North India Himalayan Mountains Itinerary & Backpacking Route

Northern India and the Himalayan mountains are some of my favourite places to visit in India. With lush mountain scenery, colourful Buddhist monasteries, ancient spiritual places and a unique energy, there’s something really magical about the Himalayas.

However, the mountains of north India often get skipped as people travel around the hectic Indian cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur that make up the famous Golden Triangle route. While these places are home to some of India’s most iconic sights, like the Taj Mahal, it’s a shame to miss the Himalayan mountains as they offer a much cooler and calmer Indian experience.

So I want to share my North India Himalayan mountains itinerary and backpacking route to help you if you’re thinking of exploring this beautiful and fascinating part of India.

The Himalayan Mountains of North India

The western Himalayan mountain region of India includes several Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. In the east you have Sikkim and the Himalayan kingdom in Nepal sits somewhere in the middle.

These states are what this north India itinerary focuses on but it also includes the holy city of Amritsar in Punjab, home to the Sikh’s Golden Temple, and India’s capital city New Delhi as most travellers will enter India here.

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The Himalayas are some of the most diverse areas of the country in terms of landscape. When you leave the busy cities in the plains of North India you’ll find lush green hill stations, tea plantations and the spectacular snow capped mountains of the Himalayas.

There’s tons of adventure and trekking opportunities as well as spiritual mountain towns like Rishikesh and Dharamshala where you’ll witness a way of living that is very different to the rest of India.

You’ll love backpacking in the Himalayas if you’re an adventurer looking to trek through the mountains, someone who is seeking spiritual enlightenment, or even if you just want to escape the heat and chaos of India’s big cities!

Carry on reading and I’ll describe the best route to take and give you plenty of tips for traveling in India.

My North Indian Mountains Itinerary and Backpacking Route

Delhi (3-4 days)

The best starting point for a North Indian itinerary is to fly into India’s capital New Delhi.

Delhi is a bustling, exciting, city with so much history, culture, food and interesting architecture to explore.

Some of the best places to visit in Delhi are India Gate, Qutub Minar, the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk. There are tons of vibrant markets where you can buy some inexpensive souvenirs and trinkets and incredible street food.

This will probably be the starting and finishing point for your Himalayan mountains adventure – it can be a bit overwhelming at first so you don’t worry about seeing everything on the first visit – you can do the things you missed when you return at the end of your adventures.

Where to stay:

• goStops Delhi was such a comfortable place to stay after the train ride, and is in a great location with a big buffet breakfast every morning. The dorm rooms are cosy and modern, with air conditioning and bathrooms.
• TG Tashkent Hotel has fast WiFi, a very helpful and friendly manager, and is in walking distance to the train station.
• Hotel City Star is in a central and quiet location in Delhi with friendly staff. Its in proximity to the New Delhi train station.
• If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, the Prime Balaji Deluxe @ New Delhi Railway Station with rooftop seating area, a good breakfast, and spacious and modern rooms.

Read More: 5 Best places to stay in Delhi 

How to get there:

Delhi has a major airport with daily international and domestic flights connecting to every parts of the country and many major cities around the world.

Delhi’s train stations connect to many destinations around the country and spiritual places in north India, like Haridwar and Amritsar.

There are also daily local, luxury and sleeper buses going to various parts of India, including the mountain towns that are not reachable by rail.

Shimla (2-3 days)

The hill station of Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj, has historic colonial buildings, snow capped Himalayan mountain peaks, cool breezes, lush greenery, and stunning lakes, making it one of the most beautiful places in northern India.

Make sure you visit some of the vibrant markets in Shimla, like the Lakkar Bazaar market and the handicraft shops at the pedestrian avenue The Mall. For beautiful views of Shimla, make sure you visit The Ridge and Summer Hill.

During the winter months, Shimla is a wonderland covered in snow. In the summer, you’ll see the snow covered mountain peaks in the distance but get to enjoy warm days and the surrounding nature without it being too cold.

Where to stay:

• Annadale View is a great option if you’re a backpacker on a budget. It’s family run and has a wonderful homey atmosphere with cosy beds and delicious food.
• Trimurti Pine Valley Resort is a budget option in a great location near Mall Road with a shared kitchen and free Wi-Fi.
• Snow Valley Resorts has rooms with beautiful views, courteous staff, and spacious rooms.
• Hotel Landmark Shimla is a clean, luxurious property with large rooms and a beautiful view of the valley.

How to get there:

One of the most scenic and fun ways to reach Shimla is riding the famous toy train from Kalka. You can take a train from Delhi to Kalka and then take the toy train to Shimla. Make sure you book your train tickets in advance though as they get fully booked up.

