What all do you think of when you hear ‘Himachal Pradesh’? Most probably mountains, snow and freezing weather, and destinations like Shimla, Manali. But have you heard of the lakes of Himachal?
Yes! Apart from the mountains, Himachal has a number of beautiful and enchanting lakes. There are lakes on high altitudes like the Chandra Tal and Suraj Tal which are favourite among the campers and trekkers, and then there are mid or low altitude lakes like the Khajjiar Lake and Rewalsar Lake that are ideal for weekends spent by the lakeside.
A delight for the sore eyes, these beautiful lakes of Himachal are a MUST visit!
CHANDRA TAL
The Chandra Tal translated, as ‘The Lake of the Moon’ is located at a high altitude of 4,300 metres in the Spiti Valley. The lake is 2.5 kms wide and it changes colours according to the moody sky. The lake is surrounded by beautiful Himalayan vistas and is popular amongst the campers. Trekkers camp on its bank during spring when it’s profusely covered in wildflowers. The Kunzum pass is only 7 kms away and can be travelled on foot. A motorable route to Batal is also accessible.
Fun Fact: It is said that the underground water replenishes this crescent-shaped lake because it doesn’t have a water source.
SURAJ TAL
The Suraj Tal Lake is in the Lahaul Valley quite close to the Chandra Tal. It is considered holy because it’s the Lake of the Sun God. It lies at the heel of the Baralacha-la Pass, which connects Lahaul to Ladakh. The enchanting Suraj Tal Lake is the source of the Bagha River, which is a tributary of the Chenab River. As it’s considered a sacred lake and is situated at an altitude of 4950 meters, this lake attracts a lot of devotees as well as campers. This place is a photographer’s and nature lover’s paradise.
Fun Fact: The Suraj Tal is India’s 3rd highest lake and the 21st highest lake in the World.
LAKE PARASHAR
The Parashar Lake is named after the Sage Parashar. It’s 49 kms from the Mandi district and at an altitude of 2730 meters. Legends say that Sage Parashar meditated at this place for a while. There is a three-storied pagoda temple devoted to the sage right next to the lake and the lake is guarded by majestic peaks. You can go to Lake Parashar through Drang. This is a perfect spot for a little getaway or even a fun picnic.
Fun Fact: Mythology says that Bheem, one of the Pandava brothers pushed a mountain with his elbow to create this lake and that’s why this lake is unfathomable.
NAKO LAKE
The Nako Lake is at an altitude of 3662 meters above sea level and is situated in Kinnaur district. The lake looks ethereal as it reflects the trees and the village on its clear surface. Poplar and willow trees encircle this lake. The Nako lake serves as a part of the border of the quaint Nako village and is a good spot for exploring, hiking and experiencing a spiritual atmosphere.
Fun Fact: There are four Buddhist temples around the lake and footprint impressions of Guru Padmasambhava.
KHAJJIAR LAKE
The Khajjiar lake is situated in a small town called Khajjiar in the Chamba district. The lake is located in the heart of a vast evergreen meadow that is cupped by the dense cedar trees that surround it. Khajjiar gets its name from the deity Khajji Nag. Khajjiar is situated between Dalhousie and Chamba, two frequently visited hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. The Khajjiar Lake is now drying up and steps are being taken to conserve it.
Fun Fact: Khajjiar is also called “Mini Switzerland” because of its beauty.
LAKE MANIMAHESH
The Manimahesh lake also known as Dal lake of Himachal is considered one of the holiest lakes in India. It’s situated near the Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal range of the mighty Himalayas, in Chamba district. Devotees of Shiva come here from all over the country to seek blessings. The ‘Manimahesh Yatra’ or the religious pilgrimage starts around the month of August and September. There are three routes to the Manimahesh Lake i.e via Kugti Pass, via Karwasi pass or Jalsu pass and via Bharmour.
Fun Fact: Mythology says that Lord Shiva performed penance for about a 100 year here. It’s said that a waterfall gushed out of this tangled hair and formed this lake.
