Alaska—the very name evokes visions of rugged landscapes, untamed wildlife, and glaciers stretching to the horizon. It’s a place that feels otherworldly, as if nature is on full display in its most pure and majestic form. If you’re planning a trip from India or anywhere else in the world, the journey may take a few long flights, but once you land, you’ll understand why Alaska is worth every mile.

In this blog, we’ll take you through a 10-day road trip through Alaska, covering its diverse landscapes, incredible wildlife, and how you can plan your own adventure through this awe-inspiring state.

Getting There: Your Journey Begins

For those traveling from India or other distant places, Alaska might feel far, but reaching it is easier than you might think. While long-haul flights can take anywhere from 25 to 40 hours, it’s all worth it once you land in Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city.

We flew from San Francisco with Alaskan Airlines—a direct 5-hour flight. Anchorage is one hour ahead of the West Coast time zone, so be sure to adjust your schedule. Once you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by 18-20 hours of daylight in the summer, which is a surreal experience!

Booking Essentials: Plan Ahead!

Alaska is a prime summer destination, and prices during peak season (June-August) can be high, especially for accommodations and car rentals. Booking well in advance is crucial—whether you’re going for an early bird deal or last-minute offers, the pricing tends to stay the same. We highly recommend securing your car rental and Airbnb early, as both are in high demand.

For your car rental, consider using apps like Turo, which makes the process simple and hassle-free. Alaska is vast, and driving allows you to experience the raw beauty at your own pace. Airbnb also provides the convenience of cooking your own meals, which can save you time and money—plus, there’s no shortage of wild areas where finding restaurants isn’t always practical.

Itinerary Overview: A Circular Road Trip

Our 10-day adventure covered 1,090 miles of Alaska’s breath-taking landscapes. The route took us through some of the most iconic spots in the state, from the coastal beauty of Seward to the mountain majesty of Denali, and the Northern Lights in Fairbanks. Here’s the circular route we followed:

• Anchorage → Girdwood → Seward → Talkeetna → Denali → Fairbanks → Glennallen → Chugiak → Anchorage
  (Approx. 1,090 miles)

Day 1: Anchorage to Girdwood

On Day 1, we decided to skip around Anchorage and head straight to Girdwood, following the Alaska Highway 1 South. Anchorage, being the largest city in Alaska and the state capital, is a bustling hub, but we were eager to get to the wild heart of Alaska. The 50-mile drive to Girdwood was our first real eye-opener to the enormity and untouched nature of Alaska’s land.

Along the way, we passed some of the most beautiful spots. Turnagain Arm, with its dramatic tidal waters and sweeping views, was like something out of a dream. The Beluga Whale Viewing Point was a hidden gem, and even if we didn’t spot the whales, it was an incredible place to pause and take in the surroundings. For those who love birds or photography, Potter’s Marsh is an absolute paradise, with its rich wildlife and tranquil atmosphere.

What struck us most was how each stop along the route felt completely different from the last—yet they all shared one thing in common: beauty. Every corner, every vista, looked like it could have been plucked straight out of a postcard.

But a word of advice: if you stop to take in every scenic view, reaching your destination will be much harder! The natural beauty of Alaska is so overwhelming that you can easily lose track of time. It’s important to keep two things in mind: First, plan for the time it takes to reach your next stop. Second, remember that the Alaskan summer days seem to stretch on forever, and it’s easy to lose track of time.

Once in Girdwood, we stocked up on supplies at a small grocery store and enjoyed the peaceful vibe of this quaint mountain town. Remember, prices in Alaska can be steep, so plan your budget accordingly.

Day 2 & 3: Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park

Must-See Stops En Route to Seward: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

One of the highlights on your way to Seward is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This place is a must-see, as it’s so beautifully maintained that it’s hard to believe the wildlife aren’t in their natural habitats. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and expansive landscapes, it feels as if you’re observing grizzly bears, wolves, Coyotes and black bears in the wild. The center’s vast acreage and stunning backdrop make it a magical experience that you won’t forget.

