Manali to Sissu via Atal Tunnel, Himachal Pradesh
Once a formidable journey, the drive from Manali into the Lahaul Valley has been transformed by the Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel. This route offers one of the most accessible and dramatic snowy drives in India. You begin in the green, pine-scented
Kullu Valley and drive towards the tunnel's South Portal. The 9.02 km journey through the mountain is an experience in itself. You emerge on the other side into a completely different world: the stark, high-altitude desert landscape of Lahaul, which is often blanketed in thick snow from December through March. The road from the North Portal to Sissu is a smooth, winding ribbon of tarmac that cuts through a blindingly white landscape, with the frozen Chandra River for company. This drive allows you to experience a Himalayan winter wonderland without needing to cross the treacherous Rohtang Pass, making it a relatively safe and smooth adventure.
Guwahati to Tawang via Sela Pass, Arunachal Pradesh
Often overlooked, the journey to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is one of India's most rewarding road trips. The highlight of this drive is crossing the majestic Sela Pass, which sits at an elevation of about 13,700 feet. For much of the year, the pass is draped in snow, offering breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas. The highway winds through lush forests and river valleys before beginning the dramatic ascent to the pass. The road is famously winding, revealing new vistas at every turn. Near the summit lies the serene, often-frozen Sela Lake, adding to the ethereal beauty. While the new Sela Tunnel, inaugurated in 2024, now provides all-weather connectivity and bypasses the highest section, driving the old route over the pass remains a quintessential experience for travelers seeking that classic, high-altitude snow drive.
Srinagar to Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
While many Himalayan drives are about raw, rugged terrain, the 60 km journey from Srinagar to Gulmarg is about pure enchantment. Especially between December and February, this route transforms into a fairy-tale landscape. The drive takes you from the heart of Kashmir, ascending gently through charming villages and fields that are often dusted with snow. The final stretch from Tangmarg to Gulmarg is where the magic truly begins. The road winds steeply upwards, flanked by towering pine and fir trees laden with heavy snow, creating magnificent 'snow tunnels' to drive through. Gulmarg, known as the 'Meadow of Flowers', becomes a premier skiing destination in winter. The highway is well-maintained, making it a smooth and accessible drive for families and casual travelers looking to experience the iconic winter beauty of Kashmir.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
For a truly epic international driving experience, few roads can match the Grossglockner High Alpine Road in Austria. This 48-kilometer marvel of engineering is specifically designed for scenic driving, connecting the states of Salzburg and Carinthia. The road features 36 hairpin bends, climbing to an altitude of over 2,500 meters into the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park. Typically open from May to early November, the road is surrounded by snow for much of its operating season. Drivers are treated to panoramic views of Austria's highest mountain, the Grossgllockner, and the country's largest glacier, the Pasterze. The tarmac is immaculate, and numerous viewpoints, exhibitions, and restaurants line the route, making it a comfortable and unforgettable journey through a high-alpine world of rock and ice.