REWALSAR LAKE
Popularly known as Tso Pema, the Rewalsar Lake is a mid-altitude lake, 1360 meters above sea level. The lake is 25 kms from Mandi. Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs consider this square-shaped lake sacred. There are 3 Hindu temples, a Gurudwara and 4 Buddhist monasteries in its vicinity. The view from the lake is beautiful as it’s surrounded by natural wonders. The Sisu fair is held here and the festival of Baisakhi is celebrated here with gusto.
Fun Fact: Rewalsar Lake is known for its floating reeds. It’s said that Guru Padmasambhava’s spirit resides on the island of floating reed.
Aren’t these lakes beautiful and worth going to?
So, plan a long weekend getaway with friends and family. And this time when you are in Himachal, don’t forget to visit the Lakes of Himachal for an unusual experience!
“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.” – H.H. Dalai Lama
No traveller, whether a tree lover or not will ever forget his or her first walk in the woods. If you love travelling and think about it all the time, then we have just the right thing for you. Here is a list of top 10 road trips through the mountains that assure to fulfil your travel desires, with the wind in your hair, fresh air to breathe and your eyes feasting on a mind-blowing view.
1. Manali – Leh
Best time to visit Manali: June – October
Experiences En Route: Pass through beautiful and tricky passes like Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Lachulung La, visit the enchanting Suraj Tal at Lahaul Valley, camp under the starry sky at Sarchu, visit the Kardang Monastery at Keylong.
The only way to Leh through Manali is by the Leh – Manali highway. This highway is open during the months of June – mid October and is usually closed because of excessive snowfall during rest of the year. So make sure you leave during June to mid October. It’s a rugged yet sturdy road that can take heavy vehicles as well as bikes. Travellers usually prefer the Srinagar – Leh route but this route is made for the highly adventurous people. So, go for it! The route will pass through the following places:
ROHTANG PASS:
Rohtang Pass is quite popular among the travellers. It is at an altitude of 3978 meters and is usually surrounded by snow. So, do stop here to throw a few snowballs at each other or have a nice hot cup of tea or coffee. From Rohtang, visit the small town called Gramphu.
KEYLONG:
65 kms ahead of Rohtang, lies the administrative town of Lahaul and Spiti – Keylong. Here you can visit the Kardang Monastery. If you’d like to have a quick tour of the Lahaul and Spiti valley then you can stay here for a night or two.
BARALACHA LA:
74 kms away from Keylong on the Leh – Manali highway is the Baralacha la Pass. It’s at an altitude of 4890 meters. The panorama on both sides of the path is amazing! The famous Suraj Tal is also close by, so stop here for a while to see this enchanting lake.
SARCHU:
Only 31 kms from Baralacha La is this little town called Sarchu, which lies on the borders of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir. This place is popularly known for camping amongst the trekkers. So experience a chilly night in a tent under the starry sky, guarded by massive mountains. Next day, head northwards to Lachulung La.
LACHULUNG LA:
55 kms from Sarchu in the state of Jammu and Kashmir is the Lachulung la Pass. Get acclimatized to the weather and enjoy the beauty of Kashmir.
LEH:
196 kms from Lachulung La is beautiful Leh. Stay here for a couple of days. Explore Ladakh and its multitudes of colours; its landscape, lakes, mountains and rivers.
Go back completely invigorated and refreshed with memories of Ladakh. Bask in its spiritual and peaceful atmosphere. This road trip will be epic!
2. Srinagar – Leh
Best Time to visit Srinagar: June to September.
Experiences En Route: Play in the Snow at Sonmarg, visit Kargil and the second coldest inhabited town – Drass. Explore the holy and beautiful monasteries like Lamayuru and Alchi.
The Leh- Srinagar Highway or the NH 1D can be covered either in 2 or 3 days depending upon how much time you have and how many places you would like to visit. It’s approximately a 434 kms long journey. This highly adventurous journey gives you quite an adrenaline rush!
