India

Varanasi

For the spiritually inquisitive backpacker, Varanasi is a must see. Considered by many to be the oldest industrial centers in the world, Varanasi is a city of many names that continues to attract a mélange of local ascetics and travelers from all backgrounds. As a backpacker, plan on spending at least a few days to get accustomed to the bustling vibrancy of one of the world’s most culturally dynamic areas. There’s plenty to do.

Most of the guesthouses and hostels are located right on the Ganges amidst a series of ghats – or steps – that lead down to Hinduism’s holiest river. Behind the ghats are labyrinths of narrow alleys that are riddled with merchant shops, stray dogs, Internet cafes and other surprises that will keep a first time backpacker on his or her toes. Take a pre-dawn boat tour to witness ritual bathing and the famous cremation “burning ghats.”

While the ghats can be walked, taking a rickshaw can save considerable time and give you a sense of precariousness you can’t find elsewhere. Varanasi is known for its silk, so make sure to save room in your backpack for a shawl or custom-fitted shirt. For the novice backpacker, the pace of Varanasi can be a little intimidating; traveling with a friend is recommended.

Backpacking Darjeeling

Situated on the sliver of northeast India that is wedged between Nepal and Bhutan, Darjeeling is a city often cloaked in fog. While backpackers may find it difficult to reach – Darjeeling lies in the Himalayan foothills – Darjeeling is a city rich with history and beautiful scenery. Backpackers can stay in guesthouses strewn throughout the city and enjoy some of the finest black teas in the world. No traveler should leave Darjeeling without having sampled or purchased some authentic tea. Many of the tea estates offer guided tours of their facilities and are happy to explain the cultivation process.

When the skies are fair, making a trek up Tiger Hill will present stunning views of the eastern Himalayas. A local zoo lets you get up close and personal with snow leopards and Bengal tigers, and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute highlights both the history of mountaineering and the achievements of Tenzing Norgay, one of the first two men to climb Mt. Everest. There are also several monastic institutions – Ghum Monastery is one of the more notable – that house ancient Buddhist texts. If you are a backpacker interested in Tibetan refugees, the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center might also be a good place to visit. Although Darjeeling is a quieter backpacking destination in comparison to many other cities in India, it is definitely worth checking out.