North India is home to some of the most exciting and beautiful bike trails in the country. Be it snow-capped mountains, beautiful green valleys, twisted highways, or high altitude passes, all the routes offer bikers a feeling of adventure and liberty. From the Spiti Valley bike trip to Ladakh bike trip, there are various bike trails that are well known for the rugged mountains and serene villages. These routes are made very memorable by the cool breeze, beautiful scenery and the joy of riding through various terrains. In this blog, we present to you the list of 7 best bike trails of North India, which you can’t afford to miss out on!
Top 7 Bike Trails of North India
North India has some of the most beautiful bike trails. It offers high mountain passes, riverside roads and scenic valleys. These routes are perfect for adventure, natural beauty and memorable experiences on two wheels.
Leh Ladakh
The Leh Ladakh bike trip in India is the country’s best ride and perfect for adventure travellers. The ride takes you through high-altitude mountain passes like Khardung La (5,359 m) and Chang La, through thin air and beautiful landscape. Motorcyclists ride through cold deserts, blue lakes like Pangong and Tso Moriri and historic monasteries like Diskit and Hemis. Adventure, culture and landscape all come together in one tour. The tour must be scheduled between June and September when the roads are clear and safe.
- Route: Manali → Leh (around 474 km) or Srinagar → Leh (around 420 km)
- Highlights: Khardung La, Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley
- Best Season: June-September
Spiti Valley
The Spiti Valley bike trip is renowned for off-the-beaten-path trails, high-altitude passes and peaceful villages. The journey is on rugged mountain roads, over snow-capped peaks and barren valleys resembling a desert. You bike to remote villages and towns such as Kaza, Langza, Hikkim (world’s highest post office) and the majestic Chandratal Lake. Ancient monasteries such as Key and Dhankar provide cultural sophistication. The journey is demanding but provides unparalleled scenery and a serene Himalayan experience. June to October is ideal, when the weather is pleasant.
- Distance: Around 650-700 km (Kaza loop from Manali)
- Highlights: Chandratal Lake, Key Monastery, Hikkim Post Office
- Best Season: June-October
Manali to Rohtang Pass
The drive from Manali to Rohtang Pass is short but thrilling. The road climbs to 3,978 m and is spectacular with scenery of white peaks, waterfalls and green valleys. You can ride alongside streams that run across the road and hairpin bends, perfect for mountain bike riders. Rohtang is the perfect spot for snow sports, photography and the crisp mountain air. Permits are required to ride up by bike and it is better to start early to avoid traffic. The pass is open for most of the duration of May to October.
- Distance: Around 51 km from Manali
- Highlights: Snow walls, mountain vistas, roadside cafes
- Best Season: May-October
Chandigarh to Shimla
Shimla to Chandigarh is best for bikers who want scenic views and nice roads. The journey starts from the plains and slowly climbs towards the hills, offering views of pine forests and mountain villages. The NH-5 road is wide and comfortable and is perfect even for beginners. Shimla offers old colonial buildings, Mall Road shopping and nearby hill activities such as Kufri for adventure seekers. The weather is good all year round, but the best time is from March to June and September to November.
- Distance: About 113 km from Chandigarh
- Highlights: Mall Road, Kufri, Himalayan foothills
- Best Season: March-June and September-November
Mana Pass to Rishikesh
The ride from Rishikesh to Mana Pass is one of the world’s highest at 5,610 m at the Indo-China border. There are rides through scenic locations like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Joshimath and Badrinath. The ride is a mix of spirituality, hill beauty and adventure of the extreme type. You can see the Alaknanda River, mountainous landscape and snow-capped peaks. Acclimatisation is necessary since the destination is at a high altitude and permits are required. It is a difficult but worth it ride suitable for experienced riders. The best time is from June to September when roads are open.
- Distance: about 360 km (one way)
- Highlights: Mana Pass, Badrinath Temple, river valleys
- Best Season: June- September
Srinagar to Sonamarg
The Srinagar to Sonamarg bike trip is a short one but very scenic. The trip follows the Sindh River and is lined with green meadows, white peaks and dense forests. Sonamarg or the “Meadow of Gold,” is peaceful and perfect for riders looking for a short day bike trip. You can stop at Thajiwas Glacier to take treks or take pictures of beautiful alpine scenery. The bike ride is easy and pleasant and therefore perfect for both beginners and experts. April to October is the perfect time for open roads and great scenery.
- Distance: 80 km from Srinagar
- Highlights: Sindh River, Thajiwas Glacier, green meadows
- Peak Season: April-October
Delhi to Jaipur (Pink City Bike Ride)
The Delhi to Jaipur highway is a weekend favourite of bike riders who enjoy long, smooth roads and rich culture. NH48 highway is well built and the bike ride is easy and smooth. Jaipur, the Pink City, boasts Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and colourful local bazaars to dine and shop. Stepwells and the countryside are to be seen en route. It is a good short getaway for newbies. The best time to ride is from October to March when the weather is nice in Rajasthan.
- Distance: about 280 km from Delhi
- Highlights: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, local markets
- Best Season: October-March
Conclusion
The 7 best bike trails of North India offer the riders all they can desire – be it snow-covered mountains, desert like valleys, smooth highways or good culture. Whether it is the exhilarating journey of the Leh Ladakh bike trip or the serene roads of Srinagar to Sonamarg, all the routes are quite unforgettable. Spiti Valley bike tour is a tough ride through the Himalayas, whereas shorter bike trips such as Delhi to Jaipur are suitable for beginners. Each trip allows you to see nature, people and discover hidden places. Before you go, check the weather and plan your stops well in advance.
Also read: Best Comfortable Car for Long Distance Driving in India
FAQs
What is the best time for a bike trip in North India?
The best time to go on a bike trip in North India is from May to October, when most roads and mountain passes are open and the weather is pleasant.
Which is the most famous bike trail in North India?
The Leh Ladakh bike trail is the most famous one, known for its high passes, blue lakes and beautiful mountain views.
Do I need a permit for bike trips in North India?
Yes, for some high-altitude areas like Leh Ladakh, Spiti Valley and Mana Pass, special travel permits are needed.
What type of bike is best for North India trips?
A Royal Enfield, Himalayan, or any sturdy mountain bike with strong tyres and good mileage works best for long rides on hilly terrain.
Why is North India famous for bike trips?
North India is famous for bike trips because of its snow-covered mountains, winding roads, riverside routes and adventure-filled landscapes.