On your way to Leh from Srinagar you will pass through:
SONMARG:
The beautiful hill station Sonmarg is known for its splendid Himalayan vistas and snow!
ZOJI LA:
Ahead of Sonmarg is of the highest passes of Srinagar – Leh highway, the Zoji La Pass. It’s usually closed in winters because it’s filled with snow.
DRASS:
Drass is known to be the second coldest inhabited place in the world. So, don’t forget to carry extra winter clothes as it’s going to be freezing cold!
KARGIL:
People prefer to stay in Kargil because of availability of more hotels.
LAMAYURU MONASTERY
The Lamayuru Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of Ladakh and a must-visit! It’s known for its lunar landscape or Moonscape and the Monastery. Lamayuru is a beautiful monastery and you must not miss this!
ALCHI:
If you have enough time, then you should stop at this Buddhist monastery too! Alchi is situated further away from Lamayuru towards Leh. Alchi is known for its exquisite paintings that adorn the walls of its monasteries.
Ladakh is known to be a destination that looks dreamlike. So soak up all this beauty and serenity. Have an adventurous yet spiritual experience.
3. Spiti Circuit
Best Time to visit Spiti Circuit: Mid May to Mid October
Experiences En route: Enjoy the Snow at Rohtang pass, fill your tummies at Gramphu, explore ancient monasteries at Kaza, Kibber & Ki monastery and camp at the magnificent Chandra Tal.
The route from Manali to Spiti Valley is a biker’s dream and a trekker’s favourite! And it surely is one of the most beautiful yet rugged routes. It’s a little over 200 kms ride and so one can cover it in a day unless you want to stopover somewhere for sightseeing. On your way to Spiti Valley you’ll travel through the following places:
ROHTANG PASS:
Enjoy the snow and the cold weather; sip some hot tea or coffee sold by the vendors. This road is a major attraction for tourists and the panoramic view of the mountains is breathtaking! It’s 51 kms away from Manali.
GRAMPHU:
Around 35 kms from Rohtang is this small town known as Gramphu. It’s basically a stopover for food. Visit one of the countryside dhabas and stuff yourself with paranthas or chole kulche.
KAZA:
130 kms from Gramphu is Spiti Valley. The place looks like a paradise with different colours melting together; almost like a painting. A few more kilometres ahead is Kaza. You can book a guesthouse here and stay the night.
CHANDRA TAL:
The Chandra Tal is a crescent-shaped lake in Spiti Valley. It’s truly an enchanting lake. You must see this lake if you’re in Spiti. Trekkers camp on the bank of this lake which is filled with wildflowers and meadows during spring.
KIBBER AND KI MONASTERY:
The Kibber and Ki monasteries are located in Kaza. Explore these monasteries and let the peacefulness engulf you.
The Spiti Valley is so beautiful and pristine, you’re going to have an amazing time here! So don’t miss out on this road trip!
4. Delhi to Shimla and Manali
Best Time to visit Shimla: October – November or March – May.
Experiences En Route: Enjoy the chilly weather, scenic vistas and a lot of sightseeing at these amazing hill stations: Chail, Narkanda, Shimla, Manali. Stop at Rohtang Pass for some snow.
Delhi to Shimla is a perfect weekend destination! The roads are good and scenic. If you can extend your holidays then try to visit Manali as well. If you have a shorter holiday then cover Shimla, Narkanda and Chail. You could also stop at Chandigarh for a night or for food. Even though Shimla is a common getaway, it’s worth going to. Places where you can stop at on this road trip are:
CHANDIGARH:
244 kms away from Delhi, which will take at least 4-5 hours travel on the Grand Trunk Road. You could stop here for a good meal and have parathas and a glass full of creamy lassi. Chandigarh is a big city. So, go shopping and sightseeing if you want.
