A trip to north on the little hatchback went very well without any major hiccups
-- Balakot, Naran, Lulusar, Babusar, Gilgit, Hunza, Passu, Sost, Khunjerab
Only on khunjerab, the car had a little trouble taking in air -- it was more like an asthma attack! lol, but I'm glad it recovered. I'm really amazed by the torque of stock cuore engine with a carb (ED-10) 
A few days after coming back -- I noticed that left front hub gave up -- probably got damaged on the rough patch we have currently b/w Chilas and Gilgit.
The little socket/hole where the ball joint of center link? (chimta in other words) fits in -- was cracked bad and came off while inspecting the hub.
Replaced the hub (only) with a used one in a better condition, and now is all good.
Picture for reference only