Tip: Plan your visit carefully. The center takes about 2 hours to fully explore, and from there, the drive to Seward takes another 2-3 hours—with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos along the way.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise: A Marine Life Wonderland

Fox Island (Kenai Fjord Cruise)

Another highlight of your Seward adventure is the Kenai Fjords National Park. This is one of Alaska’s most breathtaking locations for marine life viewing. The fjord cruise lasts around 4-5 hours, with a stop at Fox Island for a lunch or coffee break. Along the way, you’ll likely spot a variety of marine life, including whales, elephant seals, sea lions, and otters. The skies are often dotted with colorful puffins, majestic bald eagles, and common murres, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

After the cruise, consider exploring Seward’s coastline in the evening. There are a couple of scenic waterfalls and twin trees that make for a short but beautiful hike. Walking along the coastline as the sun sets is a perfect way to unwind after a day on the water.

Hiking Adventures: Exit Glacier & Harding Icefield

No trip to Seward is complete without experiencing the hiking trails around Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield.

Top of Exit Glacier

• Exit Glacier offers a relatively easy-to-moderate hike that’s popular among visitors. We thoroughly enjoyed it! The trail is beautiful, with snow-capped mountains and stunning lakes at every turn. The hike itself takes about 2 hours (a loop), but you’ll be rewarded with views that make it worth every step. The signage around the area warns of bear sightings (likely grizzly or black bears), which only adds to the thrill of the experience!
• For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Harding Icefield Trail is a more difficult trek but promises incredible views of the icefield and glaciers. It’s a bit more strenuous, but the panorama from the top is well worth the effort.

Day 4-5: Talkeetna and Denali National Park

While many travelers prefer heading south from Seward to Homer, we opted for a northward route, driving up to Talkeetna via Anchorage. If you’ve missed Potter’s Marsh and Beluga Point on your outward journey, be sure to stop by on your return trip. These spots are absolutely worth the detour, with Potter’s Marsh being a birdwatcher’s paradise. On our visit, we had a rare close encounter with a fully grown moose wandering through the marsh, which was a thrilling moment.

Talkeetna: A Charming Stopover

Talkeetna, a picturesque little town, is well-known for its helicopter tours that offer breathtaking views of Denali. However, our stop here was primarily to rest up before tackling the highlight of our trip: Denali National Park. This would be the big event we’d been eagerly anticipating—hiking in the park’s vast wilderness.

The drive from Seward to Talkeetna usually takes about four hours, but with the added stops and scenic detours, it stretched to around seven hours. It’s a beautiful, relaxing drive with plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning Alaskan scenery.

Day 6: Denali National Park: A Vast Wonderland

We stayed at Denali RV Park & Resort near Healy, which was about a three-hour drive from Talkeetna. Denali National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, and its sheer size and beauty are beyond words. In summer, the park sees large crowds of visitors, but it’s easy to see why—it’s an incredible destination. One of the best ways to experience Denali is by driving around the park, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife. We were fortunate to see Caribou and Elk up close, along with many common birds. It’s worth noting, though, that Alaska—and much of North America in general—doesn’t have the colorful, exotic birds found in tropical regions.

Denali offers hundreds of hiking trails, so it’s easy to get lost in nature for hours. We picked up a trail map at the Visitor Information Center and set out on a hike to Horseshoe Lake. It was here that we first encountered the fascinating world of Beavers. We observed a beaver at work, diligently managing its pond to control the flow of water. Beavers play a crucial role in creating wetlands that support a diverse range of wildlife, and it was incredible to see them in action.

Safari Buses: The Best Way to Explore

We found the drive to be a memorable part of the experience, especially chatting with the bus driver, who also served as our tour guide. Her knowledge of the park, wildlife, and local history added an extra layer of depth to the experience. We spotted Golden Eagle, Porcupine, Mountain Goats, and breathtaking views, making the ride one of the highlights of our trip.

