Road Trips in HImalayas by Bawray Banjaray

10 Tripping Routes In The Greater Himalayas For Road Trips.

Tough roads lead to beautiful destinations. And, when the routes are of the greater Himalayas, it will be fool’s idea to speak on their behalf. The Himalayan routes speak for themselves and their tales are enchanting, fulfilling and prospering. Dedicated to all riders & drivers, here are some of our chosen routes widespread all over the Great Himalayan Ranges.

Guwahati – Tezpur – Dirang – Tawang

North-East India is home to some of the best road trip routes and remains one of the last few un-commercialized travel destinations in India. From Shillong to Tawang, the route has many sharp hairpin bends and it is also a long one which cannot be done without one or two night halts. To shorten the route you can reach to Tezpur easily by bus, train, or flight and then start from there. After Tezpur, the stretch passes through picturesque virgin forests and lush green valleys near Assam – Arunachal Border. The route is meant for the pros and professional riders/riders only.
Best Time To Visit – March and October
Distance – 536 km

Manali – Keylong – Baralacha La – Sarchu – Leh

This rugged terrain is every riders’ dream destination. It is not at all an easy route to cover. It tests you, challenges you, breaks you, shocks you but in the end leaves you speechless. The long highway winds through the great Himalayas and passes by some of the world’s highest mountain passes like Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Lachulung La, and Tanglang La. On route, you hardly witness any signs of civilization for long times, all alone on the long highway you deal with the real wilderness. Acute planning is a must to do this road trip if you do not want yourself in trouble here.
Best Time To Visit – June to September
Distance – 473 km

Shimla -Narkanda – Kalpa – Nako – Tabo- Mudh

This route is a much better option to enter and experience Spiti Valley in comparison to Manali- Kaza route. First because of high altitude acclimatization which is easier if traveled from Shimla and second due to a permit that is required to cross Rohtang. Other than this you will never want to miss the beauty and adventure on one of the most treacherous roads of the world: Hindustan – Tibet Highway. This might be the case people talk about when they call routes the real destinations.
Best Time To Visit – Always open
Distance – 455 km

Srinagar- Sonamarg – Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh

Out of the two only ways to reach Ladakh, this scenic route is a much better option than that of Manali – Leh route. Its gradual slope makes it a more comfortable route to climb and gives enough time to acclimatize to the conditions. This extremely harsh and barren route called as the National Highway – 1D (NH – 1D) runs alongside Indus river and surpasses the three high mountain passes named Zozi La, Naki La, and Fotu La.
Best Time To Visit – Mid-May to mid-November
Distance – 420 km

Joshimath – Govind Ghat – Badrinath – Ghastoli – Mana Pass

Mana Pass route used to be the highest motorable road until BRO lately opened up the new route in Ladakh Region. The route takes you to the last Indian village from the border of India and Tibet in Himalayas – Mana. From Mana Village, you lead towards Mana Pass – a mountain pass in the Himalayas on the border between India and Tibet which contains Deotal Lake – the originating point of Saraswati river. The route is well connected with National Highway 7 (Old NH – 58) which connects Delhi with Badrinath.
Best Time To Visit – Mid-May to mid-November
Distance – 420 km

Manali – Chandertal – Kunzum Pass – Dhankar

Feel the magnanimity of trans Himalayan range in colours – deep blue endless sky, shades of brown deserted mountains with white snow-laden peaks.Other than this you see nothing in this cold desert. The route is action-packed with pits, boulders, water streams cutting the narrow ways, bone-chilling wind and dripping mercury. This feeling of remoteness from the outer world is what this place bring about for you.
Best Time To Visit – June to October
Distance – 236 km

Dalhousie – Sach pass – Kishtwar

This is one of the very famous but toughest routes to ride on. The route lies in Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas connecting Chamba Valley with Pangi Valley. While on the way you witness snow walls of up to 40 feet on roadsides, numerous water crossings, and endless waterfalls. This 294 km stretch is a real thrill and is meant to verify your riding/driving skills at the point of time. Try out this route to upgrade your riding status.
Best Time To Visit – Early July to mid-October
Distance – 294 km

Gangtok – Tsomgo Lake – Nathula Pass – Nathang Valley

Once the most popular trade route in the world, the Old Silk Route lies in Sikkim, along with the border of China. This winding and twisting route, besides the many breathtaking landscapes, gives a great picturesque view of Mt. Kanchendzonga and on the route you can witness the Menmecho Lake & Mandakini Waterfall. The entire winding route can be seen from Thambi View Point.
Best Time To Visit
Distance – 77 km

Darjeeling – Kalimpong – Rangpo – Gangtok

The route goes along Teesta river with forest trails hopping through the villages around it. It is just about 3-4 hours drive keeping onto National Highway 31A. The path is famous for its tranquility and narrow curvy turns giving you a spectacular and stunning panoramic view of far fetched Kanchenjunga range.
Best Time To Visit – March – June, October – March
Distance – 126 km

Keylong – Sissu – Gramphu – Baatal – Chandartal Lake

To witness the real transition of routes, one must not miss this small but thrilling route to the very famous Moon Lake in Lahaul & Spiti region. Water streams, boulders and flowing Chenab River alongside the route creates a magical aura. The route verifies your riding/driving skills at every turn keeping the speed in check but giving a thumping heartbeat.

Best Time To Visit
Distance – 112 km