When the renowned pianist Mr. Thurzo Zolton approached us, the excitement in our office was palpable.
Known for his exceptional talent and previous Guinness World Records—including playing the piano at the base of Mount Everest (29,200 feet) and performing the most keys (500!) in 30 seconds—Mr. Zolton had set his sights on another record.
This time, he aimed to play a professional piano at Umling La Pass, the world’s highest motorable road, at an altitude of 19,300 feet in the remote border region between India and Tibet.
As a distinguished musician from a family steeped in musical heritage, Mr. Zolton’s vision extended beyond the record. He hoped to inspire others and eventually create a museum dedicated to music. The task of organizing this ambitious endeavor fell to us, and the challenges were as immense as the heights we aimed to conquer.
Preparing for the Journey
Transporting a 700-pound Grand Piano from Delhi to Umling La(19,300feet), a height greater than the Mt Everest base camp, and back was no small feat. The route would take us through the Great Himalayan range, over snow-covered mountain passes, and into the stark, barren Trans-Himalayas. Alongside the logistical challenges, ensuring the health and acclimatization of our crew to the high altitudes was critical.
The Team
We enlisted the expertise of our trusted partner, Ankul, whose hydraulic-fitted truck had navigated numerous treacherous high-altitude routes. Accompanying him was Manoj, driving a 4WD Toyota Fortuner, along with four enthusiastic support staff members. The plan was meticulously crafted to ensure both safety and success.
The Journey Begins
The expedition began in earnest from Delhi, and after a long but scenic drive, we reached the picturesque town of Jispa, located at an altitude of 10,000 feet. This serene village served as our first acclimatization point.
At Gombo Rangjon
The following day was dedicated to light activities, including leisurely walks and relishing a lunch of freshly caught rainbow trout. On day two, we ascended to Shingo La Pass (16,700 feet), a historic route frequented by trekkers. This breathtaking pass, now accessible by a newly constructed road, offered stunning views and served as a perfect acclimatization exercise. From there, we ventured to Gombo Rangjon, a dramatic rock formation that seemed to rise directly from the earth’s core. After soaking in its beauty and enjoying a meal with local shepherds, we returned to Jispa, invigorated and ready for the next leg of the journey.
Traversing High Passes and Rugged Terrain
The third day saw us navigating through lofty passes like Baralacha La (16,000 feet) and Lachalung La (16,600 feet), as well as the spectacular Gata Loops. While the scenic beauty was unparalleled, the heavy truck traffic posed challenges, especially during tricky jams.
Lake near Baralacha La
Leaving the main highway, we entered the remote Rupshu Valley, where the high-altitude Tsokar Lake awaited. At 15,000 feet, this was our highest overnight stop, and the dusty charm of the lodge, buzzing with stories from 4WD enthusiasts, added to the adventure.
On the way to Tsokar
The next day, the turquoise expanse of Tsokar Lake greeted us as we drove towards Hanle, a secluded village known for its monastery and astronomical observatory. En route, we were fortunate to spot black-necked cranes and Himalayan wild asses (kiang), rare sights that added a touch of magic to our journey.
At Hanle Village
From Hanle, we took the shorter, unpaved route via Nurbu La Pass to Umling La for a reconnaissance visit. The breathtaking switchbacks and surreal landscapes further fueled our anticipation.
At 19,800feet (above Umling La)
The Big Day
On the morning of the record attempt, we left Hanle at 4 a.m., taking the longer, paved route via Photu La Pass. Watching the sunrise over the towering peaks was a surreal experience. By 8 a.m., we reached Umling La and set up for the historic event. Monks from the Hanle Monastery assisted in unpacking the piano, and despite sub-zero temperatures, our skilled piano tuner prepared the instrument to perfection.
Mr Thurzo Zolton with Indian Flag and grand piano at Umling La
Mr. Zolton’s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. For 50 minutes, his fingers danced across the keys, filling the icy air with classical European compositions and concluding with a rousing rendition of the Indian national anthem. The crowd’s enthusiastic applause echoed through the mountains, a testament to the emotional impact of the moment.
Celebrating Success
With all formalities and documentation completed, we embarked on the return journey, a more leisurely six-day adventure filled with camaraderie and exploration. In Leh, we stayed at the charming Ladakh Sarai lodge, run by the legendary mountain man Rigzin Namgyal. From there, we traveled to the stunning Suru Valley, past Kargil, and onward to the remote village of Rangdum. Revisiting the Gompa Rangjon and Shingo La Pass felt like reuniting with old friends.
Gombo Rangjon from Suru Valley
Our journey ended with a relaxing two-day break in Nagar before the long drive back to Delhi. Reflecting on the challenges overcome and the memories created, we felt an immense sense of pride when we received the news: Mr. Thurzo Zolton’s performance at Umling La had been officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Official Confirmation!
A Legacy Etched in the Himalayas
This journey was more than an extraordinary logistical feat; it was a testament to human perseverance, the magic of music, and the allure of the Himalayas. For Mr. Zolton, it was another milestone in an illustrious career. For us, it was a privilege to be part of a story that will inspire adventurers, musicians, and dreamers for years to come.
Whether you seek unparalleled adventure or the thrill of making history, the Himalayas await—ready to challenge, amaze, and transform. Would you dare to dream as boldly as we did?
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