Finding Myself in the Mountains of Himachal Pradesh

 

🏞️ Finding Myself in the Mountains of Himachal Pradesh

It all started with a craving—not for food, but for silence.

After months of work stress, screen fatigue, and the noise of city life in Delhi, I booked a one-way ticket to Himachal Pradesh. No itinerary, no expectations—just a backpack, a journal, and a promise to myself: slow down.

Day 1: Manali – Where Chaos Meets Calm

Manali was my first stop, and to be honest, I almost turned back. It was crowded, noisy, and not the mountain escape I had imagined. But then I walked a little further—to Old Manali, across the bridge, past the cafes—and suddenly, everything slowed down.

I found a cozy wooden homestay run by an old Himachali couple. There was no Wi-Fi, but plenty of chai and warmth.

Day 3: Solitude in Sethan

A fellow traveler suggested Sethan, a tiny village above Manali, and I’m so glad I went. No traffic, no shops, just a few homestays and snow-covered peaks. The nights were freezing, but the stars—oh, the stars. I hadn’t seen a sky like that in years.

There, I learned to do nothing. Just sit, stare at the Dhauladhar range, sip ginger lemon tea, and breathe. It was healing.

Day 5: Conversations in Kasol

From solitude to stories—Kasol was buzzing with backpackers, music, and the smell of Israeli food. I met travelers from Germany, Japan, and Gujarat, and we bonded over firewood, food, and travel tales.

We hiked to Tosh the next day—a small village perched higher up in the Parvati Valley. It was a steep climb, but the view was worth every step.

What I Learned

Traveling alone didn’t feel lonely. In fact, it made me more present. I wasn't just checking places off a list—I was experiencing them with all my senses.

The mountains don’t speak, but they say everything.

🌍 Tips if You’re Planning a Similar Trip:

• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June or September to November

• 🎒 Pack Light: Warm layers, a good pair of hiking shoes, power bank

• 🚌 Getting Around: Local buses are cheap and reliable; shared taxis available too

• 🏡 Stay: Choose homestays over hotels for authentic local experiences

• 💬 Talk to Locals: They often give the best travel advice