Do you love the mountains? Do you love road trips? Well, if you said yes to both questions, you are bound to be certainly interested in these amazing mountain road trips that take you through sprawling meadows, high altitude mountain passes, apple orchards, winding roads, gorgeous high altitude villages, serene monasteries, snow capped vistas, emerald lakes, national parks and so much more. And what better place to experience all of this than the mountain state of Himachal Pradesh that is nestled in the cradle of the Himalayas.
1) Manali to Chandra Taal Lake and Kunzum Pass
One of the more popular routes of Himachal Pradesh, this route takes you from a top hill station in Himachal Pradesh to some sensational mountain passes and a high altitude glacier fed lake. While the half crescent Chandra Taal lake is the definite highlight along with the super famous Rohtang pass, the true charm of this route lies in its tough terrain that is made up of rocky mountain roads with gurgling streams, beautiful Himalayan vistas, thin mountain air and a true off-road like drive. Go here for some amazing mountain adventure.
One way distance: 130 kms
Highlights on the route: Rohtang pass, River confluence at Tandi, Keylong monastery, Chandra Taal lake, Kunzum pass
Best time to visit: May to August, when these roads are accessible
2) Manali to Great Himalayan National Park
One of the hidden attractions near Manali, Great Himalayan National Park is a pure mountain wilderness that spans all the way to Pin Valley national park in Spiti valley. Home to the extremely rare and endangered snow leopard, this national park is great trekking terrain for the nature, wildlife and bird lover. Gushaini and nearby Tirthan valley offer you a view of a rustic Himachal Pradesh with a myriad of colors. Go here for the snow leopard, some trekking and a quiet holiday.
One way distance: 50 kms
Highlights on the route: Tirthan valley, Great Himalayan National Park
Best time to visit: All year around. Winters for snow leopard
3) Manali to Shoja and Jalori Pass
Another offbeat destination in Himachal Pradesh, this route takes you to a 10,800 high mountain pass and a gorgeously remote hill station that offers some of the most beautiful snow capped mountain panoramas. While the pretty hill station of Shoja can be your base, Jalori pass and its surreal views have to be the highlight. The steep, narrow and winding mountain roads are also a thrill for the road trippers.
One way distance: 110 kms
Highlights on the route: Tirthan valley, Shoja, Jalori pass
Best time to visit: All year around unless Jalori pass is closed down
4) Shimla to Chitkul and Kalpa
This is the famous apple belt of Himachal Pradesh and hence we can refer to this route as the ‘Apple route’. Shimla, Sarahan and Sangla are the best places to visit on this Apple trail and offer you the perfect opportunity to pluck an apple from an apple orchard and dig into it at its freshest best. Chitkul is considered the last village on the Hindustan-Tibet highway and offers spectacular mountain views and trekking opportunities near the pristine Baspa river. Kinnaur Kailash, the spiritual mountain, is seen best from Sangla, but if you wish to get a closer look than Kalpa on the other side of the river offers a much more special view. Both Sangla and Kalpa make great bases on this route.
One way distance: 250 kms
Highlights on the route: Apple, Sarahan, Sangla, Chitkul, Kalpa, Kinnaur Kailash
Best time to visit: All year round, but if you want to go during the apple season, the best months are August through October
5) Shimla to Spiti Valley
One of the longest and most iconic routes of Himachal Pradesh, this route takes you to some of the highest villages in the world, India’s highest polling station, India’s highest post office, high altitude monasteries, high altitude lakes and absolutely stunning mountain terrain. The Sutlej and the Spiti rivers and the narrow roads with thousands of turns offer you a dream road trip that boggles the minds of both four wheeler drivers as well as motorcyclists. Go here for one of India’s best mountain holiday destinations.
One way distance: 478 kms
Highlights on the route: Tabo monastery, Komic, Dhankar, Langza, Ki, Dhemul, Llalung
Best time to visit: All year around, unless the roads are closed due to heavy snowfall
6) Mcleod Ganj to Pong Dam Wetlands
One of the hidden gems of Himachal Pradesh and a top birding destination in India, this is the place where millions of migratory birds congregate under the backdrop of the mighty Dhaula Dhuan range of the Himalayas. Starting at the popular hill station of Mcleod Ganj, this route takes you from the mountains to the massive Pong Dam wetlands via the absolutely spectacular Kangra valley. Nagrota Surian is the place to make your base as it offers the easiest access to the birds and for all those panoramic views. Go here for Kangra culture, rustic Himachal Pradesh and rich birdlife, especially millions of bar headed geese.
One way distance: 55 kms
Highlights on the route: Mcleod Ganj, Dharamshala, Kangra valley, Pong Dam wetlands
Best time to visit: All year round, but for the best birding action, go during the winter months from December to February
7) Kaza to Pin Valley
This route takes you from the gorgeous Spiti valley to the mind blowing Pin valley that is nestled under the gaze of the mighty Pin Parvati mountain. The tiny village of Mud can be your base here. Adventure seekers can trek inside the beautiful Pin valley national park that connects with the Great Himalayan National Park and for regular travel lovers, don’t miss the opportunity to see the aerial view of the Spiti and the Pin rivers from on top of Dhankar village. Go here for absolutely pristine and quiet mountains and valleys.
One way distance: 50 kms
Highlights on the route: Mud village, Dhankar village, Pin valley
Best time to visit: All year round
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