I know this post is coming quite late, but better late than never. Back in 2023, I set off on a solo trip that turned into one of my most memorable journeys.
My adventure started from Aurangabad, Maharashtra, with a 24-hour train ride all the way to Delhi. I had only booked the train ticket—no fixed plans after that. I had three states in mind: Jammu & Kashmir for Pahalgam and snow, Himachal for snow and paragliding (it has the second-highest paragliding site in Asia), and Uttarakhand for Tungnath, Kedarnath, and bungee jumping.
Somewhere before reaching Delhi, I wrote these options on a piece of paper and randomly picked one. The chosen one was Himachal Pradesh. Without wasting time, I booked a bus ticket to Manali and a hostel stay on the outskirts of the town. The hostel belonged to a friend I had met earlier during my solo Goa trip—he now ran it in Manali, so I booked it online.
I reached Manali at 5 AM in November—and it was freezing cold. My sweater was buried deep inside my rucksack, but I managed to book a cab for the 10 km ride to the hostel. The driver quoted ₹700, and after bargaining, we agreed on ₹500. The car’s heater made it feel cozy, but after 9 km he suddenly stopped and demanded another ₹200. A heated argument followed—he refused to move, and I refused to pay.
So, I did what I love most—I decided to walk. It was 5:30 AM, icy cold, and there I was with a 60 kg rucksack on my back and a 10 kg front bag. Strangely, I didn’t feel the cold anymore—probably because of the argument’s adrenaline rush. Step by step, I made it to the hostel.
The place was worth it—the hostel was surrounded by lush apple orchards and required a small hike down from the main road. That little descent made all the difference—it was calm, away from the road, with no noise, no distractions. Just peace.
My friend was shocked to see me arrive like that and immediately told me to rest before completing the formalities. The moment I stepped inside, the warmth hit me, and suddenly I could feel the biting cold. Even after wearing a jacket, I shivered, so I just slept for a while.
By 8 AM, I woke up, freshened up (yes, with cold water—I never use hot water, no matter the season or place), had amazing breakfast of Allo Paratha, and went for a short hike nearby. It was an 8 km round trip to a small waterfall—peaceful, refreshing, and the perfect start to the trip. After returning, I had lunch and took some rest. Relax At the Hostel
Day 2 will be up soon—stay tuned.
And with this, I’m beginning a series of posts from my past trips—sharing moments and stories I never posted before. 
Sajla Waterfall. I thought it was big waterfall but its not but hike was totally worth it.
@TusharSuradkar @TravellerG @AjitThite @Shrut19 @Raj_Tayade @Praniketmore
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q9zXXA36xeZsXFVTA?g_st=ipc
I’ll be sharing the hostel where I stayed link later in another blog
Nothing heals and refreshes the mind quite like being close to nature.
Happy to know it felt like a virtual trip for you. More from Himachal will be coming soon— Stay Tuned sir
Really glad you enjoyed it. More pages from my Himachal solo diaries are coming soon—stay tuned