
Quick Comparison Summary
Route 1 (via Shinkun la)
Distance: ~651 km
Terrain: Developing
Best For: Quickest access to Leh
Road Status: Under construction
Route 2 (Via Lamayuru)
Distance: ~777 km
Terrain: Off-road, remote
Best For: Adventure travel
Road Status: Operational, remote
Route 3 (via Baralacha la)
Distance: ~778 km
Terrain: Well-paved, traditional
Best For: Scenic road trips
Road Status: Fully operational
Final Thoughts
Meme Chonjor’s story is more than just building a road. It’s about passion, determination, and working for the greater good. As car lovers, road-trippers, and explorers, we owe a lot to people like him who literally pave the way for us.
So, next time you’re on one of these routes, especially the Darcha–Padum stretch, remember: it started with one man, one mission, and a mountain of courage.
**Respect to Meme Chonjor – a true road warrior.**
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