Traveling for Mindfulness - McLeod and Kasol 

Tripoto
1st Jul 2017

https://www.instagram.com/meditating_minds/

Photo of Traveling for Mindfulness - McLeod and Kasol by Nikita Bharadia
Photo of Traveling for Mindfulness - McLeod and Kasol  1/9 by Nikita Bharadia
SHIVA CAFE ON THE WAY TO TRIUND, HIMACHAL PRADESH
Photo of Traveling for Mindfulness - McLeod and Kasol  2/9 by Nikita Bharadia
ZEN MIND, BEGINNERS MIND
Photo of Traveling for Mindfulness - McLeod and Kasol  3/9 by Nikita Bharadia
VIPASSANA CENTER, Mc'Leod Ganj

This year, I decided to solo travel to learn the Art of Meditation and bring mindfulness in my daily life. Hence, I decided to explore one of the top spiritual centers in Northern India - Dharamshala. 

July is bestowed with petulant shower amidst sun-rays penetrating the thick cover of clouds, occasionally. The place is a cultural experience zone for interacting with people exploring Yoga, Mystical Dance, Meditation, Jewelry Weaving, Tombola, Trekking, Biking etc. 

You can reach Mc'Leod by taking a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala and then another cab/ local bus to Mc'Leod Gang. You can also fly to the nearest airport at Dharamshala and then ride up. 

For meditation deep-dive, I joined the 10 day Vipassana course. Tushita Meditation center is another popular destination for people exploring Buddhist philosophy. The center was absolutely peaceful with the view of the valley. 

Photo of Traveling for Mindfulness - McLeod and Kasol  4/9 by Nikita Bharadia
VIPASSANA MEDITATION CENTER

After 10 days of meditation, I traveled around Mc'Leod to get the view of Triund, waterfall and top monasteries. 

Photo of Traveling for Mindfulness - McLeod and Kasol  5/9 by Nikita Bharadia
VIEW OF THE WATERFALL AT THE BASE OF TRIUND
Photo of Traveling for Mindfulness - McLeod and Kasol  6/9 by Nikita Bharadia
NAMGYAL MONASTERY - VIEW OF THE STORES OUTSIDE

After spending 12 days at Mc'Leod, I headed off to Kasol through an overnight bus to Bhunter and then took a local cab ( approx INR 1200 ) to reach Kasol. Since the bus reaches at 4 am, kindly ensure to have companions for safety.

Photo of Traveling for Mindfulness - McLeod and Kasol  7/9 by Nikita Bharadia
GOOD HOME STAY BY THE RIVER, PARVATI VALLEY, KASOL
Photo of Traveling for Mindfulness - McLeod and Kasol  8/9 by Nikita Bharadia
GURDWARA MANIKARAN SAHIB, HIMACHAL PRADESH
Photo of Traveling for Mindfulness - McLeod and Kasol  9/9 by Nikita Bharadia
CAFE AT KASOL

While at Kasol, you can visit the Gurudwara at Manikaran and take hot water bath to relax your muscles. Then head off to Tosh/Malana for experiencing local culture. Jim Morrison cafe and German Bakery are good places to checkout during meals. 

While at Kasol, just listen to the sound of river crashing across the edges and relax. 

[Solo Traveling for Women in Himachal Pradesh is moderately safe as long as you have planned travel and stay after checking reviews. Most buses at night arrive at the destination early morning, hence travel with like-minded travelers for safety. Carry cash as cards are not very acceptable. Do not plan to be far away from your base location alone once it gets dark]