Lessons from the Mountains: A Solo Journey Through Himachal

This is another travel story, more of a misadventure, but filled with valuable lessons.

Back in April 2012, I traveled to Delhi for a friend’s wedding and decided to take the opportunity to visit Himachal Pradesh, specifically Dharamshala. I booked a night bus from the interstate bus terminus in Delhi. The bus was quite old and rickety, but it left around 6 PM. We stopped for dinner at a roadside dhaba, where the food was, as expected, fantastic. After dinner, we continued our journey up the mountains. It was pitch dark outside, and as the bus climbed higher, the temperature dropped. I started with just a t-shirt, but as the night went on, I added more layers to stay warm.

The bus reached Dharamshala around 5:30 or 6 AM, just as the sun was beginning to rise. The sight of the sun hitting the snow-capped mountains was breathtaking. The early morning light bathed the peaks in a golden hue, creating a stunning contrast against the crisp blue sky. It was one of those moments that make you feel incredibly small yet profoundly connected to the grandeur of nature.

After soaking in the view, I found a small, affordable room to stay in for about 300 rupees a night. The streets in Dharamsala were steep, and the steps to my accommodation were even steeper. Navigating those streets felt like an adventure in itself. My room was on the second or third floor, and the climb up was quite a workout. Each step seemed steeper than the last, and by the time I reached my room, I could feel the strain in my legs.

Despite the challenging climb, the view from my room was worth it. I could see the majestic mountains in the distance, and the fresh, cool air was invigorating. During my stay, I visited the Dalai Lama’s residence. The serene atmosphere of the place left a lasting impression on me.

I also indulged in some delicious local food. There were small cafes and eateries serving everything from traditional Himachali cuisine to more familiar dishes. The warmth and hospitality of the locals added to the charm of the place.

The next day, I decided to hike to Triund, a 9-kilometer trek from Dharamsala. I found a guide who offered to take me for 500 rupees. The guide assured me it was a manageable trek, even for someone nursing an injury like mine. Encouraged by his words, I decided to go for it. The trek started off well, with beautiful views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. The trail was steep but rewarding, and every turn revealed a new breathtaking vista.

About 4 kilometers into the trek, my foot began to hurt intensely. I tried to push through the pain, hoping it would subside with a bit of rest. However, after several attempts to rest, the pain only grew worse. It felt like my left leg was becoming increasingly useless, and I realized I couldn’t continue. The guide was understanding and helped me turn back. The 4-kilometer descent was excruciating. Every step sent a sharp pain through my foot, making the journey down feel endless.

Back at my room, I had to climb those steep steps again, despite my injury. Each step felt like a monumental effort, and by the time I reached my room, I was completely exhausted. The exertion had taken a toll on my body, and I developed a slight fever. By dinner time, I was starving and needed to get some food. There was no food delivery service like Swiggy back then, so I had to climb down the stairs and head to a nearby restaurant.

I found a cozy little place and had a comforting meal of dal fry, jeera rice, and an egg omelet. The food was simple but delicious, providing much-needed comfort. However, they didn’t accept card payments, so I had to limp to an ATM to withdraw cash. After paying for my meal, I realized I had left my card in the ATM. Frustrated, I hobbled back to retrieve it and then climbed those stairs one last time.

The next morning, my leg felt slightly better. I spent the following days exploring the neighborhood at a slower pace, soaking in the beautiful sights of Himachal. The lush greenery, the sound of birds chirping, and the cool mountain breeze made it a perfect place to relax and reflect.

This experience taught me that while traveling alone offers freedom and independence, it can be challenging when things go wrong. This was my last solo trip, as I realized the importance of having a travel companion. Traveling with someone not only makes the journey safer but also allows you to share the experiences and sights.