Top 8 Milky Way Roads in India for Bike Riders
Imagine cruising under a sky painted with the Milky Way, riding through deserted highways, remote valleys, and star‑lit deserts. These are five of the most breathtaking night biking routes in India, perfect for riders chasing the galaxy on two wheels.
Do I need any special camera gear to capture the Milky Way?
A: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens and manual settings is ideal. A tripod is essential for long exposures. For bikers with action cams or phones, newer models with “Night Mode” can still capture decent shots.
hat should I carry for a night biking trip?
A: Essentials include:
-
Extra fuel
-
Warm layers (temps drop drastically at night)
-
Tent or booked stay
-
Power bank/headlamp
-
Dry snacks & water
-
A GPS tracker or offline maps
Is solo riding advisable for Milky Way trips?
A: It depends on the route. While solo trips are rewarding, areas like Zanskar or Bum La are better with a group or at least a companion for safety. Always inform someone of your route.
Top 8 Milky Way Roads in India
This guide takes you through 8 breathtaking Milky Way routes, from the Himalayan heights of Spiti and Zanskar to the white sands of Kutch and the haunting silence of the Thar.
Top 8 Milky Way Roads in India for Bike Riders
1. Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh)
Route & Location
-
Route: Manali or Shimla → Kaza → Langza / Kibber / Chandratal (~350 km)
-
Highlight: Cold desert terrain, high altitude (~3,500 m), very low light pollution W
Best Time
-
May to June and October to November, when roads are clear and skies are crisp.
Approx. Cost
-
Fuel and overnight camping/homestay: ₹1,500–₹2,000 per night
-
Total: ₹4,000–₹5,000 for a 2‑night ride
Why It Stands Out
-
Government‑backed astro‑tourism in Kaza now offers guided stargazing and local telescope sessions
2. Jaisalmer – Sam Sand Dunes (Rajasthan)
Route & Location
-
Route: Jaisalmer city → Sam / Khuri dunes (~40 km)
-
Highlight: Thar Desert, dry air, and virtually no light pollution near dunes webtravelindia.com.
Best Time
-
October to March, for cool nights and crisp clarity.
Approx. Cost
-
Fuel & taxi or bike: ₹300–₹600
-
Desert camp & camel ride: ₹600–₹1,200 per night
-
Total: ₹1,500–₹2,500
Why It Stands Out
-
Camping under canvas, bonfire evenings, and stargazing sessions where the Milky Way arches overhead over sand dunes and camels grazing nearby
3. Pangong Tso (Ladakh, UT)
Route & Location
Route: Leh → Karu → Chang La → Pangong Lake (~160 km)
Highlight
At 4,350 m, Pangong offers a surreal landscape and pristine skies. With little to no villages nearby, light pollution is near zero. The reflection of the Milky Way over the still lake is an unforgettable sight.
Best Time
June to September, when the roads via Chang La pass are open.
Approx. Cost
Fuel & permits: ₹800–₹1,200
Camping/eco huts: ₹1,500–₹2,000 per night
Total: ₹3,500–₹5,000
Why It Stands Out
A high-altitude lake nestled in stark Himalayan beauty — the stars here seem closer, brighter, and endless.
4. Rann of Kutch (Gujarat)
Route & Location
Route: Bhuj → Dhordo → White Rann (~85 km)
Highlight
The white salt flats reflect the starlight, creating a glowing illusion under the Milky Way. Night biking on the open flat stretches is magical.
Best Time
November to February (especially during Rann Utsav)
Approx. Cost
Fuel: ₹300–₹600
Tent city/camps: ₹2,000–₹3,000 per night
Total: ₹4,000–₹5,500
Why It Stands Out
The silence, flatness, and wide-open space of the Rann make for a perfect night sky backdrop.
5. Tawang – Bum La Pass (Arunachal Pradesh)
Route & Location
Route: Tawang → Bum La → Madhuri Lake (~50–60 km)
Highlight
Remote, military-restricted terrain means zero tourism after dusk. Crisp Himalayan skies and minimal human settlement give a pristine Milky Way view.
Best Time
April to June and September to November
Approx. Cost
Fuel & permits: ₹500–₹1,000
Stay (Tawang): ₹800–₹1,500 per night
Total: ₹3,000–₹4,000
Why It Stands Out
The northeastern Himalayas are largely untouched and unspoiled. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the stars reflected in the glassy waters of the high-altitude lakes.
6. Zanskar Valley (Ladakh, UT)
Route & Location
Route: Kargil → Padum → Zangla (~250 km)
Highlight
Far more remote than Leh, Zanskar is a dark sky paradise. No major light sources for miles, with jagged peaks framing the cosmos.
Best Time
July to September
Approx. Cost
Fuel: ₹1,000–₹1,500
Homestays/camping: ₹1,000–₹2,000 per night
Total: ₹3,500–₹5,000
Why It Stands Out
The ride is as thrilling as the sky is spectacular — a true offbeat destination for galaxy chasers.
7. Coorg – Pushpagiri Hills (Karnataka)
Route & Location
Route: Madikeri → Pushpagiri WLS → Mandalpatti (~40–50 km)
Highlight
Dense forest roads give way to clear hilltop plateaus — perfect for stargazing and night rides. South India’s hidden dark sky sanctuary.
Best Time
October to March
Approx. Cost
Fuel & forest entry: ₹300–₹500
Homestay/Campsite: ₹800–₹1,500
Total: ₹2,000–₹3,000
Why It Stands Out
Unlike the Himalayas or deserts, this is lush, misty, and green — and yet offers clear, unpolluted skies.
8. Malshej Ghat – Harishchandragad (Maharashtra)
Route & Location
Route: Kalyan → Malshej Ghat → Khireshwar (~125 km)
Highlight
Western Ghats, ancient forts, and minimal light pollution make this a top night trek-and-ride combo. Harishchandragad plateau gives a clear Milky Way view during new moon nights.
Best Time
November to February (avoid monsoons)
Approx. Cost
Fuel: ₹400–₹800
Trekking guide & campsite: ₹1,000–₹1,800
Total: ₹2,000–₹3,500
Why It Stands Out
Close to Mumbai and Pune yet wild and quiet — perfect for city bikers needing a celestial escape.
https://www.royalbrothers.com/blog/articles/bikescapades-monsoon-odyssey
Top 8 Milky Way Roads in India for Bike Riders
Night biking under the Milky Way is about more than just a destination — it’s about silence, solitude, and the sublime beauty of the cosmos. Whether you’re cutting through the Himalayan heights or cruising across desert dunes, these 8 Milky Way routes promise starry skies and unforgettable rides.
Tips Before You Ride:
-
Always check for local permissions, especially in border areas.
-
Avoid riding alone at night in remote terrain.
-
Carry enough warm gear, water, and battery backup.
-
Pick new moon nights for the darkest skies.
India, with its deserts, high passes, salt plains, and remote forests, offers some of the best dark-sky routes in the world — where light pollution disappears and the galaxy stretches out above like a luminous river.
So strap on your helmet, check your headlamp, and ride into the cosmos.
