5 must-do road tips in India for mountain lovers

If your idea of a perfect trip involves twisting roads, misty pine forests, and a playlist that somehow sounds better at 7,000 ft, welcome to the club. India’s mountains are as diverse as they are dramatic, and the best way to explore them? Four wheels, a full tank, and zero fixed plans.

Here are 5 epic road trips in India every mountain lover should take at least once. Just don’t forget the motion sickness pills, and a killer playlist.

Distance: 475 km | Duration: 2 days minimum
This one’s a rite of passage. Cutting through snow deserts, sky-high passes, and surreal moonscapes, the Manali–Leh highway is nothing short of legendary. Cross Rohtang, Baralacha, and Tanglang La, all while wondering if you have reached Mars. Vibe here is rugged, remote, breathtaking.

Distance: 424 km | Duration: 2–3 days
Twisting through thick forests, frozen lakes, and old-world monasteries, this Arunachal Pradesh road trip is a full sensory treat. The climb to Tawang via Sela Pass is a mix of prayer flags and adrenaline. The vibe you get here is spiritual with a hint of snowfall.

Distance: 411 km | Duration: 2–3 days
Want a mix of adventure and stark Himalayan beauty? The road to Spiti is full of dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and villages that time forgot. Stop at Kalpa, Nako, and Tabo for an experience that’s both soul-stirring and slightly terrifying.

Distance: 245 km | Duration: 6–7 hours

If you're a mountain lover down south, this Western Ghats road trip is your perfect escape. Think misty hills, rolling coffee estates, and hairpin bends tailor-made for lazy Sunday drives, Chikmagalur delivers serenity, scenery, and a serious caffeine kick.

Distance: 292 km | Duration: 9–10 hours
Winding through Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region, this road to Auli is equal parts pine forests, prayer flags, and Himalayan drama. Ideal in winter for skiing, and just as magical in summer when the slopes turn into rolling meadows. Cool winds, quiet roads, and the distant jingle of sheep bells are waiting for you.
India’s mountain roads are more about what happens in between. The unexpected waterfalls, the roadside stalls serving soul-saving Maggi, the clouds that casually drift across your windshield, and so much more. If you love these bits while travelling check if any of these routes suit you.