Day 7-8: Fairbanks & the Trans-Alaska Pipeline

The drive from Denali to Fairbanks may only take about two hours (125 miles), but if you’re not in a rush, it’s definitely worth taking your time, just like we did. Along the way, there are plenty of stunning spots to explore. We made a few stops, starting with the serene Otto Lake, which offered a peaceful place to stretch our legs and take in the views. We passed through Healy, a charming town nestled in the mountains, and then drove alongside the powerful Nenana River, with its rushing waters creating a dramatic backdrop.

One of the highlights was a stop at the historic Nenana Rail Depot, which offers a glimpse into the region’s transportation history. And, of course, no trip through the area would be complete without indulging in the best homemade ice cream at AK Rustic Co—a sweet treat before continuing the journey through Old Town Nenana, a quiet, picturesque area that feels like stepping back in time.

As we neared Fairbanks, we learned that while the city is known for its winter activities, such as skiing and the Northern Lights, it’s also rich in history and culture. One must-see landmark is the Trans-Alaska Pipeline at the Alyeska Pipeline Viewpoint. This 4-foot silver pipeline winds its way through 800 miles of rugged Alaskan terrain, crossing mountains, rivers, earthquake zones, and permafrost to reach the oil refineries in the south. It’s a marvel of engineering and a testament to the perseverance of those who built it in such a challenging environment.

During the summer, Fairbanks offers plenty of outdoor activities. For nature lovers, a hike in Goldstream Valley is a must—this area, which doubles as a ski slope in winter, offers beautiful trails and wildlife viewing. If you’re a fan of wildlife, don’t miss the Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can explore trails and see some of Alaska’s native species. And for a little bit of quirky fun, take a drive to the nearby North Pole—yes, you can actually visit Santa Claus in the middle of summer! The town is home to year-round Christmas cheer, with shops and attractions dedicated to the holiday spirit.During summer the midnight sun provides the opposite experience: endless daylight that makes for surreal long days.

Day 9-10: Glennallen & Wrapping Up the Loop

From Fairbanks, we headed south towards Chugiak, taking the scenic route through Glennallen, creating a circular journey that proved even more picturesque than we expected. The road, with its sweeping views of towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes, had far less traffic, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the stunning landscape. Many of the lakes along the way served as mirror-like reflections of the distant peaks, speckled with patches of snow, beneath vibrant blue skies dotted with fluffy clouds. The beauty of the surroundings was captivating, especially as we drove through the Sutton area, where we encountered the impressive glacier mountains between Glennallen and Chugiak.

A highlight of the trip was stopping for a quick snack at the Glacier View Café & RV Park, nestled amid snow-capped mountains with the Matanuska River flowing nearby. It was a peaceful, almost surreal place to take a break. By late evening, we reached our final Airbnb accommodation in Chugiak, content from a day filled with stunning natural beauty.

The Magic of Alaska

Alaska is a place that demands respect—its vastness, beauty, and raw power can overwhelm the senses. From the wildlife and mountains to the marine life and glaciers, there is no shortage of wonders to explore. Although the summer crowds in places like Denali and Seward can be a bit overwhelming, the sheer beauty of the state more than makes up for it. And remember, Alaska is a land of extremes—whether it’s the midnight sun or the chill of the glaciers, it’s an unforgettable destination that will stay with you long after you leave.

So, if you’re planning your own Alaskan adventure, be sure to pack your camera, rent a car, and embrace the freedom to explore this wild and wonderful part of the world at your own pace. Alaska is waiting to give you the experience of a lifetime.

Pro Tips:

• Book your car and Airbnb in advance, especially during peak season.
• Be prepared for high prices in Alaska, and budget accordingly.
• Always keep an eye on the time—you’ll be tempted to stop at every scenic spot.
• Don’t forget your bear spray if you plan to hike in bear country!
• Carry Mosquito Repllent or Net covered face mask while hiking inside Alaksan Parks.