Off the beaten path destinations in North India and Nepal

In Nepal, the easiest way to escape tourist crowds is to simply pack a bag and hike in any direction away from popular trails. Ask locals along the way where fewer tourists go and head there.

The areas surrounding Kathmandu and Pokhara in Nepal have many small villages that see very few tourists — you just need to move a bit away from the city centers.

Kashmir in northern India is a solid option for off-the-beaten-path travel, especially once you get outside the main towns. The region offers stunning scenery with far fewer tourists than typical highlights.

Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most remote and scenic spots in North India, but foreign visitors need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter, which significantly limits tourist numbers.