Jun 18, 2025 01:07 PM IST Slow tourism has spawned a brand new journey time period referred to as land snorkeling. As the main target shifts to wellness, the development is quietly making its manner into journey bucket lists Slow tourism is selecting up momentum as travellers prioritise sustainable journey practices over the standard vacation expertise. As per Mize, the gradual journey market is projected to make over $335 billion by 2027. As the panorama evolves, so does the lingo. The newest journey time period? Land snorkelling. With gradual tourism on the rise, land snorkelling is redefining how we join with the outside. (@ronnie_and_barty / IG) What is it?‘Land snorkelling’ was coined by American artists Clyde Aspevig and Carol Guzman, throughout a hike. According to Carol, slowing down reminded them of the quietness of snorkelling underwater. “The first time I tried land snorkelling, I was in Chikmagalur,” says Nishant Sharma, head of promoting at JustWravel, including, “I realised I was missing so much by always rushing through hikes.” Influencer Shehnaz Treasury has an attention-grabbing take: “Mindful walking was always part of my travels. But it’s difficult in Mumbai; I’d look down to see stains, plastic and broken glasses. Land snorkelling should calm you, but here it reminds me how badly we treat our cities.” Why does it make senseAccording to Airbnb’s 2025 Spring Travel Trends, travellers are extra targeted on wellness than ever. Land snorkelling helps one really feel grounded and boosts serotonin National Institute of Health, US, discovered. Nishant notes, “It makes even familiar places feel new. You can walk through the same trail ten times and notice something different each time. That is what makes the experience addictive.” How to attempt it outA forest path, village path, or a big public backyard could be the proper option to begin. The solely guidelines? Put your cellphone away, stroll slowly and take all of it in. Traveller Deepanshu Soni says land snorkelling is crucial for really exploring a spot. “In Ladakh and Spiti, the land sometimes looks like the surface of the moon. I have seen mountains with purple shades. Lahaul has fields of broccoli. In Turtuk, people grow buckwheat. You cannot spot seabuckthorn berries from a car window — you have to walk through the bushes,” he shares. “These are the kinds of details you only find when you travel slowly. For me, the journey matters more than the destination,” he notes. Where to attempt land snorkellingIndia’s various terrain makes it superb for land snorkelling, says Nishant. “You do not need to go deep into the jungle. Even a short forest trail or mountain path can surprise you if you are looking closely,” he says. From alpine valleys to tropical forests, listed here are a couple of standout locations to start. Valley of Flowers, UttarakhandThis Himalayan valley (pictured beneath) is understood for its wild alpine blooms, uncommon herbs, and damp moss-covered rocks. A gradual stroll right here reveals particulars you’d in any other case miss on a daily trek. 2. Chikmagalur, Karnataka This hill city’s quite a few espresso plantations are surrounded by dense forests. During monsoon and early winter, the forest ground teems with fungi, bugs, and wild creepers that reward affected person eyes. 3. Chandratal, Himachal Pradesh Around this high-altitude lake, one can discover stony soil scattered with tiny alpine vegetation and fossil-like textures that make each step really feel like a mini discovery. 4. Dzukou Valley, Nagaland The quietness of this grassy valley makes each rustle and crunch extra noticeable. Bordering Manipur and Nagaland, it’s wealthy in bamboo trails and vibrant slopes dotted with wildflowers.
