Mountain bookings at properties in Shimla surged 76% year-on-year in June, reflecting a strong preference among urban Indians for hill getaways, according to data from hospitality chain Zostel. The company also reported nearly 95% growth in footfall at destinations such as Srinagar, Tirthan Valley and Gangtok compared to the same period last year, highlighting a broader shift towards mountain travel during the month.
Overall Bookings and Spontaneous Travel Trends
Overall mountain bookings across Zostel's network rose between 7% and 9% year-on-year, with nearly 48% of travellers making their bookings within three days of departure. The findings suggest a growing preference for spontaneous travel, with the 72-hour booking window emerging as the dominant pattern.
"The traditional planning cycle built around early-bird rates and advance consideration is being bypassed by a traveller who has already made up their mind and is comfortable making significant travel decisions on very short notice," said Aviral Gupta, CEO of Zostel and Zoworld, in a statement.
Higher Occupancy Across Hotels
The trend extended beyond Zostel's network, with hotels reporting higher occupancy levels during the April-June period. WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa in Kasauli noted that occupancy levels typically rise by 15-18% during these months.
Shift to Lesser-Known Destinations
The Zostel report also highlighted a shift in destination preferences, with travellers increasingly exploring lesser-known mountain locations. While Shimla remained the most-booked destination, places such as Dobhi, Rajgundha and Kareri recorded some of the strongest footfall growth this season, driven largely by organic demand and peer recommendations.
Alongside these emerging destinations, Srinagar, Tirthan Valley and Gangtok attracted travellers from major cities including Bengaluru and Mumbai, reflecting a growing willingness to travel longer distances for mountain experiences.
Changing Demographics: Non-Metro Visitors Lead Growth
The data further points to changing traveller demographics, with non-metro visitors accounting for 67% of mountain footfall at Zostel properties this June, up from 65% a year ago. Among the leading source markets were Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad, although the company noted that demand from tier-II and tier-III cities is growing at a faster pace.