If you don’t manage to get a train ticket there are also buses to Shimla from Delhi and Chandigarh and connections to Manali. You can book buses and trains from Delhi to Shimla here.

The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubarhati, 23 kilometres away with connecting flights to Delhi and Chandigarh.

Manali (3-4 days)

Manali is a gorgeous mountain town that offers a refreshing break from some of the bustling cities of India and should not be missed on any Indian mountains trip.

It’s cooler climate makes an ideal setting to get cosy and sip on a chai while looking at the mountains but there are also plenty of things to do if you’re looking for a bit more adventure.

Some of the best things to see in Manali include the Hadimba Devi Temple and the Manu Temple, the Manali Nature Park, and Jogini Falls and the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art.

Where to stay:

• Holiday BnB Manali is good backpacker accommodation in an amazing location with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. I stayed at the beautiful Rock Top Cottage, which offers budget accommodation in the cosy mountains overlooking Old Manali with large rooms and tasty breakfasts.
• Quality Inn River Country Resort is a midrange accommodation with hot water, views of the snow capped mountain peaks, and courteous staff.
• For a little bit of luxury, La Ri Sa Resort offers a garden view, balcony, game room, and hiking nearby the resort.

Read More: 5 Best places to stay in Manali

How to get there:

Many luxury buses reach Manali from destinations like Delhi, Shimla and Dharamshala. It’s 13-14 hours from Delhi, 11 hours from Shimla, or 9-10 hours from Dharamshala. You can book bus tickets here.

You can also take a 14-hour train ride from Delhi to Ambala Cantt, and then a state bus to Manali.

Leh (5-6 days)

Leh is a unique city located at 3,500 meters above sea level which used to be the capital of the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh. Leh is surrounded by mountains and other worldly landscapes, its a great starting base for your adventures in one of the most northern places in India.

The surreal mountain scenery and Tibetan history, culture and colorful monasteries mean Ladakh is regarded as one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in all of India. The remote location means it takes a long time to get here – but it’s worth it.

The best places to visit in Ladakh include Shanti Stupa, Thikse Monastery, and Shey Palace. Other highlights include Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake, a gorgeous light blue lake that sits at 4,200 meters that you can sleep next to in tents.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a Royal Enfield motorbike to explore Ladakh and drive on the highest and second highest driveable road in the world. You can also hire a car and driver instead, to enjoy the trip without having to worry about driving yourself.

The best time to visit Leh is during the summer months of May to September, when the Leh to Manali highway is open and there isn’t any snow.

Where to stay:

• Gangs-Shun Homestay has big rooms; good home cooked food, and is in a good location in proximity to Shanti Stupa.
• If you’re looking for a budget option, Travellers House is close to the centre of Leh with a homey atmosphere and good showers with hot water.
• Hotel Lingzi is a gorgeous midrange option with clean and spacious rooms and is very close to the market.
• For a little bit of luxury, Ladakh Sarai Resort has attentive staff, excellent views, and mouth-watering food made with homegrown veggies.

Read More: 5 Best places to stay in Leh

How to get there:

Getting to remote Leh is a bit of an adventure in itself and takes some time – but it’s worth it!

There are a few ways to reach this Himalayan city. The quickest and easiest is to take one of the daily domestic flights to Leh from Delhi that takes about 1 hour to reach. The flight views are spectacular so make sure you grab a window seat but be sure to take it easy when you arrive and allow time to acclimate to the altitude.

You can also reach Leh by road, if you travel at the right time. The Leh to Manali highway is open from May to September, when the roads are clear of snow. You can hire a shared jeep, take a tourist bus, or take the local bus, which is the cheapest option. They depart from Manali, and you will spend one night in Keylong to acclimatize to the altitude. Then, you will take the long journey to Leh. The entire journey takes about 25-30 hours.

If you’re up for a real adventure driving a motorbike from Manali to Leh is a popular option and allows you to stop and explore more unique places like Spiti Valley on the way. You’ll probably want to allow at least a week for this epic journey. My friend, James, even rode from Manali to Leh on a bicycle! Now that’s a story to tell!

Parvati Valley (4-5 days)

The Parvati Valley is a gorgeous area of northern India with a really chill vibe and tons of trekking opportunities. The cool mountain climate makes it an ideal place for camping and longer treks and many people just like to chill and soak up the stunning views.

You might also notice a local ‘herb’ that grows freely here – just make sure not to take it with you as there are often police checks on the roads leading out of Kasol.

You’ll probably want to base yourself in Kasol, and from there, can go on various treks in the area. A trek to Chalal is only 30 minutes away, and you can trek further to Rasol, which will take 3-4 hours.

