This adventurous road trip takes you through the stunning landscapes of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. You’ll drive through iconic passes, high-altitude villages, cold deserts, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient monasteries, experiencing a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
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Begin your 7–8 hour scenic drive (200 km) from Dehradun to Sankri. The route winds through Mussoorie, pine forests, and the Tons River valley. Reach the charming village of Sankri by evening and settle into a homestay or guesthouse. Briefing and dinner follow.
Start your 4 km trek through dense pine and oak forests, often snow-dusted in winter. Reach Juda Ka Talab in 3–4 hours – a tranquil alpine lake that freezes over in winter. Set up camp and enjoy stargazing in the clear Himalayan sky.
Ascend through thinning forest into open meadows with dwarf rhododendrons. The 4 km trail reveals stunning views of Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini peaks. Reach base camp by early afternoon to acclimatize and rest. Watch the sunset light up Kedarkantha peak in pink and orange hues.
Begin early in the dark with headlamps. A steep 3.5 km climb brings you to the summit at sunrise, where 360° views of snow peaks await. Spend 30–40 minutes soaking it in, then descend to base camp for breakfast. Continue downhill to Juda Ka Talab for a peaceful night.
Descend 4 km through forests back to Sankri (2–3 hours). After breakfast and goodbyes, drive 7–8 hours to Dehradun via the same scenic route. Expect to reach by early evening, marking the end of your snowy Himalayan escape.
The ideal time is June to September, when mountain passes like Rohtang, Baralacha La, and Khardung La are open and weather conditions are stable. Roads remain closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.
Yes, but it’s essential to acclimatize properly. The route is designed with rest days and gradual elevation gain to reduce the risk of AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness).
Yes. Inner Line Permits (ILPs) are required for Nubra, Pangong, Hanle, and Umling La. These can be arranged online or through a travel agent in Leh. Carry photocopies for checkpoints.
You’ll stay in a mix of hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and fixed camps. Facilities in remote areas like Hanle and Sumdo are basic but clean and warm.
Not everywhere. Leh, Manali, and Nubra have limited connectivity (mostly BSNL, Airtel, Jio). Remote regions like Hanle and Umling La have little to no network coverage.
Not everywhere. Leh, Manali, and Nubra have limited connectivity (mostly BSNL, Airtel, Jio). Remote regions like Hanle and Umling La have little to no network coverage.
A SUV or 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended due to rough terrain, river crossings, and steep mountain roads. Sedans are not suited for sections like Shyok, Changthang, or Umling La.