Two Times the Charm!

‘You discover a new side of yourself every time you wander alone’—and I certainly did when I made an impromptu decision to set off on my second solo adventure. Ever since my first journey revealed the beauty of solitude and self-discovery, I had looked forward to this moment. Within just 12 hours, I planned, booked, and packed for the Chopta-Chandrashila-Tungnath trek, ready to dive into the unknown once more.

In the weeks leading up to the trip, life felt heavy—I was overwhelmed, weighed down by some issues, and knew that logically, it wasn’t the right time for a getaway. But when the mountains call, not even reason can hold you back. And somehow, against all odds, everything fell perfectly into place (I made sure it did).

Returning to the road alone feels like revisiting an old friend—you are wiser, braver, and the world feels a little more like home. With more confidence and less anxiety than on my last trip, I reached Delhi, determined not to let the chaos of the metro throw me off this time. But somehow, the Delhi metro and I share a quirky bond—I laughed at myself as I ended up on the wrong train once again despite constantly checking the route map. It’s funny how these little mishaps feel like part of the adventure now.

Regardless, my journey to Chopta began with an exhilarating sense of excitement, shared by seven like-minded travellers—all in our 20s, each carrying a thirst for adventure. As we explored Chopta together, we bonded over music, shared incredible stories, and even played cricket in the mountains, laughing until our sides hurt. Moments like these remind me of what life is truly about—meeting new people, exchanging stories, and listening to each other’s journeys. In the end, aren’t we all just stories, waiting to be told? And when we’re gone, it’s these stories, retold and remembered, that allow us to live on.

With that thought in mind, the day of the trek finally arrived. As I stood at the base of Tunganath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, I felt a familiar mix of excitement and nervousness wash over me. We all started the trek together. The weather was pleasant, with cool winds occasionally breezing through us, and the clouds playfully trapping the sun within their grasp. For a while, I found myself ahead of our group as they paused for pictures, and I chose to move on slowly, savouring the solitude.

 

However, as the trek continued, the weather took a harsh turn, the chill becoming piercing and freezing my muscles, making every movement a struggle. Each step felt heavier, and with a constantly running nose, breathing became increasingly difficult. Despite the discomfort, I navigated the cloudy and rugged path carefully, determined not to let the cold defeat me.

Eventually, the rest of the group caught up, some of them even racing ahead with renewed energy. A wave of disappointment washed over me. Perhaps it was my ego, struggling to accept that I was among the last to reach Tunganath. This feeling drained me from within, weighing heavily on my spirit. Nevertheless, I tried to set these disturbing thoughts aside and pull myself up to finish what I had started.

Though it was a short trek, the steep incline and the adverse weather conditions made the journey to our destination—standing at an impressive 12,073 feet above sea level—quite demanding. Adding to the adventure, the rain gods began to bless us with a drizzle that gradually turned into a hailstorm. As I emerged from the thick shroud of clouds, the majestic top of the Tunganath temple came into view. The clouds wrapped around the temple like a delicate veil, enhancing its ethereal beauty and giving it an almost magical quality. The ancient stones of the temple glistened in the rain. The air was filled with an infectious energy, charged by the presence of countless pilgrims and trekkers gathered around, all chanting “HAR HAR MAHADEV”. Despite the fatigue, I felt a rush of euphoria. This was not just a destination. It was a reward for the effort, a moment of connection to something greater than myself.

While we waited in the serpentine queue outside the temple, barefoot on the freezing ground, my mind slowly drifted to everything that had been bothering me. In time, a calming force unclouded my thoughts, filling me with a single, powerful realization—gratefulness. I felt an overwhelming gratitude for being there, for having the ability to book this trip and escape within just 12 hours. I cherished the unwavering support of my parents. I was thankful for my heart and mind that refuse to entertain the idea of “giving up” and for all those thoughts that propelled me to take this trip. I was grateful for the life I’ve lived and for every twist of fate that had led me to this moment. “I’m grateful”. Saying this out loud in my head brought a sense of satisfaction.

As I closed my eyes to fully embrace these emotions, a calming smile unfolded within my heart, radiating peace and contentment. In that moment of stillness, I realized that when we try to confront and overpower our inner demons – ego, arrogance, resentment, envy, and the relentless chase for perfection – we inch closer to a realm of divine peace. At least, that’s how it felt to me. And then, I could sense a divine presence all around me. In the air, in the shape of the clouds, in every stone and leaf. From the Tunganath temple to the Chandrashila peak and back, I could feel a magical force guiding me.

After a steep 1 km climb from the Tunganath temple, we finally reached the awe-inspiring Chandrashila peak, standing tall at 13,124 feet above sea level. This part of the trek was both insanely stunning and demanding. It was a journey through clouds and right into the heart of the mountains. Along the way, we braved the hailstorm and even caught a brief glimpse of snowfall. Legend has it that Lord Rama meditated here, seeking forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the sin of killing the Brahmin king, Ravana. The peak is also famous for its breathtaking 360-degree views of many Himalayan ranges, but today, the clouds conspired against us, masking the scenery beneath a thick, white fog.

Despite the crowd, I found a spot and sat down to rest. I took a quiet pause to absorb the surroundings, feel the air around and gently closed my eyes. I tried to focus on Lord Shiva, as people around me whispered His name in reverence until it seemed as if the mountains themselves were chanting in unison.

For someone who isn’t deeply religious, I often wonder why these mountains keep calling me to places like this. Perhaps it's the sense of something greater, something unknown, that draws me in. I believe in the power of the unknown and this place, these mountains, are part of that mystery. And maybe, just maybe, the day I unravel what this 'unknown' is, I will also discover the true purpose of my life.

The next day, we headed back home after a short trek to the Deoria Tal Lake. The beauty of all these experiences started to sink in, prompting me to jot down all the lessons I had learnt this time.

Sometimes you may find yourself leading the way, while at other times, you may lag behind, grappling with uncertainty. But the key is to recognize that, either way, you are still moving toward your destiny at your own pace. Although you share this journey with many, your path is uniquely yours, formed by your experiences and choices. Even if you breathe the same air as those around you, each breath is distinct. The steps you take may mirror others, but they will never be the same. It’s only human to compare your journey to that of others, but it’s absolutely vital to embrace the truth that you are different from them in more ways than there are stars in the universe. Everyone has their own light to shine.

Emerging from this journey, I made a heartfelt promise to myself: to release the weight of societal expectations and never be harsh for not meeting my goals according to a futile ‘timeline.’ I promised to never doubt myself again and to fiercely hold onto my dreams. I vowed to surrender to a greater power, trusting that the universe has its own rhythm.

This is my journey, and I will walk it with grace, courage, and unwaivering faith.