Beginning of this trek was as dreamy as the journey itself. On my usual saturday group run, morning of the day I was flying to India, a friend mentioned that they are going to India next week to go on a hike with IndiaHikes. That was the second time I heard of IH and it got stuck in my head. Reaching home after the run, getting late for my flight, I quickly replaced my luggage with the backpacking bag and did a quick search at the airport "hikes in Himalayas with IndiaHikes". There was only one spot left in only one hike that coincided with my time in India - Rupin Pass, a high altitude mountain pass, climbing to 15,250 feet and I booked it on a whim!
On May 17th, I was as excited and thrilled as I could be, to go for a long walk in Himalayas for the first time, with a group of 20 strangers and no internet for seven days!
Starting from Chandigarh to Rohru, the bumpy mountain roads with gorgeous views of the Chainsheel valley and stories of local gods, took us to the basecamp at Jiskun. After indulging in a magical potion of black tea (it literally fixed my ear-numbing-sinus in 10mins!) the next morning, we started the hike from Jiskun to Jakha - the kind of mountain towns you see in your dreams!
A walk to the nearby temple, coffee from that coziest corner shop, those red cheeks and the most innocent smiles, melted my heart.
Jhaka to Saruwas Thatch and to Dhanderas Thatch unveiled the most magical waterfalls, gorgeous Rupin gully, snow-capped mountains and some insanely breathtaking campsites!
Love. It's the most overwhelming part of it all - never before did I meet people and felt like family in 3 days!
In the middle of two birthday celebrations (the most delicious cake of my life, no kidding!), endless games of mafia, snow fights, I found my tribe - an anna, a younger brother, the best kind of friends who eat from the same plate and make you the butt of all jokes,
an uncle always on your side (farewell words - apne mummy papa nu kehna ki ikk uncle mile si teh uh kehnde si ki tuhadi kudi badi lajawab hai) to save you from all the bullying,
the cutest guide (dishu bhaiya) to teach you mountaineering and shepherding - all on one trip!
And some more cuties who joined on the way -
P.S. California, thank you! Not only you feel like home but you also brought me closer to home! <3
