Independence Day long weekend: Which place near Delhi will be your getaway?

Be it Kasol, Tosh or Hampta Pass — these beautiful getaways deserve to be explored. Tour organisers share information about some of the best picks.

Cool temperature and beautiful scenery — now that makes for an ideal weekend. It’s the perfect escape from the city’s humidity. So, if you are wondering how to spend the Independence Day long weekend, from August 12-15, we suggest some breathtaking locations that are just a couple of hours away from Delhi.

Beas River in Manali is one of the most beautiful water bodies in Himachal Pradesh.

There are several groups and communities to guide you. DU Adventures Club, an initiative taken by DU University graduate Rahul Upadhaya is one such example. “When I was a student, I always looked for an opportunity to travel, but there used to be no such group. I decided to come up with one and have been running this for one-and-half years. Students are really happy with the initiative,” says Upadhaya.

For the long weekend during Independence Day, they have planned four trips — from Kasol to Tosh, Mcleodganj to Triund, Manali to Kasol, Dalhousie to Khajjar, and Kasol to Kheerganga, which are priced between Rs 4500 to 5600; keeping the students’ budget in mind. “We don’t make it too expensive. We provide all basic facilities and organise fun-filled activities as well,” adds Upadhaya.

Kasol is situated in Parvati valley, on the banks of the Parvati river.

KASOL

Charges: Rs. 4800

Distance from Delhi: 517 km

Time: 10 hours

Mcleodganj

Charges: 5600

Distance from Delhi: 477 km

Time: 9h approx

Manali, not very far away from Delhi is a place to be during the long weekends.

Manali

Charges: Rs. 4800

Distance from Delhi: 536 km

Time: 11 hours

Dalhousie

Charges: 4800

Distance from Delhi: 10 hours

Time: 12h

For the cycling and trekking enthusiasts, there are groups that can take you to scenic places such as Bhrigu Lake and Hampta Pass. “Lot of people from Delhi love going for trekking and therefore we organise well-planned trips for them,” says Sushant Singh from Bikat Adventures.

Here are some options if you want to go for trekking:

Bhrigu Lake — A trek for millennials

The high altitude alpine lake is believed to change colour and formations every season.

Base Camp: Gulaba, 2 km from Manali

Trek Duration: 3 days

Altitude: 14,000 ft approx.

Beas Kund — A Refreshing Weekend Hike

The trek goes up all the way to the origin of Beas River at an altitude of 3700 meters

Base Camp: Solang Nallah, 12 km from Manali

Trek Duration: 3 days

Altitude: 12,139 ft approx.

Hampta Pass — The Sholay of Himalayan Treks

Hampta Pass Trek is a conglomeration of all the features of a Himalayan Trek. The best part is the exciting day at Chandratal, a high altitude alpine lake in the form of a crescent-shaped moon.

Base Camp: Jobra, few kilometers from Manali

Trek Duration: 5 days

Altitude: 14,100 ft approx.

Kanamo Peak — Highest Summit in the heart of Spiti

It is one of the trekkable peaks which can easily be climbed. If you are fit and want to experience a difficult and really high altitude trek (as high as 5960 meters)

Base Camp: Kibber Village in Spiti Valley

Trek Duration: 7 days

Altitude: 19,553 ft approx.

For females who want to travel alone but are worried about their safety, look for groups that have only women travellers. “Our aim is to encourage women to travel and feel secure while travelling. We have tours from Kasol to Manali, and especially to places that provide solace to city dwellers,” says Rohit Khattar from travel group Jugni.

During this long weekend, a group from Jugni will be heading to Sri Lanka by train.

So, the hills are calling and incase you have been pushing your international holiday since long, take a break and unwind at a local getaway.

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