SOTC Blog

Bygone are the days when adventure trips were meant only for those who could walk the considerable distance and were able to climb the overcrowded local vehicles available only occasionally. Adventure tourism has gone beyond the presumptions and its now possible to opt for an adventurous tour without having to walk or suffer the blisters on your feet. Jeep safari is your great choice to experience the thrill and enjoy the adrenaline rush while passing through the treacherous routes.

From the rocky terrains of Ladakh to the desert landscapes of Rajasthan and the Himalayan regions of Uttaranchal, here is a list of the best jeep safaris of India; the best spots for halt and routes to take before you start these ravishing excursions.

Explore Jaisalmer in a jeep

Jaisalmer in Rajasthan has been transformed into one of the prime spots for tourists from across the world. The city has a history of rich culture and artistry for ages. Surrounded by Thar Desert, there are innumerable picturesque places for sightseeing.

Those who love travelling the tough way must explore this city on a jeep safari. It counts as the most thrilling experience and will give you an adrenaline rush. The best time to visit is during winters, between October to March. Opt for those open jeeps for experiencing a desert safari to the fullest.

Some short drives are to Fossil Park and Desert National park located at about 50 kilometres but the crunching heat and excruciating desert sand makes this drive one of the most adventurous ones. Sam Sand Dunes is even shorter which is just about 40 kilometres away, but the plus point is an enthralling night camp in the dunes. The sunset is so picturesque that it feels like viewing a live show of nature’s creativity.

If you love facing the challenges then a drive to Padholi will surely excite you. This is a bird sanctuary located at about 150 kilometres from the main city. There are many villages nearby and the tribal people are warm and welcoming. The culture in this part is not at all influenced by the developing world which makes you feel the peace in its purest form.

Breath-taking Himalayan jeep safari

Exploring the serene yet exciting foot hills of Himalaya is definitely worth taking all the risks. The tough feeling you have while travelling the muddy, spiral and daring roads of Uttaranchal in a jeep are unforgettable. The best choice of time during the year is between June to September. For a safari to be exciting and thrilling the route you take is very important. While on a Himalayan tour your best route is from Shimla – Sarahan – Chitkul – Kalpa – Khab – Nako – Spiti- Tabo – Dhankar – Kaza – Keylong – Khardong – Manali – Palampur – Kullu – Shoja – Dharamasala – Dalhousie – Khajjiar-Amritsar – Delhi.

In Himachal Pradesh, Kinnaur is the highest peak of Himalaya. The view of mountain range from this peak is simply amazing. Taking a halt at Sipti River back is the best for getting closer to the wildlife. It’s an experience to make some of your hair stand on the ends. You might see some snow leopards, golden eagle, ibex and more. Don’t miss the land of glaciers – Lahaul. It is an awesome place for photography and spending some time with the tribal people who are fond of visitors and share their culture wholeheartedly.

From Sarahan to Chitkul it is truly a breath-taking sight, thanks to the drive being through the Sangla Valley. Once you experience some memorable visits at the small villages like Kalpa, Nako, Tabo and Kaza opt for the drive to Chhatru over the Kunzum pass and then over the Rohtang Pass to feel the forest and chilly weather really making you more excited. Now you can either take the road to Manali and round up the tour by heading to Delhi or you can actually begin another excursion to Ladakh! It’s even more thrilling!

Mesmerising jeep safari to Ladakh

An adventure trip in Ladakh is all about fun, thrill and exploring some finest landscapes. Opting for a jeep safari in this region increases your range of exploring the untouched and exciting areas. The stirring feel when you are on the rough roads amidst the mountains is definitely a worth an experience.

The best route is from Manali – Jispa – Sarchu – Pang – Leh – Delhi. The tough drive along with the natural beauty of terrains and forests is surely an experience for lifetime. The best time to go for this expedition is in the end of September. The journey includes crossing some of the most exciting passes in the hills. The most eminent points during this outing are Rohtang Pass (3979 metres), Baralacha Pass (16,500 feet), Lachlung La (16,615 feet), Nakee La (16,000 feet) and Tang Lang La (17,500 feet). The last one is second highest motorable pass in the world.

When at Leh you can go for a 2 day trek to nearby village – Matho La. It is hardly about 20 kilometres towards south of Leh. You’ll have to cross the river Indus (which is a freezing experience!). The gompa – monastery at this village offers some spectacular view of mountain range. Once you cross the village head towards the Himalayan foot hills. It is a great place for camping!

If you are on a short trip then take a flight from Leh to Delhi Airport and indulge in recollecting the beautiful time spent on this trip. You can extend this excursion further and explore the Nubra valley across the Khardungla, which is about 18,300 feet. This is the highest motorable pass in the world!