If you are a passionate cyclist and eagerly await the end of the lockdown to resume biking, we understand you. Currently, we are unable to ride our bikes, but we can indulge in reading about the scenic biking routes in India and imagine crossing them off our bucket lists once COVID-19 is no longer a concern. For those who love to wander and dream, India offers the most ideal routes. The thrill of discovering new cultures and mystical lands on your bicycle is incomparable to any other joy in the world. The idea of cycling on an endless road entices the childlike spirit within you to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
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There are numerous bikers who choose Leh Ladakh as their biking destination, which is truly remarkable. However, there are plenty of other captivating motorbiking journeys in India that are worth discovering.
Here are some of the most adored and picturesque motorbike routes in India, listed without any specific order:
1. Delhi To Leh Through Manali – Leh And Leh – Srinagar Highway
Undoubtedly, the most popular route in India. This is the desired ride for many, as the scenery along this route is breathtaking. You will encounter vibrant blue skies, vibrant rainbows, and shimmering lakes that seem magical. This entire route is enchanting and will leave you captivated. Beauty upon beauty. You will pass through Chandigarh, Manali, and eventually reach the stunning Jispa. This route offers everything one could desire in a motorcycle adventure tour, from long, flat highways to challenging mountain passes and river crossings. You will conquer formidable passes like Rohtang La, Baralacha La, Tanglang La, Chang La, Zoji La, and the mighty Khardung La, which is known as the highest motorable pass in the world, along with several other noteworthy low and high passes. This extraordinary motorcycle adventure will take you through dreamlike locations such as Manali, Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Leh, Kargil, Dras, and Srinagar. Your entire journey will be filled with beauty every single minute of it.
2. Cliffhanger Route-Sach Pass
If you are a fan of thrilling adventures, then this is the perfect option for you! Sach Pass is a pass located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh that is situated at a high altitude of 4,420 meters. It serves as a connection between Chamba valley and Pangi valley. The pass is accessible from June or early July until mid-October. The roads are narrow and not paved. The terrain is rough, the road is uneven, and the weather can be unpredictable. It acts as the entrance to the Pangi Valley. You can choose to enter this route from Kishtwar in Kashmir, Chamba, or Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Due to the challenging riding conditions and intimidating cliffs, this route is affectionately referred to as the “Cliffhanger Route”. If you are interested in taking a less-traveled path, with a majority of the journey consisting of dirt and mud tracks, then Sach Pass is an excellent choice.
3. Spiti And Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh
Spiti is a valley located in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh in India. This mountainous region is a cold desert with stunning valleys, beautiful landscapes, vast snowfields, sunlit snow-capped peaks, and breathtaking glaciers. It is often compared to Ladakh. The entire journey through this valley will leave you amazed. The usual access to Spiti is from Shimla via Rampur and Pooh, or from Manali by crossing the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass. The route from Shimla is open all year round and is popular for thrilling snow rides. However, the route from Manali is closed during winter due to heavy snowfall on the high passes. Spiti attracts fewer tourists compared to Leh and is relatively less crowded, which is a positive aspect. As you travel through Spiti, you will come across scattered villages, while the pristine Spiti River will be your constant companion. The entire route offers breathtaking scenery.
4. Guwahati in Assam to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang, also referred to as Dawang, offers a combination of natural beauty and spirituality that will impress you. The journey from Guwahati to Tawang provides stunning views, with the ride through Assam showcasing picturesque farmlands and forests until reaching Arunachal Pradesh. As you enter India’s northeastern-most state, you will encounter winding mountainous roads with sharp turns. Around 80% of Arunachal Pradesh is covered in untouched forests and mountains, giving you a sense of being in a pristine environment untouched by humans. Tawang, connected to the rest of India through the Sela Pass, holds historical significance as a town along the Silk Route and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our border guards. The Gudpi and Chong-Chugmi ranges, Tawang chu River, and Tawang valley offer breathtaking natural beauty and a sense of tranquility.
