Bike ride trips. Pleasant atmosphere. Serene lakes. Landscape transitions. Kinnauri forests. Everything seems to be exciting. But we always skip our desires and choose the safest option of renting a car on Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages.
In 2026, give your adrenaline soul a retreat on a bike trip to Himachal.
What don’t you know about the routes?
No more route stress! Here we’ve shortlisted the top 5 Himachal Road trip circuits that every rider must try.
Discover the world’s most treacherous road in the Spiti Valley or the steepest gradients in the lower Himalayas. Escape the hum of the city and feel connected with the Himalayan peaks by taking road trips to our selected routes.
So, let’s check which one of these fits your interests.
Top 5 Road Trip Routes in Himachal Pradesh:
Your search for a perfect road trip in Himachal ends here. Our well-curated road trip circuits will satisfy your urge to discover the magnificence of Himachal Pradesh in one go. Check out these routes and choose the one that you like the most.
The Classic Loop
 Route: Chandigarh – Shimla – Bilaspur – Mandi – Kullu – Manali
This iconic classic loop begins from Chandigarh and serves as a perfect introduction to the Himalayas. The best route for first-time bike riders, which lets you witness the transition from the planned boulevards of Chandigarh to the colonial ridges of Shimla, eventually following the Beas River in Manali. The bike ride on this route allows you to experience the blend of smooth four-lane expressways and winding mountain passes. It features engineering marvels like the Aut tunnel and breathtaking views near Pandoh Dam.
Duration: 5 to 7 days
Kilometers: Approximately 320 to 350 kms
Best for: First-time road trip riders and families.
The Trans-Himalayan Odyssey
 Route: Shimla – Sarahan – Kalpa – Kaza – Kunzum La – Rohtang Pass/Atal Tunnel – Manali
Usually referred to as the “World’s most Treacherous Road,” this road trip circuit 2026 is no less than a dramatic transition from the lush, apple-rich valleys of Kinnaur to the stark high-altitude cold desert of Spiti. Navigate the cliffhanger roads, cross the mighty Kunzum Pass, and watch 1000-year-old monasteries. It’s a gruelling yet rewarding test of endurance, offering unmatched views of the rugged, lunar-like Himalayan cores.
Duration: 9 to 12 days
Kilometers: Approximately 650 to 700 kms
Best for: Adventure junkies, experienced drivers, and landscape photographers.
The Hidden Valley Run 
Route: Aut – Larji – Gushaini – Jibhi – Jalori Pass – Khanag
The Hidden Valley Run lets you dive into the soul of the Tirthan and Banjar valleys, moving away from commercial hubs into a world of cedar forests and riverside hamlets. The highlight is the ascent to Jalori Pass, popular for its steep gradients and narrow tracks. It’s a sensory drive through apple orchards and misty ridges, best suited for those who crave serenity but adventure.
Duration: 3 to 5 Days
Kilometres: Approximately 100 to 120 kms
Best for: Solitude seekers, offbeat explorers, and driving lovers who love steep climbs.
The Apple Belt Drive
Route: Shimla – Theog – Kotkhai – Rohru – Chanshal Pass
The Apple belt circuit takes you through the prosperous heart of Himachal’s apple country, transitioning from the bustling ridges of Shimla into the deep, fertile Pabbar Valley. The road trip is no less than a sensory delight of terraced orchards and cedar forests, culminating in the exhilarating, rugged ascent to Chanshal Pass. Around 12300 feet above, this place offers breathtaking, untouched views far from the usual tourist traps.
Duration: 3 to 4 Days
Kilometres: Approximately 160 to 180 kms (one way)
Best for: Off-beat lovers, photographers, and riding/driving purists.
The Buddhist Trail
Route: Pathankot – Dharamshala – McLeod Ganj – Jot – Khajjiar – Dalhousie
The serene route covers the spiritual depth of Tibetan Buddhism with breathtaking Dhauladhar views. Starting from the plains, you climb into the monastic heart of McLeod Ganj before navigating the dramatic, high-altitude Jot Pass. The bike ride concludes by winding through the “Mini Switzerland of Khajjiar” and the colonial lanes of Dalhousie. The tour offers a perfect blend of smooth tarmac and thrilling ridge-top hairpins.
Duration: 5 to 6 days
Kilometres: Approximately 220 to 240 kms
Best for: Spiritual seekers, culture enthusiasts, and mountain photographers.
Essential Gear for the Road Trip to Himachal Pradesh:
Enjoying a drive in the Himalayas is a thrilling experience, but the terrain is unforgiving. Beyond 2000 meters, the weather can flip from sunny to blizzard in minutes, and mechanical help can be kilometres away. So, every time begin your road trip with some essential gear, as listed below:
Ensure the vehicle is inflated and you have a working jack and lug wrench.
Air pressure drops in high altitudes; keep your tyres at the recommended PSI
Cold mountain nights can drain older batteries unexpectedly, so ensure you change your batteries early.
Carry the basic tool kit and tow rope, if you get stuck in slush, mud or snow.
Download the entire Himachal region on Google Maps, as GPS signals often drop in valleys like Spiti or Tirthan.
Cold weather also drains phone batteries a little faster, so carry a high-capacity, fully charged power bank.
If technology fails, carry a printed physical map of Himachal Pradesh.
Carry first-aid & altitude medicines to avoid AMS (altitude mountain sickness) and motion sickness.
The mountain sun is harsh, so pack SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm, and polarized sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.
Hydration and snacking are important; carry at least 5 litres of water and energy-dense snacks or fruits.
Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer and a windproof jacket.
Waterproof hiking shoes are better than sneakers if you need to step into mud or snow to check the road.
FAQs
Which type of vehicle is best for a Himachal road trip?
For the classic loop of Shimla and Manali, any well-maintained sedan or hatchback is enough. Though for routes like Spiti, Kinnaur, or Chanshal Pass, a vehicle with high-ground clearance SUV or MUV is strongly recommended. While 4x4 isn’t always mandatory, it is highly beneficial for navigating nullahs and slushy patches in high-altitude zones.
Do I need any special permit for my vehicle?
Yes, for safety purposes, carry these special permits:
·       Green Tax for entry points in Manali
·       You can cross Rohtang Pass only if you have a permit online in advance.
·       Inner Line Permit is required for foreign nationals traveling on the Kinnaur-Spiti road near the international border.