

Micro-vacation boom: Why trekking is the new budget-friendly weekend escape
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories.More young professionals these days are trading longer vacations for bite-sized weekend hikes and domestic trekking. This trend has picked up immensely across India's busy metros and cities.The government has recognized India's potential to offer world-class trekking and hiking experiences.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed steps in the Union Budget 2026-27 to develop trails in various parts of the country, including ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.Domestic trekking has gained traction. Whether it is a ₹1,500 monsoon trail in the Sahyadris, a range that stretches over 1,600 km along the west coast, or a ₹16,000 expedition on a frozen Zanskar river in Ladakh, trekking offers a unique return on investment.
It’s a journey that tests endurance, rewards resilience and, if played right, is easy on your wallet.Professionals now do not sit around for the 15-day annual leave to plan their trekking trips. The "micro-vacation" is a quick, intense weekend getaway that is the new trend in travel."Domestic trips, especially the weekend trip, are very preferred because everyone has Saturday or/and Sunday off," said Paro, a 29-year-old former lawyer who traded her robes for trekking boots and is the co-founder of Raw Diaries, a travel company in New Delhi.
"Initially, guided treks were only for big ones like Everest Base Camp. But now, there are so many companies.
Treks are cheaper because you live in the luxury of nature, not of human beings."This shift isn't just about saving money; it’s about accessibility. Mumbai offers a higher variety of weekend treks like Sondai Fort, about 70 km away, or Devakund Waterfall, which is
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