Ladakh
Referred as “Little Tibet”; it definitely ranks in the top places to visit in India and especially during the summers. Lofty mountain passes, lovely lakes and some amazing breathtaking views topped up with simply amazing weather, make Ladakh the go-to place during summers. This high altitude cold desert is a once in a lifetime experience.
The mighty Karakorum with its cotton-wool peaks bounds Ladakh, a terrain characterized by vast barren valleys, lofty mountain passes, beautiful lakes, and the last undisturbed home of Tantric Buddhist population. Ladakh's arid terrain undergoes drastic weather changes owing to its elevation. Temperature varies in extremes both during summers and winters. That's the allure of Ladakh. Every summer motorcyclists from India and world gather in and around Delhi, Srinagar or Manali to embark on adventurous trip to Ladakh by road. Manali - Leh Highway is the favorite among the thrill seekers. There are a score of high mountain passes including the tough Baralacha La and the second highest Taglang La along with the vast mesmerizing Morey Plains and the thrilling Gata Loops. Here’s another tip “ head to Dras. A lonely town in the infamous Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, Dras is popularly known as ‘the gateway to Ladakh’. It is known to be the coldest place in India and often touted as second to the coldest place inhabited on Earth. Dras is a convenient for treks to Amarnath, Suru valley and Saliskot. The average lows are as much as -22°c.
Sikkim
One of the most unexplored and mystical places in India happen to be the North East region. Bound by the majestic Himalayas with the gushing Teesta River crisscrossing the entire stretch of the land, Sikkim in North East India is one of the best tourist places in India to uncover. The fact that it is relatively unexplored makes it all the more appealing for discerning travelers and one of the top destinations for summer holidays in India. There are myriad opportunities for all kind of travelers when it comes to things to do and places to visit in Sikkim. There are Buddhist Monasteries, cascading waterfalls, unexplored caves, gushing rapids, Himalayan trekking trails, high altitude lakes and lush valleys to be explored that makes Sikkim an ideal destination for family holidays, adventure trip and honeymoon tours in India. The picturesque valley is laden with over 200 species of orchids and rhododendron forests and relatively mild treks into pristine Himalayan ranges and the stunning Kanchendzonga makes Sikkim alluring.
Hemkund Sahib
Hemkund Sahib, also known as Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji is a Sikh pilgrimage located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The place adorned by a glacial lake, is surrounded by seven snow clad peaks, each bearing a Nishan Sahib. At an astounding altitude of 4,362 m, Hemkund Sahib attracts a great number of tourists every trekking season. It is only accessible during summer as it is totally snow bound during the winter season. One can make it to the Gurudwara by either scaling a 13 kms long path by foot or by taking a pony ride. Close to the place is the Valley of Flowers National Park which offers a magnificent view of complementing colours orchestrated by the cool setting, making the whole area one of the best places to visit in summer in India.
Tawang
The reason behind Tawang's popularity as a summer retreat is its positioning at the altitude of about 10,000 feet above sea level which accounts for its pleasant weather. This region is quite famous for the imposing 14th century Tawang Monastery. It was built at the will of 5th Dalai Lama 'Merag Lama Lodre Gyamtso' and belongs to Mahayana sect of Buddhism. Another major attraction of Tawang is the Tipi Orchid Sanctuary which houses thousands of varieties of orchids. Sela Top Pass, which remains covered with snow throughout the year, is the major route to get to Tawang. Sela Pass sits high in the mighty Himalayas at a height of 4,170 m and the temperature here can drop to as low as -10°c in winter. There are also a tremendous number of lakes around it which are revered to Buddhists.
Coorg
Nestled amidst the lush rolling hills and valleys of the Western Ghats, Coorg is one of the most affluent hill stations in Karnataka. Fondly referred to as the 'Scotland of India' and sometimes as 'Kashmir of the South' due to its verdant beauty and salubrious weather conditions, Coorg has a special place among all hill stations in India. Nestled at the altitude in the range of 3500 ft above sea level, the mountainous Kodagu (or Coorg) region is home to the Kodava people and Tibetan refugees. The natural majesty and lush environs of this hill station make it an ideal place for trekking, bird-watching and rejuvenation. If you are traveling here in April-May, then driving along the winding roads over hills offers spectacular vista as you drive past spice and coffee plantations recently bloomed into fragrant white blossoms.
Darjeeling
Nestled on the precipice of a mountain ridge and bounded by verdant plantations of globally renowned teas, Darjeeling is so not West Bengal. With jagged peaks of magnificent Himalayas offering spectacular panorama - you could even see the peak of Mount Kanchendzonga - Darjeeling is the place to be to savor unruffled luxury and to rejuvenate your senses. You could also take Darjeeling Mountain Rail (one of the popular "Toy Trains of India") to explore and soak in the magnificent surroundings of this scenic hill station in India. As with most other hill stations in India which were the playgrounds of erstwhile British rulers during Raj, you could find colonial mansions and churches as well as recent structures such as Buddhist and Hindu temples and botanical gardens. The steep narrow streets are crowded with colorful souvenir and handicraft shops and a good steaming brew and excellent Indian and Tibetan fare are never far away. You could also choose from exciting trekking trails which trace ancient trade routes not to mention the breathtaking sights.
Bhutan
Well, Bhutan is not exactly in India but can be reached by road only from India and the fact that Indian national do not need to pay $250 daily tourism fee or get the visa, makes it easily accessible. Wedged between India and China, Bhutan is remote and pristine destination where the ancient Buddhist tradition is still preserved. Held separate by the formidable mountains, this Himalayan Kingdom also referred to as the 'last Shangri La' is perhaps the only country where developed is measured not by GDP but Gross Domestic Happiness. Druk Yul, 'the land of thunder dragon' as it is locally referred to, the essence of Bhutan lies in its traditions, Buddhist culture, unspoiled landscapes and absence of 'crowd' tourism. It is also one of few last places in the world where Tantric Tibetan Buddhism, with lamas in maroon robes chanting to ancient instruments, still survives intact. Must visit places for a complete cultural experience of Bhutan are Punakha, Thimpu, Dochu La Pass, Gangtey, Wangdi Phodrang, Trongsa and spectacular Dzongs and other monasteries.
