Solo Backpacking in India: The Land of Wanderlust as Your Perfect Guide
Luke Iles – Uploaded 03.07.2025
Embarking on a solo backpacking trip across India is not just a journey.
It’s a soulful experience, an awakening, for those who yearn to break free from routine and explore the unexplored.
Solo backpacking with The Land of Wanderlust offers a transformative experience that’s both raw and real. Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned traveller looking for offbeat experiences, The Land of Wanderlust (TLOW) has earned a reputation as India’s most trusted partner for solo backpacking adventures.
Their trips are designed to help you discover not just new places, but new parts of yourself.
Why Choose Solo Backpacking?
There’s a certain magic in travelling alone. You travel at your own pace, indulge in your interests, and discover your true self.
But solo doesn’t have to mean alone. When you choose to go solo backpacking with The Land of Wanderlust, you’re stepping into a community of like-minded explorers.
Here’s why solo backpacking is becoming the go-to travel style for young Indians and global wanderers alike:
- Freedom to explore without compromise
- Personal growth through real-life experiences
- Authentic connections with locals and fellow travellers
- Mental clarity and inspiration from nature and culture
- Confidence-building through navigating unfamiliar terrain
The Land of Wanderlust: Who They Are
Founded with a passion for authentic travel, The Land of Wanderlust is not your typical tour company. They specialise in offbeat, budget-friendly travel experiences across India and beyond.
From the remote villages of Arunachal Pradesh to the deserts of Spiti and the lush trails of Meghalaya, TLOW curates trips that take you far from the tourist traps. Their approach is simple: travel raw, live local, and stay curious.
What sets them apart is their focus on solo backpackers, especially those who might be new to the idea but are craving adventure.
What Makes The Land of Wanderlust the Best Partner for Solo Backpacking in India?
1. Community Without Compromise
While solo backpacking can be intimidating, especially in a country as vast as India, TLOW ensures you’re never truly alone. Their fixed-departure trips offer the comfort of community without the rigidity of a tour group.
You can explore on your terms, meet fellow solo travellers, and form friendships that often last beyond the journey.
2. Curated Offbeat Itineraries
No mainstream sightseeing here. With TLOW, you’ll be camping under starlit skies in Zanskar, taking local buses in Nagaland, or attending a monastery festival in Ladakh. These aren’t just trips; they’re deep dives into real India, designed especially for the backpacking soul.
3. Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing
Budgeting is key for backpackers. With The Land of Wanderlust, what you see is what you pay.
There are no surprise charges. They cover transport, stay, local experiences, and guide support, all tailored for budget solo travel.
4. Local, Sustainable Travel
TLOW focuses on eco-conscious and culturally sensitive travel. They support local communities by using homestays, hiring local guides, and encouraging responsible tourism.
Your backpacking journey becomes a part of a greater story, one that benefits the places you visit.
Top Solo Backpacking Routes with The Land of Wanderlust
Here are some of their most popular and life-changing itineraries:
- Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – Rugged terrain, ancient monasteries, and real solitude.
- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – A remote town with endless lakes
- Meghalaya Backpacking – Waterfalls, living root bridges, and the cleanest village in Asia
- Kutch, Gujarat – Salt deserts, nomadic tribes, and surreal sunsets
- Gokarna – A temple town with beautiful beaches and hikes.
What Other Solo Backpackers Say
Thousands have explored India with The Land of Wanderlust, and the stories they bring back are filled with awe.
“I never thought I’d be riding in the back of a milk van through Spiti or sipping butter tea with monks. TLOW made me feel like I wasn’t a tourist; I was a traveller.”
– Aditi, Bangalore
“Solo backpacking with The Land of Wanderlust was a turning point. I made friends, faced my fears, and saw India like never before.”
– Rohit, Pune
Solo Travel with TLOW is a Transformative Journey Across India. Embarking on a solo journey across India is a dream for many, but the vastness and diversity of the country can make it seem daunting. Enter TLOW (The Land of Wanderlust), a community-driven backpacking organisation that has been facilitating solo travel experiences since 2013.
With a mission to make travel more accessible and affordable, TLOW offers structured yet flexible itineraries that allow solo travellers to explore India’s hidden gems while fostering a sense of community.
Why Choose TLOW for Solo Travel?
1. Community-Centric Approach
TLOW isn’t just a travel agency; it’s a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for exploration. Their trips are designed to bring together solo travellers, creating an environment where friendships are forged and memories are made. As one traveller noted:
“TLOW is no tour agency… You get the best possible solo group backpacking experience.”
– Dabanshee, Manager
2. Safety and Support
Travelling solo can be intimidating, especially in unfamiliar territories. TLOW addresses this concern by providing experienced guides and local support, ensuring that travellers feel safe and confident throughout their journey.
