7 Hidden Backpacking Gems in India
Apr 22, 2025
Author: Alka
Traveling excites everyone, but the thrill truly begins with the art of packing, as it adds an extra layer of anticipation to the journey. These little preps build the excitement and fuel your imagination about the hidden gems you’re about to discover, the cultures you’ll connect with, and the memories you’ll create. Here are some of the offbeat destinations for backpackers to prepare for:
1. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh: Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh is a picturesque valley known for its lush greenery and unique culture. With 80% forest cover, it hosts 26 tribes, making it a biodiversity hotspot. The Ziro Valley, at 5,600 feet, is famous for its paddy fields, rustic charm, and sustainable rice-cum-fishing farming by the Apatani tribe, a UNESCO-recognised practice. Hong is the largest village and is also called the Heart of Ziro Valley. People here follow the Donyi-Polo religion, which is related to caring for Earth and humanity. You can also visit the winery in the valley where fruits such as kiwi, guava, and plum are used to make wine. If you’re planning a trip in September, don’t miss the Ziro Music Festival, showcasing artists from across the globe, set against the backdrop of Ziro’s stunning landscape.
2. Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh:
It’s truly a serene backpacker’s paradise known for its untouched natural beauty, quaint villages, and laid-back vibe featuring off-beat spots with nature’s beauty that is too completely budget-friendly. You can reach here by taking a bus to Aut, and then a local cab or bus to Jibhi to explore activities such as trekking to nearby villages, lakes, and peaks or pitching your tents near rivers, interacting with the locals, and savoring the traditional Himachali cuisine. The top attractions in Jibhi are its waterfall- a hidden gem surrounded by forested trails offering tranquility, and Serolsar Lake- a scenic 5 km trek from Jalori Pass that leads you to this tranquil high-altitude lake, if you’re up for short hikes and photography then do visit Jalori Pass-a gateway to stunning views of Himalayas, including the Pir Panjal range
3. Majuli, Assam:
Your tour to the world’s largest river island located on the Brahmaputra River in Assam- Majuli is going to be filled with adventurous activities, cultural heritage, and natural beauty while promoting Sustainable Tourism. You can rent a bicycle to explore the island’s villages and scenic spots, and try your hands at angling with locals; here you can also attend the traditional performances, especially Raas Leela. The top attractions here are Monasteries such as Kamalabari Satra, Auniati Satra, and Dakhinpat Satra, where you can witness the unique craft of creating traditional masks used in Assamese theatre at Samaguri Satra. Everybody craves a stunning sunset view which you surely get here by the Brahmaputra River.
4. Gokarna, Karnataka:
If you’re looking for a destination for beach hopping, then this is your perfect stop- Gokarna is a small coastal town with pristine beaches, spiritual vibes, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a great alternative to Goa for budget travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Explore the coastline on foot or by boat alongside the abundance of beaches here, including Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Gokarna Beach, popular for pilgrims and just beach strollers as well. Try kayaking, paddle-boating, or snorkeling at Om Beach, join a yoga retreat, or simply meditate on these tranquil beaches. The top attraction here is- Mirjan Fort, a historical fort surrounded by lush greenery that is great for history enthusiasts and photographers. Yana Caves trek offers stunning limestone rock formations and an opportunity for you to enjoy the natural beauty.
5. Hampi, Karnataka:
A UNESCO World Heritage site for backpackers seeking a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty with the surreal landscape of ancient ruins, boulder-strewn hills, and tranquil rivers will transport visitors to a bygone era. You can capture the landscape, temples, and ruins through photographs or trek on trails like Anjaneya Hill offering breathtaking views. The top attractions here are- Virupaksha Temple, a functioning temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; Vithala Temple- known for the iconic Stone Chariot and musical pillars making it a highlight of Hampi; explore the lively street with ruins, shops, and eateries in Hampi Bazaar.
6. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:
It is a dream destination blending spirituality, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. You can explore this place in two ways: by Helicopter and the other option is via road where the cost is almost the same as the helicopter ride, but it takes 12-14 hours to reach the place. While on the road you will witness Chakzam which means an iron bridge constructed by the Tibetan saint and engineer, Thangtong Gyalpo renowned for building iron chain bridges across the Himalayas. The bridge’s robust construction without modern tools is a testament to the skill of ancient engineers. You can go to Bumla Pass located on the Indo-China border, which offers awe-inspiring views and a glimpse of the historical significance of the Indo-China War of 1962 all possible with a permit.
7. Chopta, Uttarakhand:
This place serves as the base for the famous Tungnath-Chandrashila trek and is a paradise for nature lovers offering scenic beauty, adventure destinations, and spiritual vibes. Explore trails like Tungnath-Chandrashila and Deoria Tal or set up a tent amidst the lush meadows of Chopta, capturing the stunning landscapes, starry skies, and vibrant flora. The key attraction is the Tungnath Temple located at 3,680 meters one of the highest Shiva temples in the world and part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage or a beautiful lake surrounded by forests with reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks.
CONCLUSION
So, if traveling light with only the essentials and creating more memories is your ultimate goal while respecting the local cultures and traditions- you know which destination to pin next. The true essence of backpacking lies in uncovering places that are yet to be overrun by tourists and promise solitude, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences, so let this be it
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