An adventurous trip that was worth it

“Travelling — it leaves you speechless, and then turns you into a storyteller.” I had read this quote many times and knew it’s true. Though being born and bought up in Himachal, there lies a deep yearning inside me to climb snow-clad peaks as I have always felt a special association with mountains.

My travelling story started when I took a 10-day break after six months of continuous work at job and decided to make a trip to Dharamshala, nestled in the lap of mighty Dhauladhar ranges in Himachal. I thought it’ll be a good idea to sway myself away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I planned everything, from destinations to hotels, and I was excited until my friends called off the plan a day before we were to leave. I was disappointed. Next morning, my brother said to me in a jest: “Why don’t you go on a solo trip?” And I didn’t give it a second thought. I booked my bus ticket for Dharamshala and started my first-ever solo trip.

I was little sceptical initially as I had never travelled alone. Moreover, not everyone in my family was supportive to this idea. I kept on making the list of pros and cons of “being alone” on the trip. A 10-hour drive from Delhi took me through familiar roads, but vibes were different. Somehow, with entangled thoughts, I managed to sleep. When I opened my eyes the next morning, I was there in Dharamshala, witnessing a picturesque view.

The beautiful place was surrounded by mighty mountains, fresh market and pleasant weather. I explored the place and met locals as well as tourists. That was the moment when I felt you can’t really be “solo” on a “solo trip” as you have a freedom to befriend anyone. I joined a group of travellers who were about to start a trek to Triund.

After brief introduction, they invited me to join them. The three-hour trek to Triund peak was full of moments I will cherish forever. The experience of talking to strangers, sharing my experiences, learning from theirs, was surreal. After a long trek, we reached at the top and could see a breathtaking view of snow-draped mountains.

While lying there for hours on lush green grass under the limitless sky, I tried to soak in every bit of nature. I was not worried about cellphone, internet, or dying battery. But soon, those mighty mountains hid themselves beneath the shadow of the dawn. Everything was soon dim outside and I snuggled myself in my 5 sq ft tent. But now it was time for wind to show its power and its whistling seemed to lift my tent above the ground. All of a sudden, thunder shuddered through the darkness, wind started howling furiously, and trees started swaying like a pendulum. It seemed as some mighty power up in the sky is trying to express its rage. The night was becoming powerful enough to scare the bravest.

My heart started beating fast and thought of dying rushed through my fearful mind. In thunderstorm, I couldn’t see anything outside so I did everything I could think of — even remembered my deities.

The night passed. I managed, and the morning felt like never before. Although this was a horrible night, my first solo trip taught me how unexpected things lead to new experiences and that there’s always light after darkness.

I EXPLORED THE PLACE AND MET PEOPLE. THAT WAS THE MOMENT WHEN I FELT YOU CAN’T REALLY BE ‘SOLO’ ON A ‘SOLO TRIP’