SHIMLA:
Shimla is approximately 130 kms away from Chandigarh, which will take about 3 hours. Enjoy the chilly weather and the beautiful places like Jakhoo hill, Summer Hill, Christ Church. Shop at the Mall road and chill at the Ridge.
NARKANDA:
Around 60 kms north of Shimla is Narkanda. A quaint little hill station. The Hatu peak is a must-visit! It’s the highest point in Narkanda and has an amazing view of the snow capped mountains. You can also visit the Hatu temple and then relax at the hotel.
CHAIL:
Chail is 40 kms from Shimla and 75 kms from Narkanda. It’s a little hill station with log huts and thick forests perfect for a romantic getaway. Enjoy the chilly weather and the secluded atmosphere different from the touristy atmosphere of Shimla.
MANALI:
Manali is around 260 kms away from Shimla. It’s a 5 to 6 hours drive. Manali is a beautiful hill station covered with apple orchards and nestled in the mountains. Visit the Hadimba temple, Panden Ngari Gompa (monastery) and many more places or eat in fancy restaurants. You can also indulge in a lot of activities here like rock climbing, river crossing, rappelling and paragliding, especially in Solang Valley. Manali is a perfect place to runaway for a relaxing and a fun vacation.
This road trip is perfect if you want a nice long weekend getaway and experience the chilly and crisp weather of Himachal. Relax, recharge and refresh!
5. Darjeeling Hills Road Trip
Best Time to visit Darjeeling: Any season other than the monsoon.
Experiences En Route: Be surrounded by lush tea gardens at Darjeeling. Wander around the beautiful town of Kalimpong, ride the toy train at Kurseong and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of Mirik.
Nestled between the mountains and surrounded by Sikkim, Nepal and Bhutan are the Darjeeling hills. It is a beautiful spot for a perfect getaway! Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong are splendid places to holiday over a long weekend. Overlooking large tea estates and with narrow winding roads are these 3 hill stations. You can start from Gangtok; enjoy the cool breeze, the amazing tea estates and the meandering roads. All the places you can visit on this pleasant road trip are:
DARJEELING:
Around 97 kms from Gangtok is Darjeeling, one of the most relaxing and pleasant places for travellers. The vast stretch of fresh green tea gardens and mighty Kanchenjunga towering in the north gives this town a very serene vibe. Travel on the toy train and visit the Tiger Hill, the Peace Pagoda, the Happy Valley tea gardens and many more!
KALIMPONG:
50 kms away from Darjeeling is Kalimpong, a peaceful little town. Enjoy the beautiful vistas and the amazing weather. You can also visit various places like the Deolo Hill, the Cactus Nursery and the Golf Course.
KURSEONG:
Only 30 kms from Darjeeling is this sleepy little town of Kurseong. It has a bustling little market with winding train tracks of the toy train. This hill station is literally a small one but the view from here is amazing! Visit the Eagles Crag, Dow Hill, Deer Park and Chimney.
MIRIK:
45 kms from Kurseong is Mirik, again a small hill station known for its secluded and serene aura. Don’t forget to visit Sumendu Lake and enjoy the pleasant climate of this place.
If you don’t want to travel to Gangtok, you can visit the Darjeeling Hill from Siliguri, West Bengal too. Since you’re going to be surrounded by tea plantations on this entire road trip, you’re going to come back refreshed!
6. Uttarakhand Road Trip
Best Time to visit Uttarakhand: March – June or October – February (for winters)
Experiences En Route: Get spiritual at Kathgodam, enjoy the rich variety of flora and fauna and the amazing weather at Ranikhet, Kausani and Binsar and take in the beauty of ‘Little Kashmir’- Munsiyari.
Known for its ancient temples, massive Himalayas, holy rivers, old scriptures and splendid scenery, Uttarakhand makes a good place to go on a long road trip. You can begin from Kathgodam and drive your way up to Munsiyari. Depending on how many days you have, you can choose where you would like to stop over and explore the hill stations. Munsiyari is around 275 kms away from Kathgodam but you can cover this distance by stopping at beautiful hill stations. So here are the places you will travel to:
KATHGODAM:
Your starting point, Kathgodam attracts a large number of devotees because it is close to two very beautiful temples, Sheetla Devi and Kali Chaud.
