“Why Should backpackers visit Uttarakhand” If you wondering the same, Don’t worry I’ve curated this blog which will hopefully inspire to visit Uttarakhand as a backpacker.
Impeccable landscapes, rich culture, rustic villages, scenic hikes and treks, Uttarakhand has a lot to offer as a backpacker. So here are 13 reasons why backpackers should visit Uttarakhand.
Why Should Backpackers Visit Uttarakhand ?
After traveling extensively across Himachal, It took me around a couple of years to explore Uttarakhand on my terms. And it was certainly worth the visit.
So if you are looking for an inspiration or looking to visit a new destination as a backpacker, here are 13 compelling reasons that will hopefully inspire to pack your backs and leave for Uttarakhand in a heartbeat.
| Impeccable Landscapes Of Uttarakhand Will Blow Your Mind |
| Thriving Backpacking And Hostel Culture In Uttarakhand |
| Hiking and trekking trails Of Uttarakhand Will Impress You As A backpacker |
| High-Altitude valleys Of Uttarakhand Are Perfect For Adventure Seeking Backpackers |
| Rustic villages of Uttarakhand Are Absolutely Worth The Visit |
| Get The Adrenaline Rush Going With the Adventure Activities |
| Impeccable Camping Spots Of Uttarakhand |
| Go Bikepacking Across the Winding Roads of Uttarakhand |
| You’ll love The Eccentric Culture Of Uttarakhand As A Backpacker |
| Incredible Hospitality By The Locals of Uttarakhand |
| Uttarakhand Is One Of The Safest Destinations For Backpackers |
| Simple yet lip-smacking food of Uttarakhand Will Be A Treat For Your Taste Buds |
| Sacred Religious Sites of Uttarakhand Are Mesmerizing |
1. Impeccable Landscapes of Uttarakhand Will Blow Your Mind
Uttarakhand has no dearth of scenic vistas. Lofty peaks, Soaring pine forests, alpine meadows, you name it Uttarakhand has all. In fact, such scenic vistas makes Uttarakhand absolutely worth it.
The sheer number of lofty 7000m peaks in Uttarakhand really makes landscapes from spots located on ridges very picturesque.
Along with insanely beautiful vantage points, the landscapes in Uttarakhand are distinct in different regions. Harshil valley, Niti valley, Johar valley.
By the way, if you are looking to explore Harshil valley to the fullest, here is a detailed Itinerary for the same.
Such Surreal views of the Himalayas is one of the best reasons to visit Uttarakhand in my view. In frame, beautiful Harshil as witnessed from Lama Top.
2. Thriving Backpacking And Hostel Culture In Uttarakhand
A lot of backpackers like to stay in hostels. Be-friend and meet like-minded people and tag along with them. Well, if you are one of those, hostel culture is really thriving in Uttarakhand.
Kumaon is really at the forefront of the backpacking and hostel scene. With places like Kasar Devi, Muketshwar, Naukuchiatal having hostels from popular hostel franchises.
Garwhal is lagging behind when it comes to hostel. But in my view it will soon catch up. Except for Mussorie and Rishikesh, there aren’t any major destinations with thriving hostel and backpacking culture in Garwhal.
3. Hiking and Trekking Trails of Uttarakhand Will Impress You
Out Off all the Himalayan states in India, Uttarakhand is probably the one with more number of popular treks. And it becomes evident once you hike in Uttarakhand.
Beautiful hiking and trekking trail is in my view is one of the best reasons to visit the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand as a traveler and also one of the reasons why Uttarakhand is famous.
As a backpacker I hiked quite a bit in Garwhal Himalayas. From popular trails to off the beaten hikes, hiking in Uttarakhand was nothing short of a beautiful odyssey.
Trails are very well-developed when it comes to popular hikes like Dayara bugyal, Har Ki Dun etc. Even pilgrimages perched high-up like Tugnath, have wide marked trails.
Is Uttarakhand safe for solo travelers ? If you have the same question on your mind, here is a detailed blog on the same based out of my experience in Uttarakhand.
Such Trails Much Wow ! The beautiful trail to the village of Jhala in Harshil valley.
4. High-Altitude Valleys Of Uttarakhand Are Perfect for Adventure Seeking Backpackers
Traveling and exploring the high-altitude valleys is a different charm altogether. While high-altitude valleys of Uttarakhand often do not come into lime light, things are fast changing.
Valleys like Darma, Niti, Johar have gained popularity in the recent years thanks to social media and Uttarakhand government opening up border sensitive areas for tourism.
Of course, visiting High-altitude valleys of Uttarakhand will not be an easy task.
Unlike Himachal where valleys like Spiti, Lahaul, Pangi, Kinnaur are accessible by Public transport and have better roads, high-altitude valleys of Uttarakhand do not have easy access.
Of course I expect things to improve over the next few years. But until then, if you are seeking for adventure filled raw and authentic experiences as a backpacker, you should really visit high altitude valleys of Uttarakhand.
5. Rustic villages of Uttarakhand Are Absolutely Worth The Visit
As a backpacker, be it Himachal or Uttarakhand, I’ve always had an inclination towards the rustic villages. Rustic villages of Himalayas is where the you see actual culture and essence of the region.
The rustic villages of Uttarakhand, especially the remote one’s really were the highlight of my trip.
The insanely beautiful traditional styled houses, terrace farms, and not mention impeccable landscapes made my jaw drop in awe.
Of course, its one thing to visit such villages and admire them but its insanely difficult to actually spend your lives in such remote Himalayan villages.
If you to tread on off the beaten path, here are 47 insanely beautiful and lesser frequented places in Kullu, Uttarakhand’s Neighbour.
The picturesque village of Dhatmir in Uttarakashi District. Dhatmir has to be one of my favourite Himalayan villages Till date.
