This blog is more than just a recounting of destinations, it is a celebration of the moments and experiences that made 2023 unforgettable.
So, grab a cozy spot, and let's dive into the adventures that shaped my year.
Let's kick off this storytelling journey by diving into the very first month of the year –
January
So, my first trip of 2023 took me to the hills of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. It was a family trip. Some personal matters had the clan heading to Dharamshala and Palampur.
Oh, by the way, those majestic mountains you're feasting your eyes on in the photograph above? Those are the enchanting Dhauladhar ranges.
These ranges are not just hills, they are the silent poets of the landscape, painting a picture that words can hardly capture.
After wrapping up our personal affairs, we decided to cruise our way to the cricket stadium in Dharamshala
The view of the mighty Dhauladhar range from the grounds felt like a dream.
Trying to put its beauty into words seems like an impossible task.
As our time in Dharamshala unfolded, we got another gem waiting to be explored. Off we went to visit one of my bua (aunt) which is around 3 -4 hours drive.And there, we stumbled upon a sight that felt like stepping onto an ocean or a beach. But guess what?
It was a lake – the majestic Pong Lake.
Now, let's dive into
February
This time around, we embarked on a bit of a spiritual adventure – a visit to the Chikkar to visit Chikheshwar Maharaaj temple देवता चिखड़ेश्वरमहाराज मन्दिर . For me, it's just not a temple but everything .
What made it even more special was the fact that the entire temple was crafted with wood and stone, spanning three floors.
Stepping into the temple, a calm and spiritual vibe embraced us. The whole place had this aura that made us feel connected to something bigger.
It feels like a spiritual recharge, a pause button in the hustle of life.
So, after soaking in the vibes ship spirituality of February, let's jump into
March
I found myself at a lake nestled among hundreds of pine trees – a sight straight out of a dream. And hey, I've got a photo to prove it! Check it out below
It's nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Narkanda.
April
rolled in, and my buddy Abhay Mehta and I thought, Why not to go for adventure a trip to the Manali?
And let me tell you, it turned out to be one heck of an adventure.
We dove into exploring all that Manali had to offer. Monasteries were on the agenda, especially the Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery. And, of course I have got some snapshots of the serene vibes – check them out below!
Next up was a visit to the ever-famous Hadimba devi temple. The place exuded spirituality, and I've got the pics to prove it.
We didn't stop there, though. We swung by another temple near Hadimba Devi Maa Temple, soaking in the cultural richness
After that, we decided to go for the thrill and rented bikes for a ride to Sisu. What awaited us there?
A breathtaking waterfall – Sisu waterfall
Sisu waterfall if you are coming to Himachal Pradesh ,India you must visit this place.
But the adventure didn't end there. We set our sights on Deepak Tal Lake, but not before crashing at a friend's place in Keylong, Lahaul. I love this place Lahaul and Spiti ...... I cannot express this place in words but I have something to show you.
The next day, armed with excitement. Squad , my friend Abhay ,my another friend and his brother and me ready for roller coaster ride in beautiful roads surrounded with breathtaking views.
With snowy hills as our backdrop, we rolled up to Deepak Tal
a breathtaking lake nestled in the arms of nature.
After the Manali and Lahaul escapade in April, little did I know that
May and June
were about to unfold as the wildest and most adventurous months of the year. Brace yourselves because this is where the real thrill kicked in – a daring and adventure-packed visit to Kinner Kailash.
Now, fast forward to the moment when I reached the summit. For about 5 to 10 minutes, it felt like time stood still. I forgot everything – my name, the world below, and the exhaustion of the climb. Call it spirituality, call it the power of Kailash Parvat, but in those moments, I was just a speck in the grandeur of the mountains.
Thanks for joining me on this adventure
I hope my experiences resonated with you, and the spirit of the mountains found a place in your hearts.
As we wrap up this chapter, I want to leave you on the edge of your seat for the next installment – exploring the serene beauty of Bijli Mahadev ,a trek to Shrikhand Mahadev. Brace yourselves for a 70-kilometer journey through the deadliest and toughest track, with a haunting record of more than 30 lives lost this year. The trek is now under a year-long ban.
Until then, keep your adventurous spirit alive!