NAINITAL:
If you don’t want to start from Kathgodam, you could start your trip from Nainital. Nainital is just 23 kms from Kathgodam. Nainital is a popular hill station and is quite picturesque. Nainital has numerous places where you can sightsee the Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Naini Peak and many more attractions. Do stop here for at least a few hours.
RANIKHET:
Approximately 56 km from Nainital; it’s a tiny hill station in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Ranikhet means “Queens Meadow” in Hindi and is really a very beautiful place. In winters, you can enjoy the chilly weather and the Himalayan vistas. The weather is very pleasant from March till October.
Kausani is 60 kms from Ranikhet. It’s a quaint hill station overlooking the breathtaking Nanda Devi range. The climate is either pleasant or slightly cold. Kausani is a must visit! It’s a perfect place where you can sit back, relax or recharge and refresh by going on long walks or hikes through the jungles.
BINSAR:
Binsar is about 72 kms from Kausani. It’s at an altitude of 2420 meters and is quite lovely. You can view the gorgeous snow-clad peaks of Himalaya from here and on a clear day spot the sacred shrines at Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Surrounded by a dense forest, Binsar has a good variety of various species of flora and fauna. If you love hiking, trekking and going on long walks then you MUST go to Binsar.
MUNSIYARI:
Munsiyari is 172 kms of long scenic drive from Binsar. Popularly known as ‘Little Kashmir’, it is a magnet for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. A number of treks into the Himalayas begin from here as Munsiyari acts as a base camp. If you’re not much into trekking, you can enjoy the majestic view of the snow-capped peaks and the peace and serenity that this hill station offers.
7. Guwahati to Kaziranga and Cherrapunji
Best time to visit Cherrapunji: October – May.
Experiences En Route: Spot the Tiger stripes or the horn of a Rhino amongst the tall grasses at the Kaziranga National Park. Go sightseeing in Shillong and enjoy the romantic rainy weather of Cherrapunji.
A fun and pleasant road trip through the tea state of Assam and cloudy Meghalaya anyone? This road trip can be highly refreshing and beautiful. Assam and Meghalaya are located in the eastern part of India and are quite lovely! You can begin your journey from the capital of Assam, Guwahati and drive your way through to Shillong and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. If you want to enjoy an amazing weather and splendid landscapes, then this road trip should be a part of your top 10 road trips through India. All the places you’ll visit are:
GUWAHATI:
Guwahati is the biggest metropolitan city in northeast India. It is the main entry point from where you can explore other parts of Assam. There are lots of tourist spots here like Umananda temple, Kamakhya temple, Chandubi Lake, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and more.
KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK:
Ready to be wowed by wildlife and nature? Kaziranga is a MUST visit if you’re going to Assam. Spend at least one night and two days here. It’s a World Heritage Site that preserves the Great One-horned Rhinoceroses. It’s also known to have the largest density of Tigers. The Kaziranga National Park is very well-maintained. Covered in elephant grass and dense forest, Kaziranga can make a fun trip with friends and family. You can ride on majestic elephants or go on an adventurous safari; this trip is going to leave you exhilarated and fresh!
SHILLONG:
Then after a long 255 km drive from Kaziranga, you’ll enter the ‘the abode of clouds’ – Meghalaya! Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya; also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’. Shillong is a fascinating city with a lot of interesting places to visit. So make sure you visit the Elephant falls, Shillong Peak, Bishop and Beadon falls, Sweet falls and some really good museums. Stay at Shillong for a night or two since it has quite a lot of places to see.