5. Sikkim
Super clean, full of greenery and ‘all organic’ since 2016, Sikkim entails plunging, super-steep valleys loaded with lush trees, rising in the north to the spectacular snow-laden eastern Himalayan peaks. Sikkim is also home to the world’s third-highest mountain, Khangchendzonga (8598m).
Experience the refreshing mountain breeze against your face as you journey towards the picturesque destination of Gangtok and continue on to the North Sikkim Plateau, where you will be left awe-struck by the breathtaking Gurudongmar Tso Lake. Situated at an impressive altitude of 5,425 m (17,800 ft), Gurudongmar Lake is among the highest lakes in the world and in India. Discover hidden treasures as you traverse towards Yumthang Zero Point, encountering abundant snow, winding paths, and perhaps even a frozen river. The entire route is adorned with stunning emerald alpine valleys and enchanting waterfalls. The entire region is alive with vibrant colors, from the monasteries and temples to the sky above, as well as the warm and welcoming locals.
6. Bhutan
Bhutan is an extraordinary destination, also known as Druk Yul, which translates to “Land of the Thunder Dragon”. It boasts a pristine landscape in the eastern Himalayas, where majestic snow-capped peaks tower over lush forests and charming villages. These villages are adorned with magnificent fortress-like dzongs and monasteries, many of which host breathtaking tsechus (dance festivals). Traveling along Bhutan’s west-east highway is both challenging and exhilarating. The entire road trip is characterized by winding roads that ascend and descend thousands of feet, providing an adrenaline rush. Some must-visit locations for riders in Bhutan include Phuentsholing, followed by Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, and the beautiful Phobijkha Valley. Along the way, you will encounter stunning valleys, ridges, and picturesque villages. The enchanting chants of monks and the gentle clinking of chimes in the monasteries will undoubtedly transport you to a mesmerizing state.
7. Bangalore To Kerala & Tamil Nadu
This road trip will offer a variety of experiences. Begin by traveling to the city of Pondicherry, known for its beautiful and pristine beaches. Explore the charming French colonies and their unique architecture. Continue on to Thanjavur, renowned for its art, paintings, and architectural wonders. Next, journey to Rameshwaram, a revered Hindu pilgrimage site famous for its beaches and temples. Afterward, visit Madurai, Munnar, and the picturesque Ooty. Indulge in the diverse flavors that you encounter along the way. Appreciate the lush greenery of tea plantations, as well as the serene backwaters and paddy fields. The entire route will captivate you, as Kerala truly lives up to its reputation as “God’s own country.”
9. Rajasthan Circuit
The Rajasthan Motorbike Tour offers an exciting adventure. Begin your journey in Mandawa, a charming town known for its beautiful haveli architecture. Discover the breathtaking view of the “Blue City” from Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. Experience the enchanting City of Lakes, Udaipur, with its mesmerizing sunsets. Visit the sacred land of Pushkar, renowned for its Brahma Temple. Conclude your trip in Jaipur, the vibrant “Pink City”. Throughout your journey, you will encounter majestic forts, castles, palaces, lively markets, desert villages, and friendly locals.
10. Uttarakhand
For those who love to travel, there is nothing more exciting than exploring the Himalayas on a bicycle. Devbhoomi, which means Land of Gods, is a place that offers untouched nature and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It is also home to numerous glaciers, including the famous Ganges. On this journey, you will start from Delhi and make your way to the enchanting town of Rishikesh. From there, you can continue to Chopta, where you can embark on the Chopta Chandrashila trek. The next destinations are Joshimath and Auli, a ski resort and hill station in the Himalayas. Along the way, you will pass through dense forests of coniferous and oak trees, and catch glimpses of the majestic Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains. Heading towards Kausani, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchchuli peaks. When you reach Binsar, be prepared to be amazed by the wildlife. Finally, you can ride to Jim Corbett National Park, with your cameras at the ready (but not while riding), before returning to Delhi with beautiful memories of your trip.