Tosh is another trek that will take around 1 hour from Barshani (a 1 hour bus ride from Kasol). From there, you can trek to the hot springs in Kheerganga, which is 12 kilometres one-way.

Where to stay:

• Nomads Hostel is a fun place to meet other travellers and potential trekking partners. There’s also a restaurant and a terrace, with some rooms boasting a balcony and mountain view.
• Memoir Homes & Café has a seating area and a calm and serene atmosphere, an ideal choice if you’re on a budget.
• Brick and Wood Cottages have a terrace, shared lounge, and shared kitchen, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
• Inwoods Café is a luxury accommodation next to the river with good rooms and even a children’s playground, perfect if you’re traveling with kids.

How to get there:

If you went to Leh then come back down to Manali where local buses run frequently to Kullu where you can change buses and travel onwards to Kasol. The journey from Manali to Kasol should take about 5-6 hours.

Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj (3-4 days)

This beautiful spiritual mountain town is a highlight of any North India mountains and Himalayas itinerary. Dharamshala isn’t so interesting but nearby Mcleod Ganj is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile.

There are also some cute mountain villages near Mcleod Ganj, like Bhagsu and Dharamkot, where you’ll find tons of yoga and meditation classes, chakra readings, shops selling crystals and handmade hippie clothing and jewellery, and tons of cosy cafes.

You can take an overnight trek to Triund and camp in the mountains under the stars, visit Namgyal Monastery, and Tsuglagkhand Complex Dalai Lama Temple, where you’ll get to meet the Dalai Lama if you’re lucky! You can also visit Dal Lake or Kangra Fort, just outside of the town.

Where to stay:

• I loved staying at HosteLavie. It’s a backpacker accommodation with free breakfast, a rooftop hangout area, comfortable beds, and showers with hot water.
• For budget accommodation, Green Hotel has balconies and views of the surrounding mountains, with a homey atmosphere and a very friendly receptionist.
• For midrange accommodation, Treebo Roshan House has well-mannered staff and a rooftop with open-air huts.
• Prakiti Aalay is beautiful luxurious accommodation next to a relaxing creek, gorgeous sunset views, and accommodating staff.

How to get there:

There are many overnight buses from Manali to Dharamshala, which takes about 9-10 hours. You can book your bus ticket here. You can also get a 5-hour local or luxury bus from Amritsar to Dharamshala if you did this route the other way round.

Read More: Dharamkot and McCleod Ganj Travel Guide

Amritsar (2 days)

Amritsar is a vibrant city with a powerful energy. It’s home to the Golden Temple, which is the most important pilgrimage site of Sikhism, where 100,000 mouths are fed every single day by volunteers for free!

You can also check out the entertaining nightly performance at the Wagah Border, where the guards have a dance off with the guards in Pakistan and the locals go wild with pride for their country.

Khalsa College and Jallianwala Bagh are two nice places to have a leisurely stroll and I also recommend checking out the bizarre and unique Mata Lal Devi temple.

Where to stay:

• India Someday booked me into the awesome Jugaadus’ Hostel, which is a fun place to stay if you’re a solo traveller. The hostel arranges tours around Amritsar, has comfortable air-conditioned rooms, clean bathrooms, and good breakfast.
• For budget accommodation, Osahan Paradise provides traditional rooms and is in proximity to the Golden Temple.
• For a centrally located midrange hotel, Golden Sarovar Portico has air-conditioned rooms, flat screen TVs.
• Best Western Marrion is luxurious accommodation with wood furnished rooms and décor, a rooftop poolside restaurant, and a coffee shop.

How to get there:

You can take a 5-hour bus from Dharamshala that leaves at both 5 and 6:30 in the morning ( book here.) You can also take a train from Delhi or Haridwar to reach Amritsar, which takes around 8-9 hours.

Rishikesh (3-4 days)

Rishikesh is one of the most spiritual places in India and is known as the yoga capital of the world. Home to many ashrams and yoga and meditation schools, this is the place where you can come to do your yoga teacher training.

Even if you’re not into yoga Rishikesh is a wonderful place to relax at one of the many cafes along the River Ganga, visit the Beatle’s Ashram and the many temples, go white water rafting, trekking or spend the evening watching the spiritual Ganga Aarti performance.

