Festive long weekends are the perfect opportunity to change the monotony of city life for scenic drives, outdoor adventures and memorable travel experiences. Whether it is exploring the Himalayan landscapes of Tirthan Valley, exploring the royal heritage of Udaipur, or witnessing the clear waters of Meghalaya’s Umngot River, road trips are a chance to experience new adventures.
5 Road Trips To Explore During The Festive Long Weekend
According to Govind Gaur, Founder and CEO of WanderOn, road trips have become an increasingly popular way to make the most of long holidays. From mountain adventures in Kasol to beautiful landscapes in Jowai, these places offer something for every kind of adventure traveller.
1. Delhi - Tirthan Valley - Jalori Pass - Kasol - Manali - Lahaul
Starting from Delhi, this Himalayan route takes you through the peaceful landscapes of Tirthan Valley and the winding roads of Jalori Pass during the festive long weekend.
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Adventure lovers can also trek to Serolsar Lake before heading towards Kasol and Manikaran Sahib.
Then, journey through Manali and the Atal Tunnel, leading to the beautiful landscapes of Sissu and Lahaul, which altogether feel like various trips into one.
Travel through the mountain road (Image Credits: Pexels)
2. Delhi - Udaipur - Chittorgarh - Delhi
If history and culture interest you for your long weekend trip, this Rajasthan road trip makes for a perfect festive getaway.
Udaipur offers a lot to explore, from the grand City Palace and Lake Pichola to its colourful old-city markets and local food.
Travellers can then drive towards Chittorgarh to explore the Chittorgarh Fort, one of India’s most significant historical landmarks.
The route offers a refreshing combination of heritage, food and beauty.
Explore the beauty of Udaipur (Image Credits: Pexels)
3. Leh - Nubra Valley - Turtuk - Pangong Lake - Tso Moriri - Hanle - Leh
The journey in Ladakh begins with an adventurous escape in Leh and takes you through Nubra Valley’s mountain landscapes and the village of Turtuk.
Pangong Lake is another major point, known for its changing shades of blue.
Those looking to go further can explore Tso Moriri and Hanle, which is known for its clear night skies and stargazing opportunities.
Stargaze on thes trails (Image Credits: Pexels)
4. Guwahati - Shillong - Jowai - Shnongpdeng - Mawlynnong - Cherrapunji - Guwahati
Meghalaya offers a refreshing road-trip experience with its greenery, waterfalls and mountain roads for travel enthusiasts on a long festive weekend.
Starting from Guwahati, travellers can go towards Shillong before exploring the landscapes of Jowai.
Shnongpdeng is a must-visit for outdoor lovers, offering activities such as kayaking and boating along the Umngot River.
The trip then moves towards Mawlynnong and Cherrapunji, where visitors can explore viewpoints, caves and waterfalls.
Enjoy the waterfalls and caves (Image Credits: Pexels)
5. Manali - Jispa - Padum - Pensi La - Gonbo Rongjon - Manali - Delhi
For experienced adventure travellers seeking something beyond normal mountain getaways, the Zanskar circuit offers a more challenging route for the festive long weekend.
Starting from Manali, the route passes through Jispa before reaching Padum, the heart of the Zanskar Valley.
Travellers can explore the landscapes around Pensi La and witness the striking Gonbo Rongjon mountain.
Explore the breathtaking cities (Image Credits: Pexels)
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Road Trip Route | Theme | Top Highlights |
1. Delhi – Tirthan – Lahaul | Mountain Adventure | Serolsar Lake trek, Manikaran Sahib, Atal Tunnel, Sissu |
2. Delhi – Udaipur – Chittorgarh | Heritage & Culture | Udaipur City Palace, Lake Pichola, Chittorgarh Fort |
3. Leh – Turtuk – Hanle | High-Altitude Scenic | Turtuk village, Pangong Lake, dark-sky stargazing in Hanle |
4. Guwahati – Meghalaya Circuit | Waterfalls & Eco-Tourism | Umngot River kayaking, Mawlynnong, Cherrapunji caves & falls |
5. Manali – Zanskar (Padum) | Remote Expedition | Pensi La pass, remote Padum, Gonbo Rongjon peak |
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FAQs
Which festive long weekend trip fits a standard 3-4 days weekend?
The road trip that comfortably sits on the 3-4 days mark is the Rajasthan trip covering Udaipur and Chittorgarh areas as all the routes are close and the roads are on plains and well maintained.
Can all these trips be completed in a regular hatchback or sedan for a festive long weekend road trip?
Only the Rajasthan and Meghalaya road trips are sedan-friendly road trips. Other trips require high ground clearance or a 4x4 as they are located in high-altitude areas with rough terrain.
Which trip is at risk of winter road closures during late-year festivals?
Both the Ladakh and Zanskar routes can face heavy closures after late October, as snowfall starts around this time, which results in roads being closed due to heavy snowfall and black ice, so research beforehand.
Is fuel easily accessible on all five road trip routes for the festive long weekend?
Fuel is easily accessible on road trip routes for the festive long weekend except the Ladakh and Zanskar road trip routes. Carry a fuel jerrycan with you, as you may not be able to find fuel stops for a long while while travelling on these routes.