Deewani Mastaani ki Kahani ;) #LadysFirst

Solo Trip…Mmmm, Naah…uuhhh ohhh.

Really?? Does it even exist?

Oh My God :o

How can you people even think about it?

How do you even enjoy?

These were my reactions (But only in my mind :P) when I heard people talking about Solo travelling. And also I heard that from other people when I was traveling with a group of strangers for the very first time, back in 2015.

But these talks were also enough to motivate me to think about solo traveling. Although it took me sometime but yeah, I finally took the plunge. After experiencing two small trips, each of 2 days at very familiar places (Agra and Nainital), I decided to head to Spiti which was totally unknown to me. What’s more, this time I decided to go not for two days but for two weeks and, hold your breath, this time without even a plan. In real sense, I consider my trip to Spiti Valley my first ever solo trip because it was challenging and totally unknown to me. But I wasn’t afraid at all, and in hindsight, I really don’t know why.

When I discussed about it with one of my Friends and asked for his guidance as he already had been there, this is how the conversation flowed:

He: So you want to go to Spiti?

Me: Yes

He: Have you ever travelled solo to any place?

Me: Well yes, Agra and Nainital.

He: Woah! So from Agra you wanna jump directly to Spiti Valley? Nowhere in between? As a newcomer, it’s quite difficult to travel there that too when you have zero idea about this place and when you will be traveling there using public transport.

But nevetherless, he supported me and guided me about the itinerary.

I experienced so many new things during this trip. A little bit of fear of TT crept when I was travling sitting in a sleeper coach with the general coach ticket :P However, I paid Rs. 250/- later to get the full seat…hahaha, that was fun though. I took the train just because I wanted to experience Toy Train ke Maze. I spent 6 hours of journey by sitting on the door even when TT uncle arranged a seat for me.

This was also the very first time, when I hitchhiked. Yes, that too in Truck, Cars, Loading Autos and Bullet (couldn’t write bike because Bullet is special). I met new people. I connected with locals and co-travellers as well. I played with local kids and had authentic local food with local people, in their kitchen. Man, that feeling was so so amazing and so fulfilling.

I still feel those moments because these are too close to my heart. How can I forget the taste of “Chitkul wale Uncle ke Hathon ki Chai” aur unke wo “Mazakiyaa Kissey”. How can I forget those Kids with whom I shared some blissful Smiles. How can I forget the honesty of a local, when he ran approaximately a mile just to return the sunglasses of his guests. How can I forget the generosity and kindness of that Lama who bought and made “Aata Noodels and Chai” especially for me, after knowing that I was unable to eat the food they provided. And how can I forget when I requested the host lady to sleep in my room as I was feeling scared at that time so she finished her households and left her kids with her husband and stayed with me.

Aah !!! Those memories are really very precious. I right now am writing these experiences with a Smile and feeling Overwhelmed.

But yes, I won’t tell you about the beauty of this place because you must already know that it’s a piece of Heaven (BTW you can read my another blog on Spiti valley. Just check out my profile). You can see that in the photographs as well.

I knew that people from Mountains are very generous, kind and honest. But it was during this trip that I learned to trust strangers and follow what they were saying. I learned that not everyone who lives in a small wooden cottage is poor and places where mobile networks are not available are capable of having strong and genuine connections. I learned that not everyone dreams of big houses and cars. I learned that some people still treat their guests as God.

At the end, I would just urge to people especially to girls, to go for a solo trip. Start with a familiar location and then jump to a totally new and unknown place. You will feel much more confident and happy inside. And now I can say that you don’t need anybody to travel, what you need is just a wish and a desire.

But one advise too, Trust people but also be careful. Just ask me anything if you want to. I will be glad to help you.

Solo travelling is quite common nowadays but it was quite an achievement for a girl from a small town, whose parents didn't want her to travel. I am proud of myself for finding that one thing which gives me immense happiness.

Thanks for reading my piece of experience :)