It is a well-known fact that trips with friends usually occur spontaneously. A few months ago, I had a memorable trip with my friends to Dharamshala, also known as "The land of Dalai Lama". Initially, we had different destination plans which kept changing until we finally settled on Dharamshala, all thanks to the CSK match that took place there.
Located in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is a charming town known for its breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Cricket enthusiasts are familiar with Dharamshala due to its hosting of the world's most stunning cricket stadium, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. What struck me the most was the strong Tibetan influence in the area, especially in McLeod Ganj (upper Dharamshala), which features numerous monasteries, temples, and a vibrant Tibetan market.
During our 5-day itinerary, we included a 2-day trek to Triund in the Dhauladhar mountain range, a decision we made without fully understanding what it entailed. We packed all the essentials such as hoodies, gloves, food, medicine, and toiletries, feeling prepared for the 8km ascent, assuming it would be a simple walk.
We commenced the trek at BhagsuNag waterfall, which was truly delightful due to its breathtaking scenery. Enthralled by the beauty of the waterfall, we proceeded to ascend through the thick oak forests accompanied by a personal guide. The beginning was challenging since none of us were in good physical shape, and the first sign of difficulty arose when one of my friends had to stop after climbing just 800 meters.
As the path grew steeper and more rugged, the three of us pressed on with our trek. It became apparent to me that my fitness level was not as good as I had thought. Despite the challenges, we persevered and were joined by many other trekkers navigating the difficult terrain with agility.
After ascending 4km with the help of the pit shops along the way, we were treated to an unforgettable view that will stay with me forever. The sight of the snow-covered mountains left us in awe, especially considering the effort it took to reach that point. Taking a few photos, sipping tea while admiring the snowy landscape, and then continuing our trek left us feeling content. Surprisingly, the remainder of the journey was pleasant and enjoyable, despite the physical strain. It made me realize that all humans require motivation and recognition for their hard work, don't you think?
After a strenuous 4-hour trek, we finally arrived at the summit, surrounded by majestic snowy peaks glistening in every direction. Excited and content, we promptly set up our tent to enjoy the cold breeze while sipping on a steaming cup of tea. Following a satisfying meal, we settled in for a restful night, sharing stories of love before drifting off to sleep. As we geared up for another 2km trek at dawn, we were met with fierce winds and rain. Undeterred, we embarked on our journey towards a range that was truly extraordinary. We engaged in various adventurous activities, feeling humbled by the grandeur of nature like children in a playground.
Completing this trek was beyond my imagination, yet I managed to achieve it. I never thought it could become one of the most memorable experiences of my life, but it did. Filled with positivity and fond memories, we descended and reached the base in just 2 hours. Interestingly, for the following 3 days, I could hardly walk as my legs were incredibly sore. Despite that, the entire journey was truly amazing, and I will always hold it close to my heart.
But that train journey was more adventurous than this...
Wen Malwa express blog?