In a corner of the Internet, a map surfaced, It is a relic from a bygone era when the road to enlightenment wound its way from London through bustling bazaars of Istanbul, over rugged passes in Afghanistan, and into the mystical heartlands of India. An overland route, the Hippie Trail, enticed daring individuals of the 1960s and 1970s. They left their comfortable homes for exploration and cultural absorption. However, Reddit users wonder if it is still possible to travel this trail today or if geopolitics and time have closed off this part of travel history.
Rediscovering The London-India Hippie Trail Of The 1960s
The famous Hippie Trail from London to India in the late 1960s
by inMapPorn
Recently, a Reddit post unearthed a nostalgic relic of the past: the London-India Hippie Trail from the 1960s. This overland journey, also known simply as the Hippie Trail, captured the spirit of the counterculture movement. It offered an alternative form of tourism that spanned from Europe through South Asia to Southeast Asia.
Originating in cities like London, Copenhagen, and Paris, adventurous spirits embarked on a quest to travel eastward, passing through iconic stops such as Istanbul, Tehran, Kabul, and Kathmandu. The journey was characterised by its affordability and the desire to extend time away from home, reflecting a blend of wanderlust and cultural exchange. Travellers often opted for hitchhiking, private buses, and trains, interacting closely with locals and fellow travellers in hostels and cafes.
By the late 1970s, political shifts and conflicts began to close off parts of the trail. The Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan effectively brought an end to the Hippie Trail era. It certainly marked a shift in global geopolitics and local attitudes towards Western travellers.
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Is It Safe To Explore The Historic Route Today?
Redditors reflecting on the trail today expressed concerns about its safety in modern times.
Discussions highlighted the volatile situations in Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan, contrasting the relatively peaceful and welcoming environment of the trail’s heyday. While some reminisced about the trail’s carefree spirit and affordability, others cautioned against romanticising the past without considering present-day geopolitical realities.
The London-India Hippie Trail is still remembered as a colourful period in travel history. It also represents a time of discovery, cross-cultural interaction, and youthful rebellion. It is a reminder of the transformative power of travel!
Would you want to explore the Hippie Trail today?
Cover Image Courtesy: r/MapPorn