Lakes & Scenic Views

Road Trips & Scenic Drives

Jammu & Kashmir is one of the most scenic destinations in India, offering breathtaking road trips through high mountain passes, serene valleys, and winding roads along rivers and lakes. Whether you love adventure, photography, or just a peaceful long drive, these best road trips in J&K will leave you mesmerized.

A. Iconic Road Trips in Jammu & Kashmir

1. Srinagar to Leh – The Ultimate Himalayan Adventure

 Route: Srinagar – Sonmarg – Zoji La Pass – Drass – Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh
 Distance: 420 km
 Duration: 2 Days (With stops)
 Best Time: May – October

 Why This Road Trip?

• One of the most adventurous road trips in India.
• Cross Zoji La Pass (3,528m), Drass (one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth), and Kargil.
• Visit Kargil War Memorial, Lamayuru Monastery, and Magnetic Hill.

 Must-Do: Stay overnight in Kargil and explore the moon-like landscapes of Lamayuru.

2. Leh to Nubra Valley – The High-Altitude Desert Ride

 Route: Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk
 Distance: 160 km
 Duration: 6-8 Hours
 Best Time: May – September

 Why This Road Trip?

• Drive over Khardung La (5,359m), one of the world’s highest motorable roads.
• Explore Diskit Monastery & the giant Maitreya Buddha statue.
• Ride double-humped Bactrian camels at Hunder Sand Dunes.
• Visit Turtuk, the last village before the Pakistan border.

 Must-Do: Camp overnight in Hunder Sand Dunes under the stars.

3. Leh to Pangong Lake – The Most Photogenic Drive

 Route: Leh – Chang La – Tangste – Pangong Tso
 Distance: 225 km
 Duration: 6-7 Hours
 Best Time: May – September

 Why This Road Trip?

• Witness the changing colors of Pangong Lake (from blue to turquoise).
• Cross Chang La (5,360m), one of the world’s highest mountain passes.
• See Himalayan wildlife like Marmots and Kiangs (wild donkeys).

 Must-Do: Stay overnight in tents near Pangong Lake for a magical sunrise view.

4. Jammu to Srinagar – The Valley Road Trip

 Route: Jammu – Udhampur – Patnitop – Ramban – Banihal – Anantnag – Srinagar
 Distance: 270 km
 Duration: 6-8 Hours
 Best Time: March – October

 Why This Road Trip?

• Travel through scenic mountains, rivers, and tunnels.
• Cross the Jawahar Tunnel, which connects Jammu to the Kashmir Valley.
• Stop at Patnitop for breathtaking views and bathe in Sanasar Lake.

 Must-Do: Visit the Bhimgarh Fort near Reasi and taste Rajma Chawal in Jammu.

5. Srinagar to Sonmarg – The Meadow Drive

 Route: Srinagar – Ganderbal – Kangan – Sonmarg
 Distance: 80 km
 Duration: 2-3 Hours
 Best Time: May – October

 Why This Road Trip?

• Sonmarg is known as “The Meadow of Gold”, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
• Stunning drive along the Sindh River.
• Gateway to Zoji La Pass and Amarnath Yatra.

 Must-Do: Go for a pony ride to Thajiwas Glacier.

B. Offbeat & Less Explored Road Trips

6. Leh to Tso Moriri – The Untouched Beauty

 Route: Leh – Upshi – Chumathang – Korzok – Tso Moriri
 Distance: 220 km
 Duration: 6-7 Hours
 Best Time: June – September

 Why This Road Trip?

• A remote offbeat destination, less crowded than Pangong Lake.
• Pass through hot water springs at Chumathang.
• Tso Moriri is a UNESCO Wetland Reserve, home to black-necked cranes and wild yaks.

 Must-Do: Stay at a traditional Ladakhi homestay in Korzok village.

7. Kargil to Zanskar Valley – The Road Less Traveled

 Route: Kargil – Suru Valley – Rangdum – Padum (Zanskar)
 Distance: 230 km
 Duration: 10-12 Hours (Rough Terrain)
 Best Time: June – September

 Why This Road Trip?

• Explore the untouched beauty of Zanskar Valley.
• Visit Suru Valley, Drang-Drung Glacier, and Phugtal Monastery.
• Drive through one of the most remote landscapes in Ladakh.

 Must-Do: Trek to the mystical Phugtal Monastery, built into a cliffside.

8. Mughal Road – The Historic Trade Route

 Route: Jammu – Rajouri – Peer Ki Gali – Shopian – Srinagar
 Distance: 240 km
 Duration: 7-8 Hours
 Best Time: May – October

 Why This Road Trip?

• A historic route built by the Mughals in the 16th century.
• Stunning views of Pir Panjal mountain range.
• Visit Noori Chamb Waterfall and Mughal Sarais (ancient rest houses).

 Must-Do: Stop at Peer Ki Gali for breathtaking views.

9. Jammu to Bhaderwah – Mini Kashmir Road Trip

 Route: Jammu – Udhampur – Batote – Bhaderwah
 Distance: 190 km
 Duration: 6-7 Hours
 Best Time: March – October

 Why This Road Trip?

• Bhaderwah is known as “Mini Kashmir” for its lush green meadows and pristine rivers.
• Famous for Chinta Valley, Jai Valley, and Padri Meadows.
• Great for camping, trekking, and paragliding.

 Must-Do: Try local Dogra cuisine and explore Bhalessa’s untouched beauty.

Jammu & Kashmir offers some of the most scenic and adventurous road trips in India. Whether you want to conquer high mountain passes, explore pristine valleys, or drive through historic routes, every journey in J&K is filled with breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

 Which road trip are you excited to take in J&K?