Watch Ladakh Warriors

Ladakh Warriors is an exciting and gritty travelogue-style docuseries that follows a team of elite soldiers as they undertake one of the world's toughest and most challenging military training programs. Set in the stunning but unforgiving landscape of Ladakh, a remote region in the northernmost part of India, the show offers a fascinating insight into the grueling and often brutal world of military training and warfare.

The show features Randeep Hooda, a renowned Indian actor and UN ambassador, as the host and narrator, and Ross Huguet, a Canadian adventure filmmaker and television presenter, as he accompanies the soldiers on their journey. The series is a collaboration between Discovery+ and the Indian Army, which provided access and funding for the production.

At the heart of Ladakh Warriors is the Indian Army's Winter Warfare Training School (WWTS), an elite program that trains soldiers to fight in extreme cold, high-altitude conditions. The show offers a rare glimpse into the rigorous and demanding training program as well as the daily lives and struggles of the soldiers.

The series begins with a detailed introduction to the WWTS, where the soldiers are subjected to extreme cold and freezing winds, often enduring temperatures as low as -45 degrees Celsius. The show also explores the psychology of the soldiers, particularly the mental and emotional challenges of being away from home for extended periods of time.

As the series progresses, the focus shifts to the physical challenges of the training program, with episodes dedicated to different skills such as skiing, ice climbing, mountain warfare, and survival skills. The soldiers are pushed to their limits, with many experiencing physical and emotional breakdowns. But through it all, they are shown to be incredibly resilient and determined, attributes that are essential in the battlefield.

The show does an excellent job of showcasing the stunning beauty of the Ladakhi landscape, which provides a stark contrast to the harsh military training. Viewers will be treated to breathtaking shots of the snow-capped Himalayas, frozen rivers, and serene wilderness. However, the beauty of the landscape is also a reminder of the fragility of life in this region, where every mistake and misstep can be fatal.

The soldiers themselves are the heart of the series, and viewers will get to know them intimately over the course of the show. From their hopes and dreams to their fears and anxieties, the soldiers are portrayed as complex, multidimensional individuals, and not just as interchangeable parts of a military machine. The series also explores the bonds between the soldiers, their camaraderie, and their sense of duty and sacrifice.

Throughout the series, Randeep Hooda provides the narration, adding to the show's gravitas and authenticity. Hooda's voice is a perfect fit for the show, with a gravely tone that adds to the gritty atmosphere. Ross Huguet, too, is a valuable addition to the show, providing an outsider's perspective and offering context for international viewers.

Overall, Ladakh Warriors is a riveting and eye-opening docuseries that offers a unique perspective on military training and warfare. The show balances the harsh realities of military life with the stunning beauty of the Ladakhi landscape, creating a compelling and emotional viewing experience. Fans of military documentaries or travel shows will find much to appreciate in Ladakh Warriors.

Ladakh Warriors is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between April 26, 2022 and on discovery+