8 epic mountain drives in India perfect for summer travel

India’s mountains offer a welcome escape from the summer heat, with winding roads that zoom through forests, valleys, and high-altitude deserts. All those love road trips, these mountain drives deserve a spot in their travel wishlist. From the Himalayas in the north to the Western Ghats in the south, these scenic drives combine dramatic landscapes with memorable travel experiences.

One of the most iconic high-altitude road journeys in the country, the Manali to Leh drive is a 475 km-long journey. This road is typically open from June to September. This road takes you through several high-altitude mountain passes such as the Rohtang Pass, which is now avoided through the Atal Tunnel, Baralacha La Pass, and Tanglang La Pass. Because of the high elevation, which is typically above 4,000 meters, it is important to acclimatize.

The route from Srinagar to Leh is considered slightly easier compared to the Manali-Leh highway. This is a preferred route for gradual acclimatization. This stretch of 420 km takes one through Sonamarg, Zoji La Pass, Dras (the coldest inhabited area in the world), and Kargil. The change from lush valleys to arid mountains is a visually appealing aspect of this trip.

This mountain drive would be short, but nothing short of spectacular. This remarkable drive from Gangtok to Nathula Pass takes one near the Indo-China border at an altitude of more than 4,300 m. The roads are well maintained, but the climb is steep with hairpin bends, providing a glimpse of the snow-capped mountains even in early summer. The permits are a must for Indian citizens, and the roads are open from May to October.

Beginning from Shimla, this road trip takes one deep into the remote areas of Spiti. The road through Kinnaur is accessible earlier in the season than the road through the Manali side. The traveler will witness deep gorges, roads built on cliffs, and ancient monasteries in the monastic villages of Tabo and Kaza. The terrain changes from green to cold desert, making it one of the most diverse road trips in the country.

The drive from Darjeeling to Sandakphu is one of the few mountain routes in India suited for vintage Land Rovers and rugged SUVs. Sandakphu, at 3,636 metres, is the highest point in West Bengal and offers panoramic views of four of the world’s five highest peaks, including Everest and Kanchenjunga. The route is steep and rocky, but the vistas are unmatched.

The drive from Munnar to Top Station, which is quite popular, passes through rolling tea gardens, misty hills, and pleasant summer weather. Situated near the Tamil Nadu border, Top Station is a great option to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley below. This drive is considerably easy compared to other mountain drives, especially those in the Himalayas, making it perfect for a leisurely summer drive.

While this is not as popular a route as the previous ones, it is still an interesting and worthwhile journey that takes you from Nainital to Munsiyari in the Kumaon region. The route takes you through Almora, Bageshwar, and Birthi Falls before finally giving you a glimpse of the Panchachuli mountain range. Munsiyari is a peaceful hill town in the mountains

The drive from Shillong to Cherrapunji (also known as Sohra) is a short one but is extremely picturesque. Famous for its rolling hills and valleys, this route is especially beautiful in early summer before the onset of the monsoon. The waterfalls such as Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters Falls are an added bonus.