Read More: 5 Best yoga retreats in Rishikesh and 5 Top yoga teacher training courses in Rishikesh 

Where to stay:

• Shiv Shakti Guesthouse is one of my favourite hostels in India, and is a wonderful place to meet travellers and to socialize. They have a comfortable rooftop hangout area, family dinners on Thursday nights, free chai all day long, and events like Bollywood Dancing on Saturdays.
• Maa Ganga Guesthouse serves you breakfast and has a delicious onsite restaurant, and is in proximity to the beach.
• Hill Top Swiss Cottage is only 5 minutes from the beach, and provides yoga and mediation classes, and even candle-lit dinners in the garden.
• The luxury hotel Treebo the Lily has free WiFi, buffet breakfast, and modern rooms with bright décor.

How to get there:

You can take an overnight bus from Dharamshala, which takes about 14 hours, a bus or train from Amritsar or Delhi.

The train station in Haridwar has trains to and from Rishikesh, Amritsar, and Delhi. (Click here to book tickets) Once in Haridwar, you have to take a shared rickshaw or a taxi to Rishikesh, which takes about 1 hour.

Read More: Rishikesh Travel Guide: Best places to visit, eat and stay

After Rishikesh take a train back to Delhi to finish your North India mountains itinerary. From Delhi you can catch your flight home or easily travel to other places in India.

If you like deserts, forts and palaces head to Rajasthan, or fly down to somewhere like Goa or Kerala in tropical south India and see a totally different side of this fascinating and diverse country.

Check out my ultimate India itinerary for more tips and inspiration.

Essential Info for Traveling North India

Budget: From $25/day. See more detail in the average costs for backpacking India.

When to go: The best time to visit the majority of India is during the cool, winter months (between November and March) but during this time its very cold and even snowy in the mountains and higher mountain passes in Ladakh are blocked.

The best time to travel in the north Indian mountains and Himalayas is during the summer months of April, May and June when the rest of the country is boiling hot the mountains make for a refreshing escape. But be aware that cities at lower elevations, like Delhi and Amritsar, can be very hot at this time so just spend a few days seeing the sights and then run for the hills!

Due to the variety of climates in this itinerary the best time to visit is during October and November or February to early April when you’ll get warm days and pleasant weather without it being too hot or too cold.

During the monsoon (July – September) these mountainous regions of India can receive very heavy rain. There is also the risk of landslides and flooding so it’s not the best time to go, but October and November time, just after monsoon before winter sets in, should be ok.

Visas:  Nearly all visitors need a visa to visit India. Most nationalities can get an E Visa (see here for more info)

Getting around: Trains, buses, and flights in India connect to every part of the entire country. While trains are usually the best way to travel around India there are limited lines in the mountains, so buses will usually be your best option.

Luxury tourist buses are much more comfortable and convenient than the cheap and slow local buses. You can book trains and buses in India online easily at 12 Go Asia.

There are also a number of airports near the most popular mountain destinations which offer an alternative to buses if you get travel sick from winding mountains roads.

Accommodation:  You’ll find anything from tents and backpacker hostels to luxury 5 star resorts in the mountains. Hostels tend to cost $4-6/night, while hotels can cost anywhere from $50+. I’ve recommended accommodation for all budgets in this North India mountains and Himalayas itinerary. You can find accommodation, check photos and reviews and book on Booking.com

Tours: Taking a trip planned by India Someday is one of the best ways to see the country without having to worry about booking accommodation or transport. They’ll handle all of the hassle, and you’ll have all of the freedom you want in each city! If you’d prefer to take a guided group tour I recommend the 13 days Mountains and Mystics tour by Intrepid Travel.

Read More: I travel with the Lonely Planet India Guidebook – its really useful for practical info, maps, things to do, how to get around etc. Buy it before you go on Amazon to save money.

Read More: Where to travel in July and August to avoid monsoon in India 

Traveling with India Someday Trip Planners

I’ve recently spent 12 days traveling around the mountains of northern India and my trip was planned and organised by an awesome company called India Someday. They organized a fun itinerary that took me to Manali, Dharamshala, Amritsar, Rishikesh, and Delhi.

It was so nice not having to worry about booking any accommodation or transportation, since India Someday handled all of that.

They sent me an easy to read chart, which had all of the destinations, accommodation, and transportation laid out in front of me. If I ever needed to contact them via WhatsApp or email, they were quick to respond.

I had an awesome combination of buses and trains, and loved staying in both spiritual mountain towns and bustling cities. I had ample free time in each city and felt I was really able to explore each place as much as I wanted to.

Even though I was a solo female traveller everything went smoothly, it was so nice having everything already booked for me and being able to enjoy each place without the hassle of planning and knowing I had a contact to help me out incase I had any difficulties. If you’d like support for planning your trip to India but still want to the freedom to travel independently instead of a on a group tour then India Someday are ideal.

Check out my review of traveling around the Indian mountains with India Someday and Anna’s review of traveling around North India and Madhya Pradesh with India Someday.