When a diversified nature, rich heritage, and a vibrant culture accompanies you, there’s absolutely no need for someone’s company. The undulating landscapes, desert dunes, exuberant culture, mouthful cuisines, bracing mountain air, and serene seashores of India has got a lot to tell you.
So, if you are amongst those few who are ever-ready to travel just with a pair of t-shirts and jeans, here is a bucket list of exciting backpacking trips in India.
1. Plan a Manali-Leh Road Trip
Manali Leh highway is considered as the Mecca of all the Indian road trips. No matter whether you prefer traveling in groups or solo, this road trip outshines all other Indian backpacking trips. As the Manali-Leh highway makes its way through the mountains and villages, travelers of this route need to gear themselves up for some exciting fun and adventure.
Places to explore – Manali, Rohtang La Pass, Jispa, Darcha, Sissu, Keylong, and Baralacha La.
Best Time – First two weeks of July
Ideal Travel Duration – 3 days
2. Plan a vacation to Manali
Wrapped with the blanket of nature, the town of Manali is perched atop an altitude of 2050 meters. Nevertheless, the place has always won the hearts of the backpackers flying here from around the world. This hill station offers some jaw-dropping views of the PirPanjal Range and the Kullu Valley that lie farfetched from the town. River Rafting at the Beas River, Solang Valley paragliding, and Rohtang Pass skiing are some popular adventurous activities amongst the backpackers reaching here.
Adventurous activities – Water sports, paragliding, camping, jeep safaris, trekking, and skiing.
Places to explore – Solang Valley, Hidimba Devi Temple, Bhrigu Lake, Vashisht Baths, Jogini Falls, and Beas River
Best Time – October to February
Ideal Travel Duration – 2 to 4 days
3. Sangla
Standing at the height of 2500 to 3000 meters from the ground level, Sangla is an off-beat village where the forested slopes preserve still preserves their tranquillity. Apricots, walnut, glacial streams, and apple orchards are in plenty here. To make it a nostalgic journey for you, get along the myriads of remote areas of this town – Themgarang, Chitkul, Sapni, Rakcham, and Batseri.
Adventurous activities – Camping, trekking, peak climbing, mountaineering, river crossing, and rappelling.
Places to explore – Sangla Meadow, Bering Nag Temple, Tibetan Wood Carving Centre, Chitkul, and Baspa River.
Best Time – March to June and later from September to December
Ideal Travel Duration – 4 to 5 days
4. Leh
Very few people are aware of the beauty of the remote Leh-Ladakh region. The place is an excellent escapade for all the solo travelers for indulging in some strenuous adventurous tours such as mountain biking and trekking at the high altitude. Ladakh packages, like ones from thrillophilia.com attract both the leisurescapes and adventurers to spring up this prominent touring destination promising unusual activities for solo travelers.
Places to explore – Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Kargil, Khardung-La Pass, Magnetic Hill, Hemis National Park, and Spituk Gompa.
Best Time – April to June
Ideal Travel Duration – 8 to 10 days
5. River Rafting at Rishikesh
They say if you want to seek tranquillity and serenity, head towards the town of Rishikesh alone. Situated along the foothills of the mighty Garhwal Ranges, this sacred region is highly praised for its white river water rafting. Being an ideal hub for backpackers coming from all nooks and corners of the globe, Rishikesh is a great spot to enjoy yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic Spa activities.
Places to explore – Laxman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Swarg Ashram, Parmarth Niketan, Shivpuri, and the Beatles Ashram.
Best Time – Late September to mid-November
Ideal Travel Duration – 5 to 7 days
6. Auli
Another popular adventurous destination in India for the backpackers is Auli. Situated at an altitude of 3049 meters from the foothills of the Garhwal ranges, the spot is a tourist gem both for solo travelers and those traveling in groups.
Adventurous activities – Skiing, Kuari Pass trekking, Ropeway riding, Auli camping, Gorson trekking, KwaniBugyal hiking.
Places to explore – GursoBugyal, KawniBugyal, Trishul Peak, Chenab Lake, Joshimath, Rudraprayag, and Nandaprayag.
Best Time – November to March
Ideal Travel Duration – 3 days
7. Tawang
Elevated at the height of 3048 meters from the ground level, Tawang is the hill town of the North-Eastern Himalayan region. Even today, the lofty hill town remains untouched by human activities, thus making it real heaven to seek perfect isolation from the rest of the world.
Adventurous activities – Meditation, rock climbing, river rafting, snorkeling, and trekking
Places to explore – Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Madhuri Lake, Nuranang Falls, Tawang War Memorial, Gorichen Peak, JawantGarh, and P.T. Tso Lake.
Best Time – May To September
Ideal Travel Duration – 3 to 4 days
8. Goa
A herd of hippies, rave parties, a shower of exotic liquors, boogieing seashores, and mouthful cuisines are things which sum up the beauty of Goa. As the destination is filled with a lot of unexplored and secluded beaches, you can expect some refreshing hours.
Adventurous activities – scuba diving, windsurfing, cruising, parasailing, kayaking, water skiing, waterboarding, and white-water rafting.
Places to explore – Agonda Beach, Dudhsagar Falls, Calangute Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Baga beach, Dona Paula.
Best Time – March to June
Ideal Travel Duration – 6 to 7 days
9. Gokarna
Embrace yourself with the tranquillity that hovers in the air blowing in and around the pristine beaches of Gokarna. A relaxing day here will drain all your thoughts and worries miles and miles away and give you your space to be one with nature.
Adventurous activities – Banana Boat ride, Jet Skiing Bumper ride, Speed boating, beach camping, and parasailing.
Places to explore – Om Beach, Mahabaleshwara Temple, Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach, Yana, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach.
Best Time – October to March
Ideal Travel Duration – 3 days
