Mountain destinations across India witnessed a significant rise in traveller demand this June, with booking patterns indicating a shift in how Indians are approaching monsoon travel, according to data released by Zostel.
The hostel and experiential accommodation brand reported a 76 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings at its Zostel Homes properties in Shimla during June. Destinations including Srinagar, Tirthan Valley and Gangtok recorded nearly 95 per cent growth in footfall compared with the same period last year.
Across the broader Zostel network, mountain bookings increased between 7 and 9 per cent year-on-year. Nearly 48 per cent of bookings were made within three days of travel, reflecting a growing preference for spontaneous trips rather than long-term planning.
The company noted that the traditional advance booking cycle is increasingly being replaced by short decision-making windows, with most travellers finalising plans within 72 hours of departure. The trend is particularly visible among younger travellers who are comfortable making travel decisions at short notice.
While established destinations such as Shimla continued to attract strong demand, Zostel’s data also points to growing interest in emerging mountain destinations. Locations including Dobhi, Rajgundha and Kareri recorded some of the strongest increases in visitor numbers during the period, driven largely by organic demand and traveller recommendations.
The data suggests that travellers are increasingly looking beyond traditional hill stations and exploring lesser-known destinations that offer nature-based experiences and lower levels of crowding.
A notable shift was also observed in traveller demographics. Non-metro markets accounted for 67 per cent of mountain footfall across Zostel properties this June, compared with 65 per cent during the same period last year. Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR and Hyderabad remained the leading source markets, while demand from Tier II and Tier III cities continued to strengthen.
The findings indicate that mountain travel is becoming more accessible to a broader segment of Indian travellers and is no longer limited to metropolitan consumers.
According to Zostel, the growth in mountain travel reflects changing consumer preferences, with travellers increasingly seeking short escapes from urban congestion and seasonal disruptions. The trend is also reshaping monsoon travel patterns, traditionally considered an off-peak period for domestic tourism.
The company believes the combination of rising demand for experiential travel, greater willingness to book at short notice and increasing participation from non-metro markets could continue to support growth in mountain destinations through the monsoon season.
