Driving the most spectacular roads of India

Nestled in South Asia, India is a canvas of colors, sounds, and landscapes, and its roads serve as mesmerizing threads weaving through this intricate tapestry. Each route is not just a passage but a storyteller, chronicling tales of time, terrain, and tenacity.

The Grand Trunk Road, one of Asia's oldest and longest roads, whispers stories of empires, traders, and pilgrims from times immemorial. If you seek sheer adrenaline, brace yourself for the road from Kishtwar to Keylong, often touted as India's most harrowing road, where each turn can make even seasoned adventurers skip a heartbeat. Delve deeper into the mountains and the Spiti Valley Road awaits, a challenging path carved amidst raw, untamed beauty, giving 'off the beaten track' a whole new meaning. Then, for those who aim to quite literally reach dizzying heights, Umling La stands tall, crowned as the highest paved road on our planet, offering views that can make you feel on top of the world.

Journeying on India's roads isn't just about going from one point to another. It's about embracing its soul, understanding its contrasts, and marveling at both its ancient allure and present-day puzzle. So buckle up and embark on a drive through India, where every mile narrates a saga and every horizon beckons a new adventure.

Lanak La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.495m (18,028ft) above the sea level, located on the disputed region of Aksai Chin, on the border of India and China. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Zursair La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.960m (16,272ft) above the sea level, located in Leh District, Jammu and Kashmir in northern India.

Quidijiankela pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.047m (16,558ft) above the sea level, located on the Line of Actual Control between China (Tibet Autonomous Region) and India (Jammu and Kashmir).

The Kukshow Road is a scary and dangerous mountain road located in Ladakh, in India.

Apharwat Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.165m (13,664ft) above the sea level, located in the Baramulla district of the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, close to the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan.

Salsal La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.201m (17,063ft) above the sea level, located in south-eastern Ladakh, in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Medo La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.915m (19,406ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and India. It’s one of the world's highest motorable roads.

Key La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.669m (18,600ft) above the sea level, located in Ladakh, in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state. It’s one of the highest roads of the country. Altitude sickness is a common phenomenon here, so you are suggested not to stay there for more than 20 minutes.

Jianan Daban is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.360m (17,585ft) above the sea level, located in Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir region of India. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Rightly name ‘The Detroit Of India,’ Chennai contributes to one-third of India’s total automobile industry and is also home to the popular Tamil film industry. However, it still attracts many tourists, both domestic and international, who come to visit the city for its rich history and beautiful beaches and religious institutions.

Lamzo La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.911m (16,112ft) above the sea level, located in northern India’s Leh District.

If you want to sightsee India, there are so many exotic places to see and explore, where you can indulge in adventure and outdoor activities. These locations offer something special, unique, and different, giving an experience like none other. You will take with you the memories of an amazing time spent.

Rizong Gompa is a high mountain monastery at an elevation of 3.420m (11,220ft) above the sea level, located in Ladakh, India.

Yar La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.997m (16,394ft) above the sea level, located in the Ladakh region of the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Lhari Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 4.861m (15,948ft) above the sea level, located in the disputed Demchok sector between China and India.

Sese La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.474m (17,959ft) above the sea level, located on the border of China and India. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

There is no vacation better than a fun and thrilling road trip with friends. A lot of you might have already planned a road trip to the hill station for the upcoming holidays. Sometimes these plans work out, while a lot of times they don’t.

Harong La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.273m (14,019ft) above the sea level, located in northern India’s Jammu and Kashmir state.

Chocho Kuri La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.995m (13,106ft) above the sea level, located in the Leh district, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh.

Located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India, the Nesang Bridge is a very challenging bridge. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

Tsermangchen La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.882m (12,736ft) above the sea level, close to the famous Leh city, in the Leh district of Ladakh, India.

Bamtso La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 5.465m (17,929ft) above the sea level, located on the Chinese-Indian border. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Charchagan La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.924m (16,154ft) above the sea level, located in the Changthang Plateau, in Ladakh in Northern India.

Longro La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.340m (14,238ft) above the sea level, located on the Indo-China border.

Archu La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.199m (13,776ft) above the sea level, located in Kargil district, in the Indian administered Union territory of Ladakh.

Chyupa La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.424m (14,514ft) above the sea level, located in the Leh district, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh.

Bumiktse La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.420m (14,501ft) above the sea level, located in the Leh district, in the Indian union territory of Ladakh.

Phatarian Gali is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.575m (8,448ft) above the sea level, located in the Jammu region in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Kharsang La is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.437m (14,557ft) above the sea level, located on the Indo-China border.

Changi La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.235m (13,894ft) above the sea level, located in the Indian administered union territory of Ladakh.

Situated within the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, in India, the Kumbhe waterfall stands as a breathtaking spectacle amidst the serenity of nature.

Tangkar La is an international high mountain pass located on the border of India and China.

In the rugged landscapes of Ladakh of India, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under the Ministry of Defence, initiated a significant project in August 2023 – the construction of the country's highest motorable road. The Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road, covering approximately 64 kilometers (39.76 miles), aims to redefine the limits of motorable roads, reaching an impressive height of 5.913m (19,400ft) above the sea level, at Mig La.

Mandala Top is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,220m (10,564ft) above sea level, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in India.

Nestled in Tamil Nadu, India's southernmost state, the road from Valparai to Pollachi, officially designated as State Highway 78 (SH 78), ranks as one of the most breathtaking drives the country has to offer.

Gongma La is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4,886m (16,030ft) above sea level, located in the Leh District of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Lamsu La is a high mountain pass, standing at an elevation of 3,672m (12,047ft) above sea level, located in the Ladakh region of India.

Kharbu La is a high mountain pass, standing at an elevation of 3,509m (11,512ft) above sea level, located in the Ladakh region of India.

Manman Top is a high mountain pass, standing at an elevation of 4,302m (14,114ft) above sea level, situated in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The journey to the summit offers a complete off-roading adventure.