PEAKLIFE

With summer hitting its peak early this year, the country’s hill stations are already witnessing heavy tourist footfall. Not surprisingly, the Himalayan foothills and upper ranges remain the most convenient and favoured getaway for city folk. Beyond the regular fare, there are destinations that allow for more immersive escapades and peaceful contemplation. PEAKLIFE suggests three stunning landscapes that are perfect for the intrepid traveller who is looking for their next adventure or the mountain soul who finds solace in the lap of nature. We recommend three places that vacation.

Kashmir

Spring in the valley is a sight to behold—with verdant greens and bright blooms dotting the breathtaking mountainscapes and exquisite gardens. A trip to Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Srinagar offers soothing sights and memorable interactions with pristine natural beauty as well as the welcoming locals. While Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam are known for their expansive meadows, gushing rivers, glacier-fed lakes, exciting treks and towering snow-capped mountains, Srinagar is where you can find the finest pashminas, papier-mâché décor items and walnut wood frames, to take a piece of Kashmir home with you. The weather is pleasant during the summer months, with sunny afternoons, breezy evenings, and the occasional shower that creates the perfect excuse for a hot cup of Kahwa. Kashmir is the ideal spot for relishing the pleasures of an old-school summer holiday—waking up to mesmerising views of lush hills, cosying up in a blanket for an extra hour of sleep, basking in the mellow sun with a good book in hand, and spending countless hours energising your soul in the nostalgic quietude that only the mountains can promise.

Ladakh

If you’ve got two weeks to spare, a road trip to Ladakh is the most rewarding prospect, whether you’re an avid adventurer or a leisure enthusiast. The landscapes along the route and at the final destination are unlike anything you may have witnessed before, making the journey entirely worthwhile. Visits to the Pangong Tso Lake, Thiksey Monastery, and the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers typically feature on every itinerary. Motorcycle tours or treks through Nubra Valley, Suru Valley, Khardung La, Changla Pass and the Zanskar gorge are also very popular among tourists. Several prestigious hotels and boutique stays are now offering premium hospitality at this tourism magnet, allowing for a luxurious stay in this unique terrain. Summer is the most popular time to visit Ladakh, since the climate is relatively mild and the majestic vistas are easier to access. While the sights may be what bring you to Ladakh, the charming local culture, delicious cuisine and undisturbed serenity is what will pull you into the experience, and keep you coming back for more!

Arunachal Pradesh

For travellers who prefer to go off the beaten track, Arunachal Pradesh presents an incredible and largely undiscovered bounty of unique attractions, among which Tawang is the highlight. Best known for the Galden Namgyal Lhatse Monastery—the largest Buddhist monastery in India and the second largest in the world— this region is best explored through a road trip from Tezpur to Tawang, which rests along the borders of Bhutan and Tibet, and requires an Inner Line Permit. Along the way, you will traverse virgin forests, sleepy valley towns, braided rivers, crystal clear lakes, and spectacular waterfalls. Within Arunachal, there are a variety of experiences and hidden treasures to discover, including rafting down the turquoise blue Siang river, mountain biking through the small town of Anini, hiking and angling in the Dibang valley, bird watching in the Mishmi hills, crossing bamboo bridges, and sighting the Eastern Hoolock Gibbon—India’s only wild ape species.