After a grueling year of lockdowns and indoor confinement, every travel enthusiast is looking forward to the next adventure trip this summer. Are you browsing through destinations and wondering how to go on an adventure trek while adhering to all safety guidelines?

There are a plethora of adventure tour packages who are adhering to the best safety standards.

It is time to get your backpack ready and plan the ultimate adventure getaway to any of these locations this summer:

1. Dharamshala – Monasteries, Treks, & McLeod Ganj tour 

Explore the beautiful monasteries, soak in the breathtaking mountain views, and savour some authentic Tibetan Thukpa on your next trip to Dharamshala. This peaceful hill station is the home of his Dalai Lama. Bask in the majestic views of the mighty Dhauladhar range and capture some Instagram-worthy photographs. Explore the local hill station of McLeod Ganj which is an hour’s drive from Dharamshala. Plan an adventure trek to the Triund top or the snowline which starts from McLeod Ganj city centre. Enjoy stargazing while camping overnight at Triund hilltop.

Fun Activities: Explore McLeod Ganj, Paragliding, and Trekking to Triund

Peak season: February – June

Top tourist attractions: Plan a trek to Dharamkot. Visit the HPCA stadium. Nature walks across the Kangra Valley. Visit the pristine Kareri Lake.

How to reach Dharamshala: The nearest airstrip is Gaggal airport which is 13 km away. The nearest railway station is Pathankot which is 85 km away from Dharamshala.

2. Chandratal Lake – the gem of Lahaul Spiti Valley

An idyllic spot for campers and trekkers, Chandratal Lake is one of the most scenic lakes at an elevation of 4300 m in the lap of the Himalayan mountain ranges. This pristine lake overlooks the Chandra River which is on the Samudra Tapu plateau. The name “Chandra Taal” resembles the crescent shape of the moon. As a chosen abode for Tibetan traders traveling to Spiti and the Kullu valley, the Chandratal lake attracts thousands of adventure lovers from across the world.

Observe the colour of water morph to myriad shades of turquoise to orange to azure. Enjoy picking some wildflowers along the way while treating your eyes with the sprawling stretches of green meadows. If you are an adventure seeker, you can trek from Batal to Chandratal to enjoy the captivating mountain views. Spend some moments in silence while soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings of Chandratal Lake.

You can book top hotels in Manali which is a popular base camp while trekking to the Chandratal lake.

Book your hotel with Oyo rooms, who are taking all the necessary precautions to provide you with a safe and comfortable stay during the pandemic. They are adhering to all the safety guidelines as prescribed by W.H.O and other local Governing authorities. 

Book your stay at the top hotels in Manali in advance to avail attractive discounts during the summer months.

3. Chitkool – Scenic village amid picturesque valleys

A quaint village nestled in the lap of Sangla valley, Chitkool offers scenic views that will rejuvenate your soul. This village has a population of 600 people who are warm and welcoming to the backpackers and tourists. Treat your soul with calming nature vibes amidst the backdrop of majestic mountains and meadows.

Fun Activities: Trek to the Charang Chitkul Pass Trek.

Peak Season: March – September

Top tourist attractions: Go trekking and camping

How to reach Chitkool: Hire a cab from Reckong Peo to reach Chitkul.

4. Kufri – Summer adventure sports, local wildlife

Visit this scintillating hill station, Kufri which is located 18 km from Shimla. While Kufri transforms into a snowy paradise during the winters, it makes for a scenic getaway during the summers. Book hotels in Kufri with scenic mountain view rooms.

If you are planning a trip to Kufri this summer, book hotels in Kufri in March-April to avail attractive offers.

Fun Activities: Explore Wildlife and Elated Yak Ride

Peak Season: November to April

Top tourist attractions: Wildlife safari at Himalayan Nature Park. Visit the Kufri Fun World.

How to reach Kufri: Located just 20 kilometers away, Jubbarhatti is the closest airport to Kufri. Broad Gauge railway station is the nearest railway located at 100 kilometers.

5. Kasauli – Breathtaking views & fresh mountain air 

Bask in the refreshing vibes and tranquil environment of this quaint little hill town in Himachal. Kasauli has a rich cultural heritage owing to British colonization. Book the best hotels in Kasauli at least one to two months before your travel date.

Enjoy the majestic sunset views at the sunset point with your significant other. Explore the local churches and go for a nature hike amidst scenic mountain trails. You can check for attractive discounts in the best hotels in Kasauli during the off-peak season.

Fun Activities: Trekking, Toy Train Ride, Christ Church

Peak Season: April- July

Top tourist attractions: Take a stroll around the nature trails. Visit the Pine Hills Eco Camp.

How to reach Kasauli: The nearest railway station is Kalka, which is around 40 km away. You can also travel to Kasauli from New Delhi or Chandigarh via state-run or private buses.

6. Leh – the ultimate trekker’s paradise

A biker’s and trekker’s paradise, Leh is one of the popular tourist spots to visit during summer. Surrounded by colossal mountains, azure lakes, and rugged terrain makes Leh an ideal getaway for nature lovers.

Be captivated while driving through one of the most picturesque driveways in India.

When to Visit Leh: Summer months- April to June,

Fall/ Autumn months- September to October. All the connecting roadways remain closed after November owing to snowfall.

Fun Activities: Plan a trekking and overnight camping trip by the lake. Go mountain biking across the rugged terrains and rocky highways. Visit the Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, and Kargil valley.

Easiest Route:

• Travel by flight: The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport.
• Travel by bus: You can reach Srinagar by bus and board a connecting bus to reach Leh.
• Travel by train: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi

To get attractive deals at the best hotels in Leh, book at least two months in advance from your preferred travel date.

You can check-in your belongings at the best hotels in Leh while planning a trek to any nearby locations.

7. Ladakh – Camping, trekking, & mountain biking

If you are looking for a tranquil getaway amidst majestic surroundings, plan a summer trip to Ladakh. Much loved by adventure seekers and trekkers Ladakh is known for its monasteries, mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, hiking trails, and panoramic views. Soak in the beauty of the pristine Pangong Tso lake. Camp right next to the lake to wake up to unforgettable sunrise views amidst the tranquil surroundings.

Temperature: The average temperature ranges between 20°C-30°C.

Must-Visit Places: Nubra Valley, Gompa, Khardung La, Thikse Monastery, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, and Chang La.

Fun Activities: Plan a trek to Chadar. If you can ride a motorbike, go to Magnetic Hill and Khardung La. You can also enjoy adventurous activities like river rafting in the Indus river. Other activities include mountain climbing at Stok Kangri and jeep safari in Ladakh.

Easiest Route:

• The nearest airport is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport.
• The nearest railway station which is 700 kilometers from Ladakh is Jammu Tawi.
• You can also travel by the Manali-Leh road which opens by mid of June.

Pro-Travel Tips: Check your oxygen levels before trekking towards Ladakh. Spend a day or two for acclimatization to avoid mountain sickness or shortness of breath.

Plan a backpacking trip to these exotic hill stations across Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir region this summer.

OYO