Manali to Atal Tunnel and Sissu
While the classic Manali-Leh highway closes for winter, the opening of the Atal Tunnel has unlocked a breathtaking new winter corridor. This drive takes you from the bustling town of Manali through the Solang Valley and into the 9.02-kilometre tunnel.
When you emerge on the other side, you enter the Lahaul Valley, a landscape transformed into a tranquil world of white. The journey to Sissu, approximately 40 km from Manali, offers views of frozen rivers and pristine snowfields. This route is perfect for experiencing the high-altitude Himalayan winter without the multi-day commitment of longer expeditions. However, conditions can be tricky; after heavy snowfall, police may restrict travel to 4x4 vehicles with snow chains, and the road may temporarily close. It’s a manageable but thrilling drive that has become a winter favourite.
The Drive to Auli, Uttarakhand
Known as India’s premier skiing destination, the journey to Auli is as spectacular as the place itself. The drive, typically from Rishikesh or Haridwar, winds through the Garhwal Himalayas, offering incredible views of peaks like Nanda Devi. The final stretch from Joshimath to Auli is a steep, 16-km ascent. In winter, especially from late December onwards, this road is often covered in snow, making it a challenging and exciting drive. Local 4x4 vehicles are often recommended for the final ascent after heavy snowfall. The reward is a winter wonderland with slopes perfect for skiing and landscapes that are a photographer’s dream. Driving at night is strongly discouraged due to sharp turns and icy patches. Planning an overnight stay in Joshimath is a common strategy to break the long journey.
Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake, Sikkim
This drive in East Sikkim is a journey to the heavens. The 40-km road from Gangtok to Tsomgo Lake climbs to an altitude of 12,300 feet. In winter, the route is a mesmerising spectacle of snow-covered terrain. The lake itself freezes over, creating a magical, crystalline expanse. The drive is challenging, with steep curves and potentially slippery conditions, so it’s mandatory to hire a local vehicle with an experienced driver. Self-driving is not permitted for tourists in this protected area, and permits are required for all visitors. Many travellers continue to Baba Mandir or even Nathu La Pass on the Indo-China border, weather and permits allowing. A yak ride on the frozen lake or a trip on the ropeway offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.
Narkanda to Sangla, Himachal Pradesh
For those looking to venture beyond the usual Shimla-Kufri circuit, the drive from Narkanda towards the Sangla Valley in Kinnaur is an excellent choice. This 160-km route takes you along the Sutlej River into one of Himachal’s most beautiful and less-crowded valleys. In winter, the forests around Narkanda are draped in snow, and the drive towards Sangla offers stunning vistas of the Kinner Kailash peak. While the road is open for most of the year, it offers a true sense of remote Himalayan adventure in the winter months. The snow-covered apple orchards and quiet villages create a serene and picturesque landscape, making it a rewarding drive for those seeking solitude and raw natural beauty.
The Ultimate Expedition: Shimla to Spiti Valley
This is the holy grail of winter road trips in India, a journey for the most dedicated and prepared adventurers. While the Manali-Kaza road is completely shut in winter, the route via Shimla and Kinnaur remains Spiti’s only lifeline. This expedition is not for the faint of heart. Temperatures in Kaza can plummet to -25°C or lower, and the roads can be treacherous with black ice and sudden closures due to snowfall. A well-prepared 4x4 vehicle, an experienced local driver, and several buffer days are non-negotiable. The reward is a landscape unlike any other on earth: a frozen desert of stark, monumental beauty, with ancient monasteries clinging to cliffs and villages blanketed in absolute silence. It’s a trip that demands respect for the mountains but offers an unforgettable adventure.