3. Authentic Experiences
TLOW emphasises authentic travel experiences, encouraging travellers to immerse themselves in local cultures, cuisines, and traditions. Their itineraries often include offbeat destinations that are not typically found on mainstream tourist maps.
4. Structured Itineraries with Flexibility
While TLOW provides a well-planned itinerary, there’s ample room for personal exploration. This balance allows solo travellers to enjoy the benefits of group travel while retaining the freedom to explore on their own.
Sample Itineraries for Solo Travellers
1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
A journey to the northeastern hills of India, Tawang offers a blend of Tibetan culture, Buddhist monasteries, and stunning landscapes. Highlights include
Tawang Monastery, the largest monastery in India, perched at an altitude of 10,000 feet.
Sela Pass: A high-altitude mountain pass offering panoramic views, and Bumla Pass: A strategic Indo-China border point.
2. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Known as “Little Tibet,” Spiti Valley is a haven for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Key attractions are Key Monastery, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Chandratal Lake, a crescent-shaped lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and Langza Village is famous for its fossil-rich terrain.
3. Kasol & Kheerganga, Himachal Pradesh
A trek through the Parvati Valley, this itinerary combines scenic beauty with spiritual rejuvenation. The highlights are Kheerganga Trek: A moderate trek leading to a hot spring., Parvati River: Ideal for riverside camping and relaxation, and Local Cafes, Vibrant spots offering Israeli cuisine and live music.
4. Meghalaya, North East India
Meghalaya, Abode of Clouds, is known for waterfalls, root bridges and crystal clear water. The key attractions are Shillong, the capital city and the heart of Meghalaya; Cherrapunji, which is famous for waterfalls, the Double Decker Root Bridge and caves; and Mawlynnong, known to be the cleanest village and root bridges.
5. Ladakh
Solo travel to Ladakh is an incredible experience rich in breathtaking landscapes, adventure, and cultural immersion. The Key attractions in Leh are Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, and local markets. Acclimatise here before venturing further. Then there is the Nubra Valley, famous for sand dunes, monasteries (Hunder, Diskit), and scenic vistas, Pangong Tso Lake, an Iconic high-altitude lake, famous for changing colours. Tso Moriri Lake has fewer crowds and is a stunning natural beauty. Khardung La Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in the world.
Monasteries that you can visit are Thiksey, Hemis, Diskit, and Spituk. You can also visit Ladakh during the Festivals. If timing allows, participate in local festivals like Hemis or the Ladakh Festival.
Tips for Solo Travellers
- Pack Light: Opt for versatile clothing and essential gear to ease mobility.
- Stay Connected: Purchase a local SIM card for navigation and emergency contacts.
- Health Precautions: Carry a basic first aid kit, including medications for common ailments.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions to foster positive interactions.
- Pack Light: Opt for versatile clothing and essential gear to ease mobility.
- Backup Plans: Always have a contingency plan for unforeseen circumstances.
Testimonials from Solo Travellers
Many solo travellers have shared their transformative experiences with TLOW:
“I wanted to just go to the mountains, get disconnected with the outer world, and be at peace with myself. That’s exactly what I got.”
– Sai, Student
“TLOW is an experience… a solo group backpacking experience that changes you for the better.”
– Daboo, IT Manager
Planning Your Solo Adventure
To embark on a solo journey with TLOW, visit their official website to explore upcoming trips, itineraries, and booking details.
It’s advisable to book in advance, as spots can fill up quickly due to the popularity of these trips. Travelling solo doesn’t mean being alone.
With TLOW, solo travellers can explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of India while being part of a supportive community.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or cultural immersion, TLOW’s solo trips offer a memorable and enriching experience.
Final Thoughts
If the idea of solo travel excites you but the logistics hold you back, solo backpacking with The Land of Wanderlust is the perfect middle path. You get freedom with support, spontaneity with structure, and solitude with a sense of community.
India is vast, vibrant, and full of untold stories. With TLOW as your partner, you won’t just visit, you’ll belong. So pack your backpack, ditch the itinerary, and let The Land of Wanderlust guide you on the adventure of a lifetime.
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Luke Iles
Luke is a leading travel writer within the travel niche and is also a co-founder of HandL Blogs one of the UK’s leading travel blogging websites. Luke has a love of all things travel.
Initially becoming friends with his other co-founder, Harry, at the age of four years old, they let their love for travel evolve, making it their mission to visit every country in the world!
Today they want to share their passion and experiences of travelling across the globe with written blogs on topics that are most important to them. From travel, cooking, fitness and tech blogs!
Whether that be trying new food in a new country and sharing it in a cooking blog; visiting a new gym in a certain city and reviewing it in a fitness blog or learning about the newest tech within the travel industry.
Disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to HandL Blogs at no cost to you if you decide to purchase through these links. These are products we have personally used and stand behind. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.