India is full of dust, dirt and heat. A place where travellers fight for space on crowded trains and traffic-choked streets. And that’s it, isn’t it? No! Venture north, past the teeming cities, through the green lowlands and up onto the roof of the world, to visit the 6 best Himalayan destinations in India for overlanding adventures.
Himalayan India is a startling contrast to the rest of the country, and the only way to really get to know this are is by travelling through it. From culture to mountain biking, paragliding to trekking and rafting to religion there are also plenty of reasons to visit, and opportunities in the mountains to try the best adventure sports in India.
6 Best Himalayan Destinations in India
Options for India Overlanding Adventures
Buses easily connect the larger towns in India, including towns in the Himalaya mountains. But they just take you from A to B and won’t take you to the heart of the mountains, or stop at every scenic spot.
Plenty of travel companies offer overland trips around the Indian Himalaya, in buses or jeeps. But they are often just part of a trekking holiday in the Himalaya, and may not fit your needs. For a tailor-made itinerary, you can often hire a private car and driver, which is a surprisingly cheap option.
The most adventurous – and most fun – option is to hire your own vehicle. A jeep or other 4×4 is the best option, allowing you access to the more isolated areas. Motorbike hire is another option. Whichever you choose, you’ll need to be a confident and experienced driver as the narrow mountain passes are no place to be nervous behind the wheel.
6 Best Himalayan Overlanding Adventures in India
Below are the top mountain destinations for adventure when overlanding in India. At all of these you’ll find exciting activities and scenic drives linking the towns together.
Manali
Many travellers start their Himalayan adventure in Manali, a chilled out place with a hippy vibe. It is a jumble of guesthouses and travel companies, backed by forests and snow-capped peaks. From here you can trek the enchanting Hampta Pass, paraglide over the Solang Valley, or white-water rafting on the Beas River.
Leh
From June to September, the road from Manali to Leh is open. It’s the world’s second highest road, taking around two days to navigate. It’s a stunning drive through rocky moonscapes, tiny Buddhist villages, and heart-stopping valleys.
Leh, in Ladakh, is a bustling, friendly little town which welcomes visitors, perhaps because they’re cut off from the outside world for so much of the year. From paragliding in Leh to rafting Zanskar River there is a lot to do. The challenging Markha Valley and Chadar Treks are incredible or you can cycle or drive along some of the world’s highest roads.
Srinagar
From Leh, the road continues to Srinagar, but political conditions in the disputed Kashmir region can make following that route unsafe. Check out the latest India travel advice on the FCO website for more info.
Srinagar is the gateway to Gulmarg, where you can ski and snowboard in the winter or hike, bike and climb in the summer. There is stunning trekking through the lush valleys of Sonamarg and Gulmarg. Plus white-water rafting on the Lidder River and kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding on the serene Dal Lake are a lot of fun.
Dharamsala
Heading away from the Kashmir dispute to Dharamsala, one of the best Himalayan destinations in India for overlanding adventures. As the home of the Dalai Lama, it is a fascinating place and ticks off the culture box.
Dharamsala combines its breathtaking Himalayan backdrop with plenty of adventure activities. Whether it’s trekking to Triund, paragliding in the Kangra Valley, or exploring the mystical forests of McLeod Ganj, when you overland in the Indian Himalaya be sure to visit.
Shimla
Set in majestic hills, Shimla was once the British Raj’s summer capital and is another playground for outdoor activities. From hiking the scenic trails of Jakhoo Hill and Naldehra to white water rafting on the Sutlej River, there is plenty to do.
Joshimath
Joshimath, in the Garhwal Himalayas, is a centre of the Badrinath pilgrimage. It is also the jumping off point for treks through the Valley of Flowers, which are carpeted in orchids and poppies in summer. In the winter there is skiing and snowboarding available nearby.
Top Indian Himalaya Overlanding Destinations
The Indian Himalayas are a magical and diverse place. High altitude deserts, thick snow and lush forests can all be seen within a couple of days of each other. And all of it can be enjoyed with a stunning backdrop as you travel across the roof of the world.
Adventure sports fans will find plenty to keep them occupied in the Indian Himalayas. And all the activities, combined with incredible views and clear air, is enough to keep most people smiling.
We hope you found this guide to the best Himalayan destinations in India for overlanding adventures useful. Be sure to check out our India overlanding guide for more information.
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