Road Trips in The Himalayas
Road Trips in the Himalayas: The words ‘Road Trip’ conjure images of fun and lifelong memories. The images of a long journey that stays intact in remembrance even after several years. Whether you are planning your next road trip with your friends or have decided to take the load on your shoulders alone, there is no denying that these journeys can often become life-altering experiences. Make not delay further if you need a road trip to calm your senses and refresh yourself.
Not only though road trips provide a medium to travel in style, but they also let travelers find an escape from the pressures of everyday life in long rides across unknown yet calming destinations.
The Himalayan Road Trips are some of the most loved in the country. The scenery and the people found on the way contribute to the success of these travels as much as the traveler’s desire does. So pack your backpack and ask your friends to come along on your dream road trip as we make the process of choosing one easier with this list of five nerve tickling road trips in the Himalayas:
Manali – Leh
Moving through the world’s second-highest motorable pass, Taglang-la, this will take you from the hill station of Manali in the Kullu valley to Leh, the dry city in the Himalayan landscape. The Leh-Manali road is a 479-kilometer long highway that is one of the most dangerous to travel on. Truly for adventure seekers, this trip can be even more rewarding if you take little detours and visit nearby towns on the way. The trip starts with mesmerizing views of the Rohtang Pass and the Chandra River, located around 50 kilometers away from Manali. Then you are led to Keylong’s quiet valleys and lush forests, and later to Jispa, the camper’s paradise. Jispa has stunning views of the Chandra River that you must see on your road trip. Zingzing Bar and Baralacha La in the Zanskar region are the next stops. The Gata Loops at an altitude of almost 15,000 feet and Karu are after that, with their views of the spectacular Himalayas. These places are well worth the time and effort spent on the road trip.
Shimla – Manali
This trip via Lahul Spiti through the old Hindustan-Tibet road is well-loved among motorists who take up road trips in the area. This trip can be covered in 16 days and is best taken from July to September. Through lush pine forests and deep valleys, these trips will transport you to lands unimagined. Take your journey through Narkanda, Sarahan, Sangla, and Kalpa. See the village of Chitkul near Sangla and stay in an outdoor camp or guesthouse. Visit Kabo and the Ki monastery of Kaza; see the highest enduringly occupied village in the world- Kibber village at a height of 4200 meters. It is recommended to end this trip to Manali, spending a relaxing day after moving through Rohtang Pass.
Sach Pass- Pangi valley
A seven to an eight-day trip to the Sach Pass can be started from Delhi. Ride or drive to Pathankot, Chamba, Killar, and Purti. In the Pangi valley, you can visit the beautiful villages of Mindhal, Parmar, Hundan, and Sural. End this trip via Rohtang Pass to Manali. This road trip will take you through waterfalls, snow-covered peaks, and stunning vistas of lush greenery. If you are a nature lover make sure you take this amazing ride of a lifetime as soon as possible.
Srinagar – Leh
With its beautiful Dal Lake and Jhelum River, Srinagar is the most enchanted place to start on a road trip. The 434-kilometer long Srinagar-Leh highway, also called NH-1D, is the perfect road for this adventure. This road is usually operational from mid-May to mid-November as it is covered in snow for the rest of the year. Make a point of stopping at Kargil to spend a night. This trip to Leh takes you through the spectacular but highly dangerous Zoji La Pass which is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Guwahati – Tawang
This 515-kilometer trip can take anywhere from five to ten days depending on how many detours you are willing to take. While visiting Guwahati, one must also visit Tezpur and then the small town of Bhalukpong. At Bhalukpong, the Arunachal Pradesh security forces check for an Inner Line Permit (an ILP), so make sure you get that in order before you start on this journey. Head to the Dairang valley and see the scenic lakes and mountains. From here you can either take a little detour and visit the nearby villages on the way to Tawang or ride straight to your destination. An adventure of a lifetime, a road trip through the majestic Himalayan mountain range will make you realize how beautiful and pristine some parts of this world still are. Just make sure you pack well for the cold weather and stay safe on these sometimes dangerous roads.
