Indian travellers adopting the trek-first travel planning to escape the summer

As temperatures rise this summer, Indian travelers are increasingly considering destinations that offer easy access to trekking routes and outdoor experiences. 

According to digital travel platform Agoda, accommodation searches for mountain destinations such as Leh, Kasol and McLeod Ganj have risen significantly compared to last year, driven largely by travelers from metro cities.

Leh, set in the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, witnessed a 143 per cent increase in searches. Home to high-altitude trekking routes including Markha Valley and Lasermo La among others, Leh appeals to adventure seekers looking for challenging terrain and unique landscapes. Searches from New Delhi and Mumbai-based travelers saw growth of 140 per cent and 158 per cent respectively compared to last year, and searches from Hyderabad increased by 106 per cent. 
 
Kasol follows closely, seeing a 126 per cent increase in searches from India compared to the previous year. The picturesque hotspot is known for its access to trails like Kheerganga and Tosh Valley, as well as its scenic Parvati Valley location. Key cities with an increase in travel interest include New Delhi, with accommodation searches increasing by 129 per cent year-on-year, as well as Chandigarh, which saw a 178 per cent increase in searches. 

Additionally, travelers are also showing increasing interest in McLeod Ganj and the surrounding areas, which offer trekking-focused experiences along scenic routes in the Dhauladhar range like Triund, Kareri Lake, and Indrahar Pass.

This shift reflects a broader evolution in how travelers are approaching trip planning, with outdoor accessibility becoming a primary consideration rather than an afterthought. The rise of destinations with accessibility to popular trekking trails indicates that travelers are moving beyond traditional itineraries and seeking destinations that offer immediate access to nature-based activities.

Gaurav Malik, country director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, with the travel platform, said, “The decisions of India travelers today are increasingly shaped by experiences and not just the destination itself. Destinations like Leh, Kasol and McLeod Ganj are emerging as strong choices because they offer both cooler climates and immersive outdoor experiences.”