Once you have tasted the thrill of off-road Riding, there is no going back. Trains and boats seem dull once you fall in love with the excitement of navigating your vehicle through dirt tracks, desert trails, and mountain paths. After all, there is indescribable fun in taking the road less-travelled for reaching your destination. It makes the journey as beautiful as the destination, and you want to keep coming back. Off-road Riding is pursued on challenging terrain that is filled with rocks, mud, snow, gravel, sand, and even shallow waters, making it a preferred travel option for all the thrill-seekers like you.
So, are you feeling stuck in the office? Do you want to get away from the boredom of everyday life? Take your Land Rover out for a spin and explore these fantastic destinations that are perfect for an off-road Ride experience.
1. Rann of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch is made of two distinct parts: the Great Rann and the Little Rann. It spreads over an expansive area of 16,000 sq. Km. What makes it one of the most exceptional off-raod riding experiences is that it has the sea on one side and a desert to the other. The terrain is mostly arid, dry, and dusty at the Little Rann, but you can expect to meet with surprises like muddy ruts.
These muddy ruts have clay mud underneath dry surfaces, which makes it a challenge to navigate through these areas. Things aren’t much different when it comes to the Great Rann, and you will have to be careful while cruising through the serene, white expanse. The Rann is also the only refuge for the famous Indian Wild Ass. And, it is simply delightful to watch hoards of them running alongside your Land Rover Defender.
2. Zoji La
If mountain roads are your preferred locations for off-road riding adventure, it doesn’t get better than Zoji La for your next venture. Situated at the height of 3,528 meters above sea level, this is the second-highest pass located on the NH-1 between Leh & Srinagar.
Zoji La, in Jammu & Kashmir, offers the perfect combination of incredible views and unforgettable thrills. However, it is essential to enquire well about the weather before undertaking this journey. The narrow, winding roads that pass through this section of the Western Himalayas remain closed in winter because of walls of ice formed as a result of heavy snowfall.
There is a complete change of scenery during the summers. You get to see permanent snow caps, gushing streams, lush green mountain ranges, and the famous Amarnath Yatra base camp. One tip to keep in mind is that you should start early because the roads get increasingly jam-packed later in the day.
3. Bisle Ghat
Bisle Ghat looks like a piece of heaven on earth, especially during the monsoons, which happens to be the season when most of the off-road riding activities take place. The place is located at a distance of about 34 km from Sakleshpur region in Karnataka, and you will be travelling through dense rain-forest.
Though the road also happens to be a bus route, the traffic is not so much that it will bother you. You will be moving past over fifteen beautiful and gushing waterfalls along your way. You can travel to Bisle Ghat through either Kodlipet or Sakleshpur Town. For the best experience, you should take the Kodlipet route while going and return via Sakleshpur. It is like completing a circuit, and you will get the complete feel of the beauty of the place this way.
4. Sach Pass
If there is one thing you need to know about Sach Pass, it is the fact that it isn’t made for the faint-hearted. You should only undertake this journey if you have enough experience in off-road riding. With that disclaimer being out of the way, let’s look at what you can expect from this place.
Sach Pass is at a distance of 127 km and 175 km from Chamba and Dalhousie, respectively. It is situated at an altitude of 4,420 meters above sea level and remains open from July to October. Be prepared to drive on a narrow and badly broken road, having a steep ascent. You will also get many waterfalls along the way, most of which fall right on the road.
Slush and landslides are nothing new at this place, which means rock fragments are spread on the road for almost the entire way. But, if you’re not afraid to face any of that, you’ll have an adventure worth remembering.
5. Devarabetta
Devarabetta village in Tamil Nadu is one of the best destinations in India for off-road riding adventure on rocks. You will have to take the route through Pearl Valley for off-road riding. Once you reach the place, you will know why the area has been named God’s Hill. It’s because of the beauty of the region and the difficulty in reaching the place.
The monolith is a steep climb for most off-road vehicles, though it is entirely worth the risk. The best time to explore the place is during the sunrise, as the golden rays make the area look magical. Although the site is not usually crowded, you can expect to see other off-road riding enthusiasts like you on the road. Make sure to pay a visit to the temple at the foothills and seek blessings before setting out on the journey.
6. Sahara Desert, Morocco
Let’s take a look at two remarkable experiences that you should check out. If you are looking for a fantastic experience of going off-road in a desert, then Morocco is one of the best places for you to do that. The world’s largest hot desert, the Sahara Desert, is in the south of this country. In case you have never had the desert experience, it’s nothing like any off-road riding adventure that you have tried before.
With dunes, rocky plateaus, dry valleys, natural canyons, and salt marshes, your capabilities will be tested. You need to be especially careful and drive slowly along the desert. You will wear out the tires too soon if you drive too fast through the dunes.
7. Rubicon Trail, California
The United States of America has some of the most beautiful road-trip destinations for your 4×4 vehicles. The Rubicon Trail of California is the most renowned among them. Passing through the impressive Sierra Nevada range, the view of the mountains is a sight for sore eyes. The most famous point on this trail is called the Devil’s Postpile, which is a rocky, winding path that extends for fifty yards.
Huge boulders border the twisting and narrow trails of the Big Sluice and the Little Sluice, and you will have to be extremely careful while passing through them because it might damage your vehicle. Finally, the dusty uphill drive to Cadillac Hill that passes through loose rocks requires you to maintain caution while taking turns.
At the end of your journey, you will reach Lake Tahoe, where the calm blue waters soothe your nerves after that long, arduous journey. You can rest in one of the many spas and resorts located in this place.
Conclusion
Want to take in the most breathtaking views while pushing your vehicle to its limit? Head out to enjoy the aforementioned off-road riding experiences, and have the time of your life. Just make sure that you are well-prepared to take on the journey by keeping in mind all the safety instructions. There is no denying that off-road riding is plenty of fun, but it also has its risks. Do not ignore your safety and take the necessary precautions for the trip.