What is Jeep Safari

A jeep safari is a modern-day caravan. These overland journeys often traverse through off-road terrain (read Spiti, Ladakh, Kutch), and are aimed at travellers with a penchant for adventure. The journey is more important than the destination in a jeep safari. And there is no better way to experience high mountain passes, beautiful valleys, stark deserts and lush forests! Most of India’s popular jeep safari trails are in North India, with Manali, Leh, Shimla, Nainital and Corbett being some of the key places that offer fixed departures. Given India's diverse terrain this adventure activity is loaded with possibilities, especially in regions such as the Northeast and Sikkim.An old saying on Ladakh goes as follows: ‘Only a dear friend or an old enemy will find his way to Ladakh.’ With the opening of the Manali-Leh highway, the forbidden charm of Ladakh suddenly became a reality for those seeking new pastures. Given the height of this highway with mountain crossings such as Tanglang Pass, Rohtang Pass, Baralacha Pass among others, jeeps were tailor-made for this fascinating journey. The success of this route, which traverses the fruit basket of Kullu-Manali, the tribal district of Lahaul, and Ladakh, has gradually spawned many more routes.1. From Leh a) Leh-Pangong-Tso Moriri b) Leh-Lamayuru-Padum (Zanskar) c) Leh-Nubra 2. From Manali a) Manali-Keylong-Sarchu-Leh-Nubra-Leh-Kargil-Sonmarg-Srinagar) 3. From Shimla a) Shimla-Sarahan-Sangla-Kalpa-Nako-Tabo-Kaza-Manali b) Shimla-Jalori-Shoja-Manali 4. From Corbett/Nainital a)Corbett-Nainital-Mukteshwar-Ranikhet-Kausani-Binsar-Corbett

Accommodation during jeep safaris is mostly basic. So keep following items handy:Sleeping Bag, Camping Mat, Lantern/Flashlight (extra mantles for lanterns and bulbs for flashlights), Packaged Cold Cuts / Cheese Juice/Other Drinks, Snack Bars/Dried Fruit, Toilet Paper Napkins, Paper Towels Biodegradable ,Soap Sandles Trekking Shoes/Sneakers, Emergency Rain Poncho, Can / Bottle Opener, Paper Plates,Camera,Batteries, Sunscreen Lotion, Sunglasses, Bug Spray, Torch.

Respect local traditions and customs ,Jeep safaris are mostly in remote regions, so dress conservatively wear loose clothing for comfort, Keep a first aid kit and basic medicines hand Minimal use of polythene, don't litter & don't pollute water bodies. In many high altitude villages they are a direct source of drinking water and cooking. Consume local, contribute to local economies,take care of your fitness level before embarking on a jeep safari. Since it involves continuous driving in off-road conditions, often in high altitude as well, be prepared for some level of hardship. Also, there is a low-probability possibility of getting stuck in snowfall for days. Factor these in, and be mentally prepared.