Now that March is here and the winter sun has completely set, it is slowly becoming time for plain-dwellers to vacation in the hills. Travelyaari (travelyaari.com), one of India’s largest bus-booking online platforms, has a couple of travel packages on offer for those who are not quite willing to wait until summer sets in—to the lesser-known Meghalayan paradise, Dawki, and the majestic Leh and Ladakh.

While Meghalaya is anyway embellished with beautiful waterfalls and some breathtaking scenery, less is spoken about Dawki. It’s a town positioned on the Bangladesh border and known for its turquoise river, its bridge and scenic vistas. The package offers a three-day trip anytime in March (₹7,499 per person; minimum four people a booking; taxes included). One starts off in Guwahati and spends a night camping in the Shnongpdeng, by the river. Another night is spent in the remote Langkawet, providing immense calm, much away from the madding crowd. See travelyaari.com/tour/weekend-getaway-to-dawki-4480 for more.

As for Leh & Ladakh, much has been spoken of its ethereal beauty. Travelyaari’s package is an extensive exploration of the region—a seven-day trip that includes within its ambit Ladakh’s famous cold desert Nubra valley, with its average elevation of 3,000 metres and vista of the Siachen glacier, the historical Gurudwara Pattar Sahib, the fabled Magnetic Hill and the crystal-clear Pangong Lake (which India shares with China). The seven-day trip can be undertaken anytime in April (₹22,885 per person for the standard package; minimum four people a booking; taxes included).  See travelyaari.com/tour/leh-ladakh-pangong-special-4264 for more.  

If you still aren’t quite excited by what Travelyaari is offering, the portal also offers an option to customise the packages. So, fabled Ladakh or off-beat Dawki—not quite slim pickings.