CHERRAPUNJI:
Welcome to the second wettest place on Earth! 53 kms south of Shillong, Cherrapunji is known to receive rain throughout the year. You can do a lot of fun adventure activities here like trekking, especially the one that goes to the double-decker living root bridge in Nongriat or you can go camping, try rock climbing and river canyoning. Also, don’t forget to visit the beautiful Nohsngithiang waterfalls and we promise that you will never forget your trip to Cherrapunji because it’s so different yet enchanting!
This road trip would be perfect with family or friends or even as a romantic getaway! You’ll explore so much on this road trip! So don’t miss out on this one!
8. The North Sikkim Trip
Best time to visit Sikkim: Mid September – Mid October
Experiences En Route: Visit the sacred Phodong Monastery, enjoy the amazing landscapes at Lachung and Yumthang valley, wallow in the isolated hamlet of Lachen and visit the holy Gurudongmar Lake.
North Sikkim district is the least populous district in India. It shares its borders with the Republic of China and hence most of the area is isolated and not allowed to venture into. But there are a few amazing places here where tourists are allowed and are worth visiting! North Sikkim is very close to the mountains and hence has an up close and breathtaking view of the Himalayas. The climate is cold but very pleasant during summers. You can start this road trip from Gangtok and drive all the way north to see the second highest lake in India, Gurudongmar Lake. So here is the list of places you can stop over at:
PHODONG MONASTERY:
This monastery is only 30 kms away from Gangtok so if you’re interested in knowing the culture and heritage of this place, do visit this monastery!
CHUNGTHANG:
This town is the middle ground between Lachen and Lachung. So, you can stop over here to eat or just sightsee if you like.
LACHUNG:
A quaint little hamlet with gurgling streams, apple orchards and encircled by massive snow-capped peaks is Lachung. Its 95 kms from Gangtok. You can stay over here for at least a night; Lachung has a lot of hotels so accommodation is not an issue. Don’t forget to visit the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.
YUMTHANG VALLEY:
32 kms from Lachung is the Yumthang Valley, also known as the Valley of flowers. This valley is truly a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. It’s filled with vibrant flowers during April and May and is covered in a dense forest of Silver Fir and Pine. Keep your eyes wide open while driving through this valley because you’ll see meandering streams and beautiful waterfalls.
LACHEN:
Lachen is smaller than Lachung but is as beautiful! Its only 25 kms from Chungthang and is very isolated, scantily populated and hence is very appealing to those who want to a few days away from noisy places. It’s also the gateway to the holy lakes: Gurudongmar and Lhamu Tso. Many treks and camps begin from Lachen. So if you’re interested in a little adventure, do stop here.
GURUDONGMAR LAKE:
Located at the altitude of 17,800 ft., this lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. Gurudongmar Lake is named after the great Guru Padmasambhava who introduced Buddhism in northeast India, Tibet and Bhutan. Hence, it’s considered sacred. It’s fed by the glacial water and is surrounded by snow peaks. Driving till here could be a little tiresome but the destination is worth it!
Very few people actually go for this road trip, so you must go for this one! If you want a peaceful break among the mountains and picture-perfect landscapes, then this is the road trip you must take.
9. Chandigarh to Shimla and Kinnaur
Best time to visit Kinnaur: April – October
Experiences En Route: Go sightseeing and shopping at Shimla, enjoy the countryside at Sangla, Sarahan and more, wander through the apple orchards and cold deserts of Kinnaur.
You can start this road trip from either Delhi or Chandigarh. If you have a long weekend then this is a perfect getaway! Drive your way through the beautiful mountains, passes, valleys and forests, enjoy the chilly weather and have a good time with your family. These are the places you’ll visit on this road trip:
SHIMLA:
Shimla is 130 kms away from Chandigarh. Go sightseeing and shop at the Mall road or at The Ridge. There are a lot of places to see in Shimla. So, stay here for a day or two.