6. Get The Adrenaline Rush Going With Adventure Activities
For adventure seeking backpackers, Uttarakhand is a great destination. River Rafting, Bungee Jumping, Hiking and Trekking, Skiing are some of the activities one can indulge in while in Uttarakhand.
While River Rafting in Rishikesh one of the most popular adventure activity to indulge, Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh is not too far behind.
I personally have indulged in River Rafting in Rishikesh and it has to be one of the best River Rafting experiences to be really honest.
Of course, trekking and hiking is widespread activity that is done by backpackers in Uttarakhand. Sking in Auli is another popular activity do in Uttarakhand.
7. Camping Spots
Imagine you surrounded by lush green meadows with lofty peaks of Himalayas all around ? Sounds Incredible right ? Uttarakhand has no dearth of such insanely picturesque camping spots.
Most of the scenic camping spots in Uttarakhand are part of some kind of a hike or trek. But if you are not into hiking you can just do the shorter hikes and reach these campsites.
Deoriatal, Dayara Bugyal, Chopta having some amazing meadows where you can camp and experience the delightful landscapes of Uttarakhand in Garwhal. I am sure Kumaon will have its fair share.
In case you are looking to kickstart your hiking journey, here 13 easy hikes and treks around Kullu and Manali.
Barnala Campsite on the Dayara bugyal hike. Uttarakhand has no dearth of such impeccable campsites.
8. Go BikePacking Across The Winding Roads of Uttarakhand
With improved road connectivity in Uttarakhand, one can really explore Uttarakhand on a bike while backpacking.
Exploring on bike really gives you an ultimate freedom. You can stop wherever you feel like stopping, especially at picturesque vantage points. You can visit remote places not easily accessible by public transport.
So if you are one of those who loves to ride and backpacking, you can combine both and go exploring on your own terms without having to rely on public transport.
9. You’ll Love Eccentric Culture Of Uttarakhand As A Backpacker
If you did not already know, Uttarakhand is also known as Devbhoomi. Various significantly important religious sites are located in Uttarakhand.
Apart from the well-known sites like Char-dham and Hemkund Sahib, there are several eccentric customs and traditions followed by the different regions in Uttarakhand mostly dedicated to local deities.
As backpacker, I’ve always had inclination towards witnessing the local fairs and festivals of the deities. Although I haven’t attended any festival as such, but in the future I would love to.
Therefore, If you are a backpacker looking for authentic cultural experiences you can really choose Uttarakhand especially the upper villages and remote valleys, were culture still thrives.
Someshwar Devta Temple in Dhatmir village. Festivals dedicated to Someshwar Devta happen twice in year in this region starting from the village of Jakhol and ending at Osla.
10. Incredible Hospitality Of Locals Of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is known for its innocent and extremely amiable folks. And is certainly one of the reasons why backpackers should visit Uttarakhand. Especially if you end up visiting remote locales and valleys of Uttarakhand.
As a backpacker, Its always the hospitability of local folks that takes my experience to the next level. And Uttarakhand surely did not disappoint.
By the way, if you are visiting mountains for the first time, here is a detailed list of things to pack for a mountain trip in India for a hassle free experience.
11. Uttarakhand Is One Of The Safest Destinations For Backpackers
Uttarakhand is one of the safest places in India. As a solo backpacker, I did not face any issues as such be it touristy places or remote locales.
Instead I always felt safe and welcomed. As a backpacker to ensure one’s complete safety I always suggest people to stay in hostels or homestays, travel by public transport, and stay alert all time.
So if you are looking more safe and backpacking friendly head to Uttarakhand without second thoughts. But do remember one thing, that you yourself are responsible for your own safety.
If you are solo backpacker, make sure you do not venture all alone in the far-flung areas. If possible always try to hire a local guide for remote places if you are traveling alone and do not have any contacts in that place.
As A solo backpacker I fortunately did not encounter any issues as such. And warmly received everyhwere. Uttarakhand is one of the safest destinations in India but that being said a solo traveler always has to be very careful.
12. Simple Yet Lip-smacking Food Of Uttarakhand Will Be A treat For Your Taste Buds
As a backpacker if food is one of the main your agenda’s on a trip, then Uttarakhand will surely impress you with its simple yet delicious local delicacies.
Both Garwhal and Kumaon, have their local delicacies. Although I haven’t been to Kumaon yet. But I definitely tried out the local food across different regions of Garwhal.
Delicacies like Chaunsa bhaat, Saag and Mandwe ki Roti, adse were some of the most savory items that I have had in Garwhal. Here is a detailed list of medicines to carry on a mountain trip.
13. Sacred Religious Sites Of Uttarakhand Are Mesmerizing
Extremely sacred religious sites of Hindus and Sikhs are dotted all the across in the different valleys and regions of Uttarakhand. Some are easily accessible while some require you to hike and trek.
Apart from the religious significance, these sites are located at impeccably scenic locations. Some even perched high up in the dizzying altitudes enough to make breathless.
Some of the most important sacred sites in Uttarakhand include, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri. Apart from these places like Tugnath, Rudranath, Madhmaheshwar are also revered with zeal.
Sagnam or confluences of Holy rivers which are lifeline for Indian Sub-continent and form important religious sites with towns being named after the Sangam.
A humble request for anyone visiting these sites, please maintain the sanctity of the place and do not disrespect the local culture and traditions.
To conclude, I hope with the aforementioned reasons I have answered the question “Why should backpackers visit Uttarakhand “
Serene vistas, beautiful hiking trails, humble and hospitable locals, eccentric culture, amazing food are some of the reasons to visit Uttarakhand as a backpacker.
Incase, you have any queries on why should backpackers visit Uttarakhand, you can drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help.