Day 0- My Solo Trip To Kasol

A Solo trip to Himachal was one of my dreams for years! And, it is finally happening. Nope, it just happened!

I reached Kasol today morning.

I have never seen snow. So, that was one of the goals I’m looking forward to. Another one is to trek. Trek a lot!

However, I was a bit worried till I reached here. How would I trek if it is snowing? I have seen the videos online of snowing in Himachal Pradesh already started this year. I don’t have any winter or warm clothes that would help me with the cold either. The plan was to buy after coming here.

It was a very quick plan as well. So, I was a lot confused about the accommodation as well. Even though the online ratings were 10/10 for this property, that always makes me scared if the truth would be different.

Cut to reality, everything I wondered and every worry just vanished when I reached here early in the morning. I reached Kasol at 7.30 in the morning expecting heavy snowfall and slippery roads.

I was woken up to a chilly but not snowy weather! The roads were all good in shape after the recent floods and dry. Everything is quite opposite to what I expected! The first sight of sunlight uncovering the mountains was just—optimistic! I mean, it was an amazing sight to start the day with. I had a tea from where I got down and someone came to pick me up to the accommodation.

Honestly, when I reached Kasol, I was confused if I made a mistake choosing the place. The whole place looked over commercialized and everything else, just didn’t match the vibe I was looking for.

However, the moment I got in the car to my stay, things changed. Well, everything changed. The scene started to change and people became rare and the view! Oh My God The View!!!

Once I reached the property, I just thanked myself for not cancelling this place just because I didn’t believe in the online reviews. It is the perfect, THE PERFECT, location. The people running this is also so nice. Well, I don’t want to jinx it with all the first day charm I’m mesmerized with, but I love this place.

Did I say that enough already?!!!

I couldn’t sleep from two days so as soon as I put my bags down, I crashed and slept till 2pm. Woke up hungry and had Paneer paratha. It was perfect. Soft, crispy and freshly made. I just kept patting myself mentally for not cancelling this place to stay. I was all about that till I reached here! Then I went for a small hike to buy some necessary stationary uphill. I didn’t expect anything. The plan was simple: get the stuff and come back. It’s written in my plan for Kasol—Sleep and get to know the climate on day 1. I saw the first stationary shop and I passed it. I could here loud music coming from somewhere closer. I had the goal of reaching 10k steps as well. I’ve been doing this from last month and keeping the record on Actifit. Well, it was already 5 PM but I decided to walk further anyway.

Turns out it is a temple festival today here in this village. It was getting crowded with people very well dressed. There were small stalls of sweets and snacks on the street as well. The jalebis were very tempting but I had one plate momos which had a vegetable filing. Then somebody said today is the last day of a Mela, the festival fair going on. So, I decided to check that out as well. Bold decision on my first day because it was all dark and I have no clue about the place. Moreover, it is a very different terrain as well. I’m staying above the famous Parvati Valley. That means, I could hear the rushing river from everywhere. The roads have an edge that overlooks the valley. All these things are new to me. Plus, I don’t even know how the temperature drop is going to be! I was just wearing a thermal and a normal T-shirt and Pants.

I decided to follow the crowd to the Mela. I was told it is happening in the valley. There was a small gate and everyone were going from there. It was a downhill with paved steps. It was already dark and no street lights or anything. However, the moonlight was so bright to walk around.

While I was extremely careful with my shoes and my knee not getting twisted or bended, the girls here were walking in wedges. I mean, I was legit scared at one point where the there was only a mud trail, the locals here crossed it way to easily. I also must say, the local people here are beautiful. Very friendly as well.

The Mela was either getting started or ending. When I reached there, it was all speeches by the local leaders. So, I left from there immediately. It was already very dark. Climbing up the valley felt considerably easy. I must keep this in mind I guess for my future treks and hikes.

However, I found myself panting when I reached the entrance gate. That was a clear indication of my health right now. Other than that, I don’t feel any other altitude sickness or anything else. I’m pretty happy about that.

While going back, I visited the temple. Everyone had left the temple by then. The inner area of the place where the deities are placed was also locked. I might come tomorrow if possible to see the festival. Going back, the whole road was blocked with a traffic jam. Nobody was moving. I went to buy my stationary and everyone came here to get a beer bottle. The road had people singing in groups in the corners and teenage kids running around with beer bottles. It’s a very happy day for them.

One thing I can say is everyone seem to be very happy here!

After the blocked road, it was a lonely walk back to my room. I was scared of the safety but everyone I met here had assured me this is the safest place to walk at any time of the day. So, I continued alone. Well, there is no other option as well mid-road.

I reached back in maybe one hour but it felt like I was out there for almost 3 hours. I must say, my day 0 already has been a great start. I can’t wait for the rest of the month! When I reached back it was still not 10k steps but that's okay!
This report was published via Actifit app (Android_ | iOS). Check out the original version _here on actifit.io

Hiking

Height 165.0 cm		Weight kg		Body Fat %
Waist cm		Thighs cm		Chest cm