A travel experience with a group of complete strangers which started with apprehension and nervousness turned out to be one of the best trips of my life so far.

As soon as I was united with the rest of the group, the excitement kicked in and this impulsive decision to set off to the mountains just felt so right. These 8 days of unprecedented fun, frolic and adventure felt magical. The zeal to reach the mountain top at the beginning of the trek, kept us going for hours until we finally reached the destination, and immersed ourselves to the mesmerising, heart stopping view of the snow clad mountains with sparkling golden shimmer wiped away every bit of exhaustion of trekking. Also, the unexpected snowfall added to the thrill made us dance as if no one was watching.

Camping by the river side, jumping at the sight of the waterfall, throwing snow balls at each other, dancing and singing around the bonfire, star gazing till 4 am, mindless jokes and chattering along with meaningful conversation with these bunch of awesome people (once strangers now friends) added warmth to the cold winter night. The entire day’s activity could not prevent us from playing uno, mafia, S&T and Dumb Charades until sleep overpowered us.

The most refreshing part of my day was waking up early in the morning to a beautiful view of the looming mountain ranges and the soothing sound of the river flowing past provided peace and tranquillity to my body, mind and soul unlike my regular days when I wake up to the most hateful sound of my alarm. Even the trip took care of making us fall in love with mundane Monday by planning an exciting activity like paragliding. However, when the trip ended and we had to head back home, we parted with a sense of sadness that lingered for a bit, ‘but then it passed, as all things do’. Now as I write this post I can visualise my trip in clarity and I am filled with appreciation and gratitude for being a part of this adventure.

For every bit of delight, friendship and emotions that I have felt, is something I will cherish forever. And I would like to thank each and every one who was a part of this trip for providing me with such fond memories. Most importantly this trip would not have been what it turned out to be, had it not been for you Sakshi Pant, can’t thank you enough for being such an awesome, caring and chilled out trip leader, you are such an inspiration. And I think I have already planned my next trip in my mind with This Guy’s On His Own Trip.