Himachal Pradesh is a backpackers' paradise. The state has very friendly locals, well connected public transport, and budget friendly accommodations all
over. If you want to spend some time backpacking through Himachal Pradesh, the only thing you need to actually think about is your route.
One of the best ways to start your backpacker trip of Himachal Pradesh is from McLeodGanj- India's little Tibet. It is not very far from Dharamshala Airport and is well connected by roads. The large Tibetan population has given the place a unique feel. Hike up to Bhagsu Nag Waterfall or do the more challenging Triund trek while you are there. There are a lot of hostels, B&Bs, and homestays in the area that are ideal for backpackers and solo travelers.
From McLeod Ganj, head off to Bir- India's go-to paragliding destination. Bir-Billing has, in fact, already played host to the Paragliding World Cup twice. If you are not the paragliding type, there are a lot of short-day hikes that you can do around the area. Bir, too, has a sizeable Tibetan population, and their influence in the place is apparent. There are many beautiful and interesting monasteries that you should check out.
From Bir, you should go to the heart of Parvati Valley – Kasol. It is a small village near Manikaran. Kasol is often called the Amsterdam of India. There are a lot of hippie cafes to explore in the area. You can spend hours checking out the local flea markets or just sit back and enjoy the views of pine forests and snowy mountain peaks overhead.
Kasol is also known for its many trails. Kheerganga trek is probably one of the most popular treks in the country. Another interesting place to check out is the small hamlet called Malana, not very far from Kasol. The people of Malana live in self-imposed isolation, so the place is very quaint and a delight for nature lovers. From Kasol, you can even hike up to Tosh Village at the far end of Parvati Valley for a brilliant panoramic view of the whole valley. Like Malana, Tosh village too is largely untouched by time and is a favorite destination of nature lovers and hippies alike.
After losing yourself amidst nature, you move on to your final backpacking destination, Manali. Manali is one of the very popular tourist destinations, filled with tourists almost all year round. Old Manali is where you will find a lot of hip cafes with wifi and a lot of local markets to shop for trinkets and memorabilia. Manali also has quite a few options for adventure sports, including white water rafting in the river Beas. A lot of tourists flock to Rohtang Pass for skiing, paragliding, zorbing, etc, but we'd suggest you stay away lest you get stuck in the never-ending traffic jams.
