Last Updated:March 23, 2025, 11:05 IST

As travelers move away from overcrowded destinations, these hidden summer retreats offer the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility

As summer temperatures soar, travelers are looking beyond the usual tourist spots for cooler, quieter destinations. While popular hill stations are often overcrowded, several lesser-known locations offer pleasant weather, breathtaking landscapes, and immersive experiences. Zostel, India’s leading backpacker hostel chain is present in many such hidden summer escapes, providing travelers with comfortable stays, local insights, and a community-driven experience.

Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh: Snow-Capped Serenity

Best For: Cool temperatures, Himalayan hikes, and slow travel

Stay at: Zostel Chitkul

Tucked away in Himachal’s Kinnaur Valley, Chitkul is India’s last inhabited village before Tibet. Even in peak summer, the region enjoys snow-capped peaks and crisp mountain air, making it a perfect escape from the heat. The village offers short hikes to nearby forests, Baspa River viewpoints, and traditional wooden homes that reflect its cultural heritage. Travelers looking for a relaxed, offbeat experience can immerse themselves in Chitkul’s untouched Himalayan beauty.

Rinchenpong & Gangtok, Sikkim: Hidden Himalayan Trails

Best For: Kanchenjunga views, monastery trails, and culture

Stay at: Zostel Rinchenpong & Zostel Gangtok

While Gangtok remains a favorite among travelers, Rinchenpong offers a quieter alternative with panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga and fewer crowds. With clear skies during summer, travelers can explore the monasteries, high-altitude lakes, and scenic circuits of North & East Sikkim.

Vagamon, Kerala: Waterfalls, Pools & Tropical Cool

Best For: Hidden waterfalls, cool breezes, and adventure

Stay at: Vagamon

A lesser-known hill station in Kerala’s Western Ghats, Vagamon is ideal for travelers seeking a tropical retreat without the humidity. This offbeat location is home to hidden waterfalls, natural pools, lush meadows, and serene forests. With a refreshing climate, panoramic sunset views, and adventure activities like paragliding, Vagamon is a perfect summer escape. Here backpackers can experience community-driven travel, local experiences, and relaxed hillside living.

Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand: A Valley in Bloom

Best For: Peach and apricot blossoms, long vacations, and hiking

Stay at: Mukteshwar

For those seeking quiet Himalayan charm, Mukteshwar offers stunning orchard blooms in March and April, followed by cool weather throughout summer. The region is ideal for long vacations, slow travel, and peaceful hikes through fruit-laden valleys and oak forests.

Srinagar, Kashmir: The Valley in Full Bloom

Best For: The Tulip Festival, houseboats, and alpine hikes

Stay at: Zostel Srinagar & Zo Trips

Srinagar is one of India’s most scenic summer destinations, offering cool temperatures, flower-filled gardens, and breathtaking landscapes. The famous Tulip Festival in April showcases millions of colorful blooms, while the nearby Aru and Betaab Valleys provide excellent hiking opportunities.

Bhutan: The Last Himalayan Kingdom

Best For: Cultural immersion, monastery visits, and sustainable travel

Travel With: Zo Trips

For those looking to travel beyond India, Bhutan is an ideal summer getaway, offering pristine mountain landscapes and a rich Buddhist heritage. The country’s strict sustainable tourism policies ensure a peaceful and immersive travel experience. Through Zo Trips, travelers can explore Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha, discovering hidden monasteries, scenic hikes, and vibrant local traditions.

Sri Lanka: The Tropical Summer Retreat

Best For: Misty mountains, tea plantations, and offbeat trails

Travel With: aZo Trips

Beyond its beaches, Sri Lanka’s highlands offer a refreshing summer retreat. Destinations like Ella and Nuwara Eliya feature rolling tea plantations, lush waterfalls, and scenic train rides through the mist. With Zo Trips, travelers can explore Sri Lanka’s blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural heritage.

A Summer of Hidden Escapes

As travelers move away from overcrowded destinations, these hidden summer retreats offer the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility. Whether it’s the snowy trails of Chitkul, the lush forests of Vagamon, or the serene monasteries of Bhutan, each location provides a refreshing alternative to mainstream tourism.