SARAHAN:
Sarahan is 151 kms from Shimla that is a 6 hours drive. You’ll pass Kufri, Narkanda and Rampur on the way so you can stopover at one of these places if you like. Sarahan is highly picturesque since its located halfway up a mountain. Sarahan paints a perfect picture of a sleepy hamlet with apple orchards, little cottages and lush meadows. It’s a good place to relax and rejuvenate.
SANGLA:
Sangla is one of the most beautiful valleys of Himachal. It’s about 85 kms from Sarahan. Try to spend a night here in one of the camps. In the morning visit the Kamru fort and Chitkul village.
KALPA:
Before going to Kinnaur you could stop at Kalpa if you like. Kalpa is the main village of Kinnaur so you can stay over one night here.
KINNAUR:
Kinnaur is nature at its best. It has lush green orchards and vineyards and on the other end, it has vast cold deserts too. Kinnaur has a bountiful supply of flora and fauna. So make sure you spend at least a night here at its main village Kalpa and explore for a day or two.
If you have a long weekend ahead then go for this Road trip. Visit the lesser-known towns like Sangla and Sarahan so you’re not cramped up in a hill station thronged by tourists. Have a good time at the beautiful district of Kinnaur. Come back with new and beautiful memories!
10. Road Trip to the Kingdom of Bhutan
Best time to visit Bhutan: March – May or September – November
Experiences En Route: Drive from one country to another, see the change of landscapes, Enjoy the scenic beauty of Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu. Experience the Bhutanese culture at Thimphu and visit numerous monasteries like the Tiger’s Nest.
Bhutan is a beautiful little country landlocked between India and China. The best part about Bhutan Tourism for Indians is that you don’t need any effort or paperwork for the visa. As soon as you enter the country, a visa will be given to you. All you need to bring is a photo ID.
You can enter Bhutan from 3 points; choose the one that is closer for you or the one you prefer. Most frequently travelled road is through Phuntsholing.
PHUNTSHOLING:
Phuntsholing is almost adjoining Jaipong, India’s border town. If you’re in West Bengal, drive from Siliguri, which is only 150 kms away from Phuntsholing. The drive to Phuntsholing is quite scenic and the weather is usually pleasant. The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu is again 150 kms from Phuntsholing so you could stop over here if you like.
SAMDRUP JONGKHAR:
Samdrup Jongkhar meets India at Assam. So you could start from Guwahati which is only 4-5 hours drive (185 kms) away from Samdrup Jongkhar. Samdrup Jongkhar is a little far from Thimphu but you can traverse through some districts like Mongar, Trongsa and Punakha and sightsee before you reach Thimphu. Halt for a night at one of these cities.
GELEPHU:
Gelephu also touches Assam near Bongaigaon. So start from Guwahati which is 225 kms away. You can stay here for a night and then continue travelling towards Thimphu, which is 240 kms far.
Once you’re in Bhutan, visit all the important cities like Thimphu and Paro; also go to different monasteries and soak up the spirituality and serenity of Bhutan. Try and go around the time of a festival so that you can celebrate with the natives and try some authentic Bhutanese food like Ema Datshi, Momos, Red Rice, Yak milk tea and more! The natives of Bhutan are extremely welcoming and are known to be very cheerful! (Thanks to the Gross National Happiness).
A road trip to Bhutan will be a new experience because it is a road trip from one country to another! You can observe and experience the changes in the landscape, people, culture and so much more! Make sure you make this trip.
Now that you have so many choices, you can plan a fun road trip with your family and friends. Don’t forget to have fun and be adventurous!
There is probably no better way to experience the charming local lifestyle, stunning vistas and rugged cliffs of India’s varied landscape than from behind the wheel. Driving across the country allows you to experience the best that India has to offer, not the usual metropolitan cities, but the real ‘off-the-beaten-path’ destinations that will have you exclaiming in excitement, “Wow, I can’t believe this place actually exists!” Often accompanied by fearless cattle meandering along all over the place, and characterized with unique, rare and unexplored landscape; road trips in India is the definitive way of discovering the real India. From lonely and secluded Himalayan roads to serene and tranquil coastal roads, picking which routes you want to explore might be tough because there are so many good ones, which is why we are here to steer you in the right direction. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on one (or more) of these 5 amazing road trips in India.
