My Himalayan rendezvous: a story of fulfilling solo travel

There comes a time in every young adult’s life when they need to run away. The destination they’re speeding towards is unknown. There is a thrill and a chase and a want to experience something new. It gives life meaning.

With this need to run away and experience something new, I was ecstatic when I got an opportunity to visit a small village in the Himalayas; Tirthan Valley.

Tirthan Valley

In the remote district of Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan Valley is a quaint area, almost untouched by the world. It’s close to Manali, a popular tourist destination, but even the crowds have no effect on the serenity of the place. Tirthan Valley is fortified by the Great Himalayan National Park which is a UNESCO Heritage Site. It’s one of the biggest tourist attractions of India but due to the serenity and unexplored landscape, it continues to thrive in its silence.

The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna including leopards, serow and Bergenia Ciliata. It’s protected from human activities, so even if Tirthan Valley’s tourism increased, it would be impossible to build around or in the park area. The serenity and charm of the National Park, along with its scenic views, are what bring people far and wide to visit. 

The privilege of being in a place like this is that it feels like you have entered a new world: disconnected from the rush of the outside. I called Tirthan Valley my home for more than a month and I worked there as a volunteer teacher for the Srot Foundation. 

Srot Foundation

Srot began as an academic support program in Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh, soon after the 1st Covid lockdown in 2020. It has evolved into a project that offers academic support and mentorship to students. They invite volunteers to teach students across all age groups and provide for a holistic experience. At the time I was volunteering, Srot Foundation had 2 full-time teachers of which one was my teacher in school. Along with me, there were 4 other volunteers and throughout my time, there were several visitors who contributed their insights, time and energy to making the place an engaging forum.

I had been on volunteering trips before, but they were always an excuse to escape from the monotony of my life. But on this trip I really re-connected with myself.

Teaching in a school for local children who do not have access to good education is so fulfilling. I realised I had taken my upbringing for granted and didn’t realize that even the most basic of education can be imparted callously. Students who have been provided with information and not education see the worth of the latter. I realized that when someone provides education, they build an ecosystem of learning while imparting information is more robotic; you study to give exams and not for curiosity. As soon as the exam mindset changes, teaching and learning becomes a fulfilling endeavor that never ends.

A mountain of education

Besides that, the Himalayan mountain range gives you the opportunity to educate yourself and reflect on your relationships with the environment, other people, and yourself. 

Almost all regions of the Himalayas are distant from mainstream society to some extent. Accessibility to amenities like shopping centers, good internet connectivity, electricity and, in some areas, intensive medical care, is difficult. The lack of such facilities forces me to see how we take the ease of life for granted. It made me more aware of how the state of our life is in our own hands. How we take care of it, what we do with it and how to grow with it: it’s almost entirely in our control. 

Knowing that medical attention will be difficult, we are forced to take better care of ourselves. Small things like headaches can make you aware of your surroundings and how to improve them to ensure that the pain does not escalate. We take electricity and connection for granted as well; I ended up using my phone only when absolutely necessary because if the electricity cut out for an extended period of time I’d have no way to charge or use it. 

The Himalayas are a great place to explore cultures and find the beauty of nature. I met some headstrong individuals who have done so much in their lives and have such fascinating stories to tell. During tourist months, the river passing through the valley is calm and we see a beautiful creation of nature, but in peak monsoon months, it becomes a force of destruction. The most beautiful character of Tirthan is also the most fierce. Nature demands respect as it is strong and at its purest there. 

Hidden facts

Believe it or not, the Himalayas are a perfect spot for foodies. With bustling cafes serving the most delectable selection of momos, noodles, siddu (a large bread stuffed with fillings of various items like apricot seed paste, potatoes, mixed vegetables, etc.), hot flavourful tea and rich aromatic coffee, food is comfort. I have never felt more satisfied after a meal than I did in my time here. 

The homely feeling that the food carried is almost impossible to recreate. Credit can be given to the magic hands of the people, recipes being passed down for generations, and simply because of how fresh the ingredients are here. Another interesting fact about the food you will find in the Himalayan range all over is the energy it provides. Warmth and energy is so important to maintain here because how much you exert yourself just by walking around and getting used to the climate, so these elements are prioritized within the meals.

It is also a gorgeous area to explore through treks and hikes. While I love walking, trekking has always been a difficult feat for me. It was only the promise of breathtaking views and mouth-watering food on top of the mountain that would make me reach the end of numerous treks that were hosted during my stay. 

The Himalayan Range is truly a great gift of nature. It re-energized me and reminded me that simplicity is my life’s ambition. A fulfilling experience and a satisfied stomach is all I crave and dream of. I would recommend everyone to visit a quaint hill station in the range and if not for self discovery then for the finger-licking food that will soon take over all your dreams.