Meet Colonel Sonam Wangchuk: The Real Lion of Ladakh and Hero of Kargil

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, often hailed as the "Real Lion of Ladakh," stands as a symbol of unyielding courage and strategic brilliance in the annals of Indian military history. Born on May 11, 1964, in the serene village of Sankar near Leh in Ladakh, India, Wangchuk's life journey from a modest Himalayan upbringing to becoming a decorated war hero encapsulates the spirit of resilience that defines the people of this high-altitude region. His story, particularly his pivotal role in the 1999 Kargil War, continues to inspire generations, blending tales of battlefield valor with a post-retirement commitment to community and environmental stewardship.

Roots in Ladakh: Family, Education, and Early Influences

Wangchuk's early life was deeply intertwined with Ladakh's cultural and spiritual fabric. A native of Khakshal village near Leh town, he was born into a family with notable connections his mother was the sister of politician Thupstan Chhewang and the niece of the revered spiritual leader Kushok Bakula Rinpoche. His father, initially a forest ranger, later served as the security officer for the 14th Dalai Lama, exposing young Wangchuk to influences of Tibetan Buddhism and monastic discipline. This environment instilled in him a profound respect for nature and a calm demeanor under pressure, traits that would prove invaluable in his military career.

At around five years old in 1969, Wangchuk moved to Solan, Himachal Pradesh, attending St. Luke's School until the fourth standard. By 1973, the family relocated to Dharamshala, where he studied at Sacred Heart High School and had personal interactions with the Dalai Lama due to his father's role. In 1975, a transfer to Delhi led him to The Modern School on Barakhamba Road. He pursued higher education at Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, graduating with a bachelor's degree in history. Despite his father's aspirations for him to enter civil services, Wangchuk was drawn to the army, inspired by his relative, Colonel Wangdus, who exemplified military service.

These formative years in diverse settings from the stark beauty of Ladakh to the bustling capital honed his adaptability and fostered a deep patriotism. Growing up amid the Himalayas, he developed an innate understanding of mountainous terrain, which later became a strategic advantage in his military exploits.

Forging a Military Career: From Commissioning to Specialized Service

Wangchuk's entry into the Indian Army marked the beginning of a distinguished three-decade career. He attended the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the 4th Battalion of the Assam Regiment on June 13, 1987, with service number IC-45952M. His initial postings tested his mettle: as a company commander in Ukhrul, Northeast India, he handled counter-insurgency operations in challenging tribal areas. He then served with the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka, gaining experience in international conflict zones.

Recognizing his affinity for high-altitude warfare, Wangchuk was deputed to the Indus Wing of the Ladakh Scouts, a regiment comprising local Ladakhi soldiers known as the "Snow Tigers" or "Snow Warriors." Formed originally as the Nubra Guards in 1948 and reorganized as an infantry regiment in 2000, the Ladakh Scouts specialize in mountain warfare, leveraging their physiological adaptations to extreme altitudes. Wangchuk's leadership in this unit would culminate in his promotion to Major and, eventually, Colonel before his retirement in 2018.

Throughout his service, Wangchuk accumulated a host of decorations beyond his gallantry award, reflecting consistent excellence:

This table illustrates the breadth of his contributions, from frontline combat to sustained operational duties.

The Hero of Kargil: The Battle of Chorbat La

The 1999 Kargil War thrust Wangchuk into the national spotlight. As Pakistani forces, disguised as militants from the Northern Light Infantry, infiltrated Indian territory during the harsh winter, occupying strategic heights 10-15 km inside the Line of Control (LOC), India mounted Operation Vijay to evict them. Wangchuk, then a Major leading a column from the Indus Wing of the Ladakh Scouts in the Batalik sector, was tasked with securing a ridge line at Chorbat La a glaciated pass at approximately 18,000 feet (5,500 meters) elevation.

On May 30-31, 1999, his patrol of about 25-40 men encountered an ambush by heavily armed Pakistani intruders, estimated at around 135 troops entrenched in 12-13 tents beyond the LOC. The enemy, positioned advantageously, opened fire, killing Havildar Tsewang Rigzin (or another NCO) due to excessive bleeding in the sub-zero temperatures of minus 6 degrees Celsius amid two feet of snow. Undeterred, Wangchuk held his column together, splitting them into flanking positions for a counter-ambush. Waiting for nightfall and aided by mist, his team blessed with sacred threads from the Dalai Lama launched a surprise dawn attack on June 1, killing 10+ enemy soldiers and forcing the rest to retreat.

They recovered significant enemy assets: one heavy machine gun, one universal machine gun, ammunition, controlled stores, and three enemy bodies. This three-day battle cleared the Chorbat La axis up to the LOC, preventing Pakistan from blocking vital supply routes and marking India's first clear territorial gain in the war. Wangchuk's unit held the position for 14 days before handing it over to the 14th Sikh Regiment. Six of his soldiers also received gallantry medals for their roles.

The official Maha Vir Chakra citation captures the essence: "Major Sonam Wangchuk displayed exceptional bravery and gallantry of the highest order in the presence of enemy fire and in extreme conditions in the glaciated area." This victory boosted Indian morale and laid the groundwork for subsequent operations, as Wangchuk himself noted in recent reflections, calling the Pakistani infiltration a "clear act of treachery."

Wangchuk praised the Ladakh Scouts' unique edge: as "born mountain warriors," their physiological strength, mental toughness, and patriotism make them unparalleled in high-altitude combat, outperforming in wars like 1962, 1965, and 1999. He emphasized their stamina, endurance, and calm under pressure, asserting that in mountain warfare, they have "no match."

Post-Retirement: A Life of Quiet Service and Inspiration

Retiring in 2018, Wangchuk eschewed the limelight, focusing instead on meaningful contributions. He works with youth programs, supports veterans' families, and advocates for protecting Ladakh's fragile ecosystem. As a concerned citizen, he has voiced support for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh post the abrogation of Article 370, though not in a leadership role.

His story gained wider reach through the 2017 documentary The Lion of Ladakh, directed by Soumil Shetty and released by President Ram Nath Kovind to mark the 70th anniversary of the Ladakh Scouts. Featuring interviews with Wangchuk, his wife Padma Angmo, his men, and retired officers like Lieutenant-General Mohinder Puri, it has amassed over 2.5 million views. The film highlights his remarkable fitness he runs 14-15 kilometers daily at 18,000 feet and his light-hearted personality.

In recent years, Wangchuk has delivered motivational talks, such as at the OTA in Gaya in September 2024, sharing personal anecdotes to inspire cadets. Returning to Chorbat La after 26 years in 2025, he noted improved infrastructure like roads and communications, affirming the Indian Army's readiness. Social media tributes in 2025 continue to celebrate him, with posts recounting his defeat of overwhelming odds and calling for recognition of such heroes.

Legacy: The Enduring Symbol of Ladakhi Valor

Colonel Sonam Wangchuk's moniker, "The Real Lion of Ladakh," stems from his ferocious defence of his homeland, embodying the quiet bravery that turned the tide in Kargil. While accounts vary slightly such as enemy numbers or exact casualties, reflecting the complexities of wartime reporting his impact is unequivocal: a first victory that inspired the nation and highlighted the Ladakh Scouts' indispensable role. Married to Padma Angmo, Wangchuk lives a life of humility, reminding us that true heroes often speak through actions rather than words. His story urges remembrance of soldiers' sacrifices and the importance of safeguarding border regions like Ladakh, ensuring their legacy endures in India's collective memory.