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Backpacking has been the hype for the longest time. It doesn’t matter why you love backpacking, whether it’s simply because you’re an outdoorsy, nature lover or because Joey’s ‘backpacking across Western Europe’ story has made you curious about such an adventure. It's just such a great way to strip back all the glamour of everyday city life and re-discover the world! So if you’re based in Delhi and got a long weekend coming up ahead, then here are some of the best backpacking trips from Delhi that you must go for!
What better way to kickstart our backpacking list than with the picturesque town that is dubbed the backpacker’s haven! Kasol is a nature lover’s literal paradise, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, and laden with several glacial rivers and gurgling streams. Located 1,580 meters above sea level, nestled within the Parvati Valley, along the banks of river Parvati, Kasol is a hub for backpackers, tourists, and party animals!
Road Distance From Delhi: 571 km, approximately 13 hours by road.
Places To Visit: Parvati Valley, Tosh Village, Kheer Ganga, and Tirthan Valley.
Things To Do: Trekking, hiking, riverside camping, and nature walks.
Also read: 10 Places To Visit In Kasol For A Great Holiday
Hidden in the valleys of Kumaon, Ranikhet translates to ‘Queen’s Farm’ and is no less of a jewel-like destination. A perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of Delhi, the hill station offers its visitors total tranquility and a chance to discover themselves! Covered in green meadows, pine, and oak trees against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas, the hill station is a must-visit on our list. Frequently explored by backpackers and hikers, Ranikhet is a great place to begin your backpacking journey.
Road Distance From Delhi: 371 km, roughly 9 hours by road
Places To Visit: Chaubatia Orchards, Holm Farm, Bhalu Dam, Meghdoot, Chevron Rosemount.
Things To Do: Nature walks, camping, trekking, cycling, golfing, and fishing.
Also read: 10 Unmissable Things To Do In Ranikhet For A Fun Vacation
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Situated near upper Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj is the renowned home of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Set amidst lush greenery and lofty hills, this beautiful town is a popular tourist destination, especially for hikers and backpackers. Located in the Kangra district, it has one of the most captivating sceneries in all of Himachal. Since the towns of Dharamshala, Kangra, Nag, and Bhagsu (popular tourist destinations), are located close to McLeodGanj, one can cover more places if they plan a trip to this enchanting little town!
Road Distance From Delhi: 536, roughly 12 hours by road
Places To Visit: Namgyal Monastery, Minkiani Pass, Naddi View Point, Dharamkot, Bhagsu Waterfall.
Things To Do: Shopping, sightseeing, camping, trekking, spiritual experiences.
Also Read: Top 7 Things To Do In Himachal
Located at a height of 1,780 meters above sea level, Lansdowne is a quiet and slightly unexplored hill station in Uttarakhand. Tucked away in a corner of the Pauri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, this hill town is well-maintained and absolutely breathtaking. The town is surrounded by fragrant oak and pine woods, and appears like a painted scenery - untouched and unspoiled! Far from Delhi’s traffic and bustling streets, Lansdowne is an ideal retreat for those looking for some tranquility.
Road Distance From Delhi: 2801 km, approximately 7 hours by road.
Places To Visit: Bhulla Lake, Tip N Top, St. John’s Church, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve.
Things To Do: Camping, boating, trekking, hiking, nature walk, birdwatching, and jungle safari.
Also read: Best homestays in Lansdowne
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One of the most popular backpacking destinations from Delhi, Mussoorie is located 2,005 meters above sea level. This hill station was once the British summer capital owing to its cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. Dubbed as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ Mussoorie showcases stunning natural scenery complete with lush green slopes, rugged mountainous terrains, and crashing waterfalls. Apart from its mesmerizing beauty, the town’s archaic British architecture, charming little houses, and old-school town structure gives it a colonial vibe.
Road Distance From Delhi: 313 km, approximately 7 hours by road
Places To Visit: Kempty Falls, Gun Hill, Lal Tibba, Lake Mist, Dallai Hills, Camel’s Back Road.
Things To Do: Trekking, hiking, rock climbing, paragliding, rafting, boating, fishing, mountain biking, and more.
Also Read: 4 Of The Best Hostels In Mussoorie
Located 52 km to the north of Almora, Kausani is a picturesque hill station in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. Set at a height of 1,890 meters above sea level, this little hill station is a popular choice for backpackers, for its splendid natural scenery and panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi, and Panchchuli. Kausani is nestled between the Someshwar Valley and the Garur and Baijnath Katyuri valley, adding to its stunning landscape. The town is quite peaceful and the local lifestyle is pretty slow, So for those looking for some quiet de-stressing mini-vacation, Kausani is your pick!
Road Distance From Delhi: 430 km, approximately 11 hours by road.
Places To Visit: Pinnath, Rudradhari Falls and Caves, Gwaldham, Kausani Tea Estate, Stargate Observatory.
Things To Do: Trekking, hiking, shopping, tea tasting, photography.
