Kasol, HP

destination

Kasol

If you’re flying from outside the country, fly to the country’s capital Delhi and onward to the city of Chandigarh or directly to Chandigarh (based on flight availability). The drive from Chandigarh to Kasol is about 8 hours, over 280 kms (174 miles) and is filled with winding roads and peek-a-boo views of the hills. Kasol, a hippie-esque hamlet in Himachal Pradesh is the Himalayan hotspot for backpackers and is the base for several treks! There’s also an annual music festival. (3-4 days recommended)

Sissu, HP

destination

Sissu

A small valley town in Himachal Pradesh, about 164kms (100 miles) from Kasol, it’s quiet and beautiful and the perfect transition spot for your next drive. This quiet town doesn’t have a lot of tourists, or facilities but is important to break your long drives. (overnight stay recommended)

outdoors

Tso Moriri

This is a major halt point in the Himalayas, on the boundary between HP & J&K and offers a range of tented accommodation along with pristine views of the state’s gorgeous landscapes. It is also the base for the famous Zanskar trek (Ladakh). The drive is about 136kms (85 miles). (overnight stay recommended)

Leh

outdoors

Leh

Lake Moriri is the largest of the high altitude lakes entirely within Indian and an important stopover, about 180 kms from Sarchu. It’s gorgeous, and it’s blue reflective waters are unreal! (overnight stay recommended)

destination

Nubra Valley

The first part of the road trip which takes you to a more populated, tourist friendly city, the drive is about 220kms (136 miles). One of our favourite cities in the country it has the happiest locals, best food and plenty of great stay-over options. (Stay as long as you need, but 3-5 days is a win)

destination

Pangong Tso

About 160 kms (100 miles) from Leh City, the capital Diskit town is a hotspot for locales. The valley of Nubra is home to a town called Turtuk, is an un-touched, quiet town only opened to tourists in 2010. Only for those who treasure and treat the towns they travel to with great care, and respect, add this to your road trip only if you’re willing to keep its beauty and story close to your heart.