Adventure Holidays – 8 Hill Stations Every Backpacker Should Explore this Summer

As the summer soars in North India, many backpackers chose to travel to the nearby hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. 

Whether you like camping by the river or hiking or gazing under the stars, it is worth planning a backpacking trip this summer. You can form a group with your friends, your spouse, or you can travel solo. Shimla, Manali, McLeodGanj offers a number of overnight treks for the adventure lovers. You can book nearest hotels in the base station before going for trekking or camping. 

Check out these hill stations for your next adventure trip this summer:

1. Kullu

Explore the lush green meadows, orchards, and sparkling streams. Kullu is great for backpackers and trekkers. You can also enjoy other adventure sports like river rafting and paragliding. Book a hotel in Manali for your backpacking trip to Kullu. 

Major tourist spots in Kullu that you need to explore are Kheer Ganga, Hot springs at Manikaran, and Himalayan National Park. 

 

Best time to visit: March to June during summer and December to February to enjoy snow

Travel tips: Take a flight till Kullu-Manali airport which is located only 10 kms from Kullu. 

Things to do: Trekking Around Prashar Lake, Rafting in River Beas, Paragliding in Kullu Hills.

2. Kasol

This picturesque hill station of Himachal Pradesh is located on the Parvati river bank. A backpacker’s paradise, Kasol offers a plethora of trek and camping trips. Relax, unwind in the lap of beautiful natural surroundings. Stay at the best hotels in Kasol with mountain views. It is located in the middle of Manikaran and Bhuntar. 

Major tourist spots to visit in Kasol are Parvati River, Kheerganga trail, and the pristine Tosh Valley.

Best time to visit Kasol are from October to June

Travel tips: You can hire a cab, take a bus, or drive your car to Kasol.

Activities to enjoy in Kasol: Kheerganga Trek, Shopping, Sar Pass Trek

3. Kufri

Kufri is a beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh popular with backpackers. When visiting in winters enjoy snow sports like skiing. Bask in the serenity of the snow-clad Himalayan mountain peaks of Kufri. Book a hotel in Shimla for your backpacking trip to Kufri. You can book Kufri hotels on the Oyo website. 

Major tourist attractions: Skiing and snowboarding during winter; Himalayan Wildlife Zoo; Kufri Fun World offering thrilling sports like flying fox and go-karting; and Annual Winter Sports Festival organized by HPTDC.

 

Best time to visit: For summer months April to June. For winter months November to March

How to reach: Flight to Shimla airport. It is 20 km away. Take public transport to reach Kufri. 

4. Lansdowne

Located at a height of 1700 meters above sea level, Lansdowne is a beautiful hill station near Delhi. Enjoy the serenity of the mountain, valleys, chirping birds on your visit to Lansdowne. Book romantic hotels in Lansdowne in advance before you plan the trip. 

 

Places To Visit: St. Mary Church, Bhulla Lake, War Memorial, Garhwali Mess

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station: A train ride to Kotdwar railway station

Nearest airport to Lansdowne: Dehradun airport

By Road: 6 Hours from Delhi (256 km)

Best time to visit: March to October

Must try food or cuisine: Indian, Asian

5. Mussorie

The peaceful hill station of Mussoorie makes for a fun weekend getaway from Delhi. Enjoy the mesmerizing views and breathe in the mountain air. Book hotels in Mussorie that offer pristine mountain and valley views. 

Must-visit Tourist spots in Mussorie are Kempty Falls, Mossy Falls, Mussoorie Lake, Gun Hill

 

Ideal duration: 2 Nights/3 Days

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station: Take a train to Dehradun railway station

Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport at a distance of 24 km

By Road: 6 Hours from Delhi (289 km)

Best time to visit: October to June

Must try food or cuisine: Indian, Asian, Chinese

Things to do in Mussoorie: Kempty Falls, Trekking, Shopping at Mall road for Ladaki Shawls, Jamawar Shawls at Mall road for Ladaki Shawls, Jamawar Shawls

6. Shimla

The summer capital of British India, situated at a height of 7000 meters from sea level, Shimla is a famous hill station in the Himalayas. Enjoy a walk by the Mall road, hike to the nearby hills, and enjoy steaming hot Thukpa. Book hotels in Shimla with mountain view for a memorable stay. 

Top tourist spots are Summer Hills, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, and Annandale

 

Ideal duration: 2 Nights/3 Days

How to Reach:

Nearest Railway Station for a train ride: Kalka railway station

Nearest Airport: Chandigarh at a distance of 115 km

By Road: 7 Hours from Delhi (342 km)

Best time to visit: October to February

Must try food or cuisine: Indian, Chinese

Enjoyable activities in Shimla: Shopping, hiking, heritage walks

7. Auli 

This winter wonderland hill station of Auli is a must visit for anyone who wants to enjoy snow and winter sports. Auli has emerged as a popular skiing resort near Delhi. 

Top tourist attractions in Auli are Nandprayag, Chenab Lake, Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal

 

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days

How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh railway station for a train ride

Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport for a flight

By Road: 9 Hours 27 minutes from Delhi (372 km)

Best time to visit: April to August & January to February

• Nainital

A perfect summer vacation destination, Nainital is dotted with splendid lakes, plunging fjords, and pristine surroundings. This is a great spot for a family holiday during the summers. Book hotels in Nainital online for your next summer vacation. 

Top tourist attractions are Naini Lake, The Mall Road, Naini Peak, Naukuchiatal 

 

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days

Travel tips:Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam for a train ride

Nearest Airport: Pant Nagar airport for a flight

By Road: 6.5 hours from Delhi (307 km)

Best time to visit:

March to June for summer months. To enjoy snowfall, visit in December or January

Must try food or cuisine: Indian, Asian, Chinese

Things to do in Nainital: Boating experiences in tals, horse riding, trekking

 

These are some of the best destinations for adventure seekers and backpackers this summer.