1) Manali Leh highway
Route: Manali – Rohtang Pass – Tandi – Keylong – Jispa – Zing Zing Bar – Baralacha La (Pass) – Bharatpur – Sarchu – Ghata loops – Nakee La – LachuLung La – Pang – More Plains – Tanglang La – Upshi – Karu- Leh (Khardung La)
A paradise for everyone in love with the wanderlust of open highways, mountains and beautiful rivers, this patch of road guarantees a thrilling adventure. A journey that takes you from the plains of India to the world’s highest motorable road, this is an excursion everyone should embark upon once during his or her lifetime. The highway passes through the Pir Panjal Range, The Great Himalayan range, The Zanskar Range and finally the Ladakh Range and crosses two river basins and several high passes. The landscape changes dramatically as you head from the green valleys of Kullu and Manali to the barren and brown shaded areas of Chandra and make your way through Lahaul Valley into the cold desert of Ladakh. The road is a tributary to the ancient silk route and now is used as an important highway by the Indian army. BBC, Lonely Planet and Fox Traveller have rated this as one of the world’s best road trip and definitely not without a reason.
Several tourists take the Manali-Leh highway on bikes and SUVs to reach the world’s highest motorable road. Some take the usual route of regular tourists, while some adventure freaks enjoy this beautiful road on a Jeep Safari in a totally different manner. They go not as tourists but as travellers, enjoying every slice of their journey, be it camping at Pangong Lake or even getting stuck in road blocks! Fun on the road trip starts here. Rest assured, we guarantee you a ride of your lifetime!
The road to nirvana starts here as the road is beautifully lined with mountains on all the sides and the landscape looks nothing less than as if painted by the God himself.
2) The Konkan Delight – National Highway 17
Route: Mumbai to Goa.
Probably every Mumbaikar has been on this 582 km stretch of well-built highway. This road connects Panvel, near Mumbai to Kochi, passing through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Karnataka. National Highway 17 is also known as the Mumbai-Goa Highway and is the 7th longest highway in India with 1,296 km of stretch. The road winds through forests, hills, rivulets, rivers and streams generally flowing westwards towards Arabian Sea. You also get a beautiful view of paddy fields and coconut trees that follows you throughout this beautiful landscape.
3) The Wild West – Golden triangle
Route: Delhi-Jaipur-Agra-Delhi .
Travel on the historic Golden triangle (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur). This highway is packed with historic places and marvels, signifiers of the ancient cultural heritage of India. You can also travel the desert wilderness circuit of Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer. For those inclined towards getting up, close and personal with rare and endangered wildlife, go for the exotic Jaipur-Ranthambore road, that gives you an opportunity to get a glimpse of majestic tigers and the beautiful green landscape of Rajasthan.
4) The Potpourri Highway
Route: Chennai-Pondicherry East Coast Road.
The 113 km east coast road in Tamil Nadu built along the coast of Bay of Bengal connects Chennai with Pondicherry. The highway runs along the Bay of Bengal, which glistens in the sunlight. Also, the road is dotted with facilities like luxury resorts, food joints, tourist spots and places of interest and adventure sport arenas. This road is also well known as the ‘Potpourri highway’.
5) The Road to Kanchenjunga
Route: Gangtok-Yuksom.
A beautiful road in the lap of the eastern Himalayas starts at Gangtok passing the beautiful snow capped mountains of east. Take this road to Yuksom for views of the mighty Kanchenjunga or head east towards the Nathu La pass, where India and China are just a millimeter away.
From majestic mountains and the cold weather, the green coastal plains and golden-hued deserts, India has it all. If you truly want to experience the real India and get close to the diversity all across, then a road trip is a must! Pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of your lifetime.
