Indian travelers are increasingly choosing trekking and outdoor experiences for their summer getaways, according to data from digital travel platform Agoda. Accommodation searches for mountain destinations such as Leh, Kasol, and McLeod Ganj have risen sharply, reflecting a shift toward cooler climates and accessible trekking routes.
Leh Leads with High-Altitude Appeal
Leh, in the Trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, recorded a 143% increase in searches. The destination is known for high-altitude treks like the Markha Valley and Lasermo La routes. Demand is particularly strong from metro cities: searches from New Delhi grew 140%, from Mumbai 158%, and from Hyderabad 106%.
This surge aligns with broader trends in Indian travel, where experience-driven itineraries are replacing traditional sightseeing. Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India have added capacity on routes to Leh, though overall summer capacity has been trimmed, as reported in Indian Airfares Climb as IndiGo and Air India Cut Summer Capacity.
Kasol and McLeod Ganj Gain Traction
Kasol, in Himachal Pradesh’s Parvati Valley, saw a 126% rise in searches. Popular trails include Kheerganga and Tosh Valley. New Delhi and Chandigarh are the top source markets, with search increases of 129% and 178%, respectively.
McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama and gateway to the Dhauladhar range, is also drawing trekkers to routes like Triund and Kareri Lake. These destinations offer a combination of cultural interest and outdoor activity, appealing to a broad demographic.
“The decisions of India travellers today are increasingly shaped by experiences and not just the destination itself,” said Gaurav Malik, Country Director for Agoda. “Destinations like Leh, Kasol, and McLeod Ganj are emerging as strong choices because they offer both cooler climates and immersive outdoor experiences.”
Implications for Travel Industry
For hoteliers and tour operators, this trend signals an opportunity to package trekking itineraries with accommodation and local transport. Agoda’s platform, which lists over 6 million properties and 130,000 flight routes, facilitates such bundling. The rise of social commerce and AI-driven booking is also reshaping distribution, as noted in Social Commerce and AI Reshape Travel Distribution as Younger Travellers Book on Influence.
Cruise lines and luxury operators may also take note: while trekking is inherently active, post-trek relaxation packages in nearby resorts or on cruises—such as Bhaya Cruises’ all-inclusive Ha Long Bay packages—could appeal to the same experience-seeking travelers.
Agoda’s data underscores a structural shift in Indian summer travel. As temperatures rise in plains cities, high-altitude destinations are becoming year-round alternatives. For travel professionals, investing in trekking infrastructure, guided tours, and digital booking tools will be key to capturing this growing segment.
