Where is the best place to go backpacking?

India is known as a backpacker’s haven. Reasonably priced accommodations, low-cost food, economical commute network, and happy to help natives, set the place high on popularity for a nominal, still full of adventure and thrill, backpacking trip with backpacker India

Backpacking in India is one of the most adventurous experiences to live. This gives a chance to the wanderer to enjoy a good time exploring the mountains and the beaches along with unraveling the mysteries of the places. To know where to start, here is a list of the best backpacking destinations in India.

10 Best Places To Go For Backpacking In India 

Here are some of the best places to go for backpacking in India and enjoy a time like never before unraveling the adventure junkie inside you.

• Zanskar Valley – Roadmap To Kargil
• Parvati Valley – Hippie Land
• Seven Sisters Trek – Amidst The Apple Orchards
• Har Ki Doon Valley – Walk Up To The Beauty
• Pathankot – Land Of Mountains And Rivers
• Pushkar – The Holy City Of Rajasthan
• Bundi – Explore The Architectural Heritage
• Shillong – Place For The Rain Lovers
• Darjeeling – The Tea Land Of India
• Gokarna – Amidst The Surreal Beaches
• Hampi – Where The History Speaks
• Munnar – Tranquil Beauty Of Nature
• Dudhsagar Fall Trek – The Sound Of Gushing Water
• Sunderbans – The Land Of Tigers And Mangroves
• Ladakh – Land Of Beautiful Lake
• Majuli – The Beautiful Village Of Assam
• Dharamkot – Away From The Hustle Bustle
• Varanasi – Dingy Lanes And Historical Treasures
• Dzukou Valley – Amidst The Serenity
• Loktak Lake – The Floating Lake
• Andaman Islands – The Surreal Beaches

1. Zanskar Valley – Roadmap To Kargil

Out of all backpacking trips in India, this one is not for timid personalities. You will reach the spell-bounding terrain of Zanskar, after a long back-breaking road journey from Kargil. High altitude Buddhist monasteries and villages give you a sense of calm and spirituality. A one-day trip to Zangla Palace is a must. You can hike to Stongdey Monastery, if you are looking for an easy one.

Best Time To Visit: July To September

2. Parvati Valley – Hippie Land 

Parvati Valley is what we youngsters call as a “Hippie Hub”. Apt for backpacking in India, it is the base of renowned laid-back villages of Kasol, Tosh, Malana and Pulga. It has some extraordinary trekking trails and lovely cascading waterfalls. Not at all expensive, you can stay here for next to nothing and have a blast. Cafes here treat you to good psy-trance music; a little indulgence doesn’t harm!

Best Time To Visit: April To May, October and November 

3. Seven Sisters Trek – Amidst The Apple Orchards 

This group of seven peaks is one of the easiest treks in India. Much easier than you expected any Himalayan trail to be. Its ease of traversing makes it a popular among other backpacking trips in India. Pleasant weather with mild coolness makes it an apt destination for adventurous backpacking trips. Flanked with apple orchards and flower gardens, the stretch will prove to be an out of the world experience. Ancient wooden temples adorning the place add in an old world charm. There are many backpacking tours in India that take you through the jewels of this valley.

Best Time To Visit: October To Mid-May

4. Har Ki Doon Valley – Walk Up To The Beauty 

What better way to add a dash of adventure than to hike through the Har ki Doon Valley. Add some spice to your backpacking trips with overnight camping at Osla village. Even though the trail is not easy, it will be worth all at the end. Hike through the remote village of Gangaad, witness their traditional way of life, relish their delicacies and share their culture. Don’t forget to chill at the edges of Tamsa River for an enriched experience. The peaks are covered in snow during the months of October to February. So plan accordingly, if you want to have a snow-fight with your partner while backpacking in India.

Best Time To Visit: April-June and September-December 

5. Pathankot – Land Of Mountains And Rivers 

Meeting point of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, Pathankot is a magnificent and dazzling place to be at. Towering mountains, lush forests, whimsical homes and whispering rivers — the place has a lot to explore, ensure you make time accordingly. Various dams add to the list of tourist attractions. A sure-shot on the list of backpacking trips in India.

Best Time To Visit: October-April 

6. Pushkar – The Holy City Of Rajasthan 

The small city of Pushkar is a mix of tradition, culture, colors, scenic beauty and sandy trails. Known for its vitality, this place is ideal for backpacking in India – neither costly nor out of reach. Explore the surrounding desert on a camel back or stroll around at your leisure. Don’t be fooled with the extravagance of this place. The exploration here can be very easy on your pocket.

Best Time To Visit: November-March

7. Bundi – Explore The Architectural Heritage 

If magnanimous havelis and forts enchant you, then Bundi is your perfect stoppage. What makes it stand out among all other Rajasthan cities are its monumental havelis and opulent forts. Vibrantly colored houses, narrow roads and friendly natives dressed in Rajasthani get-up make this place a good choice for travelers for backpacking in India. However, the best way to really breathe in the culture here is to travel on foot. Stroll around, broach a conversation with indigenous people of the city and taste some amazing dishes, which were specially used to be prepared for Raja – Maharajas of the place.

Best Time To Visit: October To April 

8. Shillong – Place For The Rain Lovers 

The rain-lover in you, will love this place. Rain-soaked almost every time, the accommodations here are super cheap. Explore the rainforests of Meghalaya, and walking trails on hills. Backpacking trips to Meghalaya can be mind-boggling to those who are not used to the wilds. Relax and relieve your soul of all the materialistic burdens. Understand the people and make good friends with them. Try to grasp their power of making things simple even in unfavorable conditions. Enjoy to the fullest and backpack India.

Best Time To Visit: September To May 

9. Darjeeling – The Tea Land Of India 

Landscapes of Darjeeling seem like perfect pictures from international postcards. Quaint little town, steaming trains, refreshing tea estates, fragrant coffee plantation, friendly natives and mild weather – Darjeeling is an all-time charmer for backpacking trips. While here, stay in monasteries or with a guest house owner, savor their traditional cuisine, rejuvenate yourself with strolls in fresh air, and yes, don’t forget to take a ride on local toy train.

Best Time To Visit: April-June

10. Gokarna – Amidst The Surreal Beaches 

Gokarna is a small temple town in Karnataka. Serene beaches and pristine water attracts a fair share of backpackers. Its happy-go-lucky natives are always ready to help. They will leave you alone or become your best buddies as per your quest. A backpacking trip with no inhibitions, no pretenses and no judgement are what defines backpacking in Gokarna. You can let go of your worries and immerse yourself to the tranquility of this town.

Best Time To Visit: June-August 

Tips For Backpacking In India 

Here are some golden rules for those planning to head to anywhere in the country for an adventurous backpacking trip. 

• Instead of private taxis, travel by bus or public transport. Or better, hitch-hike, if you can.
• Keep accommodation payments minimal. Try and assist the owner of the place, in exchange of your free stay. If it doesn’t work, stay in B&Bs or hostels. They are mostly cheaper than other commercial stay places.
• Carry your own water bottles and refill them. Don’t buy new ones at every turn.
• Respect the culture of the place. Don’t disregard the traditions of the place which has welcomed you warmly.
• Pack lighter stuff in your carry-on bags. And wear the heavier stuff like jeans, boots, etc.

If you’re an ardent backpacker, we are sure more than one of these places will make to your bucket list right away. From the mountains to the beaches, there is a long list which is worth exploring. So while you plan your vacation to India, make sure to take an adventurous turn and exploring these places for backpacking in India. 

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