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Similar to Kausani, Chail is an idyllic hill station in Himachal that is frequented by tourists looking for a happy break and a few moments of absolute peace. The town has something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover or a cricket lover! Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks and emerald green carpet of pine and oak, it is pretty obvious that this quiet town looks absolutely breathtaking. But for cricket lovers, you can find the world’s highest cricket ground here, situated at an elevation of 2,444 meters! One of the most sought-after places in Himachal, Chail is home to a stunning palace, a beautiful wildlife sanctuary, and pristine lakes and rivers, it is a visit-worthy destination on this list!
Road Distance From Delhi: 400 km, approximately 8 hours by road.
Places To Visit: Chail wildlife Sanctuary, Chail Cricket Ground, Chail Palace, Sadhupul Lake.
Things To Do: Camping, rock climbing, wildlife spotting, bird watching, trekking, horse riding.
Set against the majestic backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas, Almora is a cozy little hill station decked with jaw-dropping views and popular pilgrimage sites. Home to two of the major river systems in India - Koshi, and Suyal, Almora has a stunning landscape that makes for some great trekking routes and hiking trails. A popular stop for backpackers, the town is the starting point for a number of climbing and trekking routes that go deeper into the Himalayas.
Road Distance From Delhi: 377.6 km
Approximate Travel Time: 9 to 9.5 hours by road
Places To Visit: Zero Point, Kasar Devi, Jageshwar, Dunagiri, Binsar, Bright End Corner, Jalna
Things To Do: Rafting, trekking, hiking, shopping, photography, experiencing the wildlife.
Also read: 9 Things To Do In Almora
A quaint little town located in the Shimla district, Narkanda is a popular tourist attraction for its apple orchards and natural beauty. Set at a height of 2,708 meters above sea level, this hill station offers an untarnished view of the deep green forest cover, the rugged mountains, and the popular Tannu Jabar Lake here. Narkanda is a popular backpackers site since the town has several trekking routes situated here. One such route is the Hatu Nag trek, which offers a 360-degree view of the town below!
Road Distance From Delhi: 467 km, roughly 10 hours by road.
Places To Visit: Hatu Peak, Stokes Farm, Tannu Jabar Lake, Jau Baug, Kacheri.
Things To Do: Skiing, trekking, fruit picking, camping, and picnics.
A less explored Mussoorie suburb, Kanatal is a welcome stop for many backpackers against the tourist and pilgrim crowd in Mussoorie. Perched at a height of 2,590 meters, the hill station offers a splendid view of the striking Himalayas and deep valleys, making it a photographer’s paradise! The town is a haven for adventure junkies, from exploring the wild at the wildlife sanctuaries to jet-skiing and boating on Lake Tehri. Whether it is camping, trekking, rappelling, star-gazing, or valley crossing, Kanatal has it all!
Road Distance From Delhi: 340 km, 8 hours by road.
Places To Visit: Lake Tehri, Surkanda Devi Temple, Kodai Jungle.
Things To Do: Trekking, camping, boating, jet-skiing, bird watching, wildlife spotting, photography.
Summing Up
There’s no better way to spend your weekend that going on a short backpacking trip, either with your friends or by yourself. Backpacking is a welcome change from your everyday monotonous life and doing something exciting and exhilarating instead. So go through our amazing list of backpacking trips from Delhi and make your pick for your next long weekend plan!
Why Is Backpacking So Popular?
One of the major reasons for the popularity of backpacking is that it teaches individuals how to enjoy spending time by themselves and reconnecting with nature. It also boosts your confidence since you meet new people, make new experiences and learn to make do with the bare minimum.
What Is The Difference Between Hiking And Backpacking?
The main difference between the two is that backpacking involves spending one or more nights away from home, and so you carry your gear (backpack) with all your necessities along. On the other hand, hiking generally means you’ll return home at the end of the day post your excursion.
Is Backpacking Easy In India?
Backpacking in itself isn’t as easy as the movies make it out to be and requires great planning and physical and mental strength. Backpacking in India is especially not simple due to varying terrain and physiological conditions across the country. So depending on your choice of backpacking destination, your expedition can range from easy to difficult.
Where Do Most Backpackers Go In India?
Some of the popular backpacking trails in India include Rishikesh, Varanasi, Dharamkot, Varkala, Udaipur, Manali, Darjeeling, and the Zanskar Valley.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Himachal?
The months from February to June are the most comfortable time to visit Himachal, due to the pleasant weather and clear skies. The time between spring and summer is the tourist season in Himachal. If you wish to experience snowfall, then you should plan your trip sometime between November and January.
Which Places In Himachal Have Snowfall?
Places like Spiti Valley, Shimla, Manali, Narkanda, Solang Valley, and Dalhousie experience heavy snowfall during the winters in Himachal.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Uttarakhand?
You can either visit Uttarakhand during the summertime (February to June) or during the winter (October to January). The summer season is quite pleasant and perfect for exploration, while the winters see heavy snowfall and facilitate snow-based activities.
Which Places In Uttarakhand Have Snowfall?
Places like Kausani, Auli, Mukteshwar, Mussoorie, Chakrata, Dhanaulti, and other spots in Uttarakhand have heavy snowfall.
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