Himalayan drives for the brave and bold

The Himalayas are many things, mystical, majestic, spiritual, but they’re definitely not gentle. Especially not when it comes to the roads that snake through their rugged terrain. Up here, scenic drive often translates to “hold-your-breath and hope-you-make-it kind of thrill. These are the roads that make both the driver and the steering wheel sweat. So, if you’ve got nerves of steel, a decent engine, and questionable judgment, here are some Himalayan drives made just for you.

This drive isn’t long, but it’s not for the faint of heart. You’ll start in the postcard-perfect town of Tawang and wind your way up to Bum La Pass, perched at a dizzying 15,200 ft. The road? Think part-tarmac, part-mudslide, part-cloud. There’s limited oxygen, limited visibility, and thrill of course. You’ll need a permit, a solid 4x4, and the ability to remain calm when your tyres screech with the edge of the mountain.

Located at 13,058 ft, the Rohtang Pass is the OG of Himalayan infamy. Slush, snow, landslides, and trucks playing chicken around blind curves are all part of the charm. And yet, people queue up for permits. If you make it past the madness, you’re rewarded with views of glacier lakes, and a silence so intense, it’s almost suspicious.

The road from Kalpa to Kaza via Nako and Tabo is more of an adventure than driving. There are stretches so narrow, one wrong turn could land you in a gorge named after you. No exaggeration. The landscape is otherworldly, barren cliffs, blue skies, and monasteries carved into rocks, but don’t get distracted. A momentary lapse in attention and it’s game over.

This one’s for the myth geeks. From the yoga capital of Rishikesh, drive through Joshimath, all the way to Mana, the last Indian village before the Tibet border. The road winds past roaring rivers, conifer forests, and lands that feel like the pages of an epic. You’ll cross Badrinath, spot temples in improbable places, and navigate a road that seems to get narrower the higher you go.

Welcome to Zuluk, where even the road signs look concerned. The ancient Silk Route that once connected India to Tibet now doubles as a nerve-wracking Himalayan drive. With 32 hairpin bends in just 14 km, it’s basically a roller coaster ride. But the payoff is insane: panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, endless prayer flags, and the kind of tranquility that comes after you survive what felt like near-death experiences.

Forget guardrails. The Shimla–Spiti route doesn't believe in them. If you enjoy the feeling of a vertical drop just inches away from your tyres, this one’s for you. You’ll pass through Kinnaur, where roads are etched into bare rock faces, and drive alongside the Spiti River as it froths violently below. The terrain flips from green to brown in a matter of hours. And, you’ll meet Buddhist monasteries older than most countries.