In one embodiment, a method includes identifying at a node, a destination for which a primary path is defined between the node and the destination, transmitting a request message to a neighbor node for routing information for a backup path between the node and the destination, receiving a reply message containing an address identifying the backup path, and building a backup tunnel to the address. The request message includes at least one node identified as a node to be avoided in the backup path and a request cost. An apparatus for building backup tunnels is also disclosed.