The Approach to Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
For those new to winter driving in the mountains, the route from Shimla to Narkanda is an excellent starting point. Located just 65 km from Shimla, Narkanda is often blanketed in snow from December through March. The National Highway 5 road is generally
well-maintained and remains connected throughout the winter, unlike many higher passes. The drive takes you through dense deodar forests and offers stunning valley views. While the roads can be foggy or icy, they are wide enough for careful driving. This route provides a perfect taste of a Himalayan winter without the extreme challenges of more remote regions, making it ideal for a weekend escape.
The Snowy Gateway to Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is renowned as one of India’s premier ski destinations, and the road trip to get there is an adventure in itself. Perched at an altitude of 2,800 metres, the drive from Rishikesh or Haridwar takes you through a series of prayags (river confluences), including Devprayag and Rudraprayag. The final stretch to Joshimath, the base town for Auli, is where the challenge begins in winter. Roads can be covered in snow and ice, often requiring a local 4x4 taxi or the famous cable car for the last few kilometres up to Auli itself. The reward is a panoramic view of towering peaks like Nanda Devi and access to glittering ski slopes. Plan for at least a couple of days of travel each way.
Journey to the Eastern Frontier: Sela Pass, Arunachal Pradesh
For the truly adventurous, the drive to Tawang via Sela Pass is one of India's most spectacular road expeditions. Sela Pass, at an altitude of about 13,700 feet, serves as the gateway to the Tawang Valley. In winter, from December to February, the area receives heavy snowfall, transforming the landscape into a white wonderland. The famous Sela Lake often freezes solid, creating a mesmerising sheet of turquoise ice. While a new tunnel has made the journey more reliable, the old pass road offers dramatic scenery but can face temporary closures due to snow. This trip requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) and careful planning, with late November and early December often providing a good balance of snow and open roads.
The Silk Route Circuit via Gangtok, Sikkim
The route from Gangtok towards Nathu La and the old Silk Route offers a different flavour of Himalayan winter. The drive to Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) is a popular excursion. In deep winter, this glacial lake freezes completely, surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Continuing towards Nathu La, the Indo-China border pass, depends heavily on weather conditions and army permits, as the pass is often closed from December to March due to heavy snow. Even if Nathu La is inaccessible, the journey through the winding roads of East Sikkim provides incredible views of the Kanchenjunga range and a glimpse into the region’s strategic importance. Permits, arranged via local agents, are mandatory for this route.
Kashmir's Winter Corridor: Srinagar to Gulmarg
While many high passes in Kashmir are closed during winter, the short but stunning drive from Srinagar to Gulmarg is an absolute classic. This journey takes you past frozen streams, snow-dusted orchards, and quiet villages before ascending to the world-famous ski resort. The road is generally kept open but requires caution, and carrying snow chains is advisable. Gulmarg itself becomes a hub for winter sports, offering skiing and snowboarding against a backdrop of majestic peaks. The drive from Sonamarg to Gulmarg, passing through Srinagar, offers a more extended journey through the valley's enchanting winter landscape, though road accessibility from Sonamarg can be variable.
