Archana’s Adventurous Family Trip to Himachal with Thrillophilia
“No family trip is complete without a dash of adventure and a sprinkle of spontaneity.”
This was the thought running through Archana's mind as she and her family set off for their long-awaited adventure to Himachal Pradesh.
Every year, they made it a tradition to travel to a new destination, collecting memories and souvenirs. And these would not be the usual trinkets, mind you. Their house was adorned with pressed flowers, shining rocks, and other unusual finds from their travels.
The Journey Begins
From itinerary updates to quick questions, everything was sorted - thanks to Thrillophilia for creating a WhatsApp group for seamless communication. Archana was especially thankful to Apoorva for helping them pick the perfect trip. "It felt like she was always one step ahead," Archana thought.
And with that, on a cool October evening, they boarded an AC Volvo bus from New Delhi’s Kashmere Gate, ready for an overnight journey to Manali. The bus ride itself was an adventure, with roads winding their way to the Himalayas' grandeur.
Could they sleep with so much excitement? Not a chance. There was too much chatter, too many "what ifs" about the adventures that awaited them.
Exploring Manali
Manali greeted them with crisp, fresh air. Isn't that just the best way to start a mountain trip?
Their stay was booked at Hotel Manali Heavens. Just like Vidhi had promised, the hotel was cosy and well-equipped. Hot water? Check. Warm rooms? Double check.
Their first stop was the Hidimba Devi Temple, nestled in the deodar forest. Can you imagine the charm of ancient wooden architecture surrounded by towering trees? They could, and they soaked in every bit of it. Then, they headed to the Vashisht Temple. They dipped their feet in a natural hot spring.
The family spent time relaxing and enjoying the soothing waters. They spent the day visiting Van Vihar National Park and later explored the Tibetan Monastery, where the peaceful vibe and vibrant colours left them in awe. Mall Road was the perfect ending to their day, where they picked up handcrafted souvenirs and indulged in some local treats.
Thrills in Solang Valley
Solang Valley was the next adventure, and boy, was it a thrilling day.
The drive itself was scenic, with charming villages like Kothi and Marhi along the way. And when they finally reached Solang Valley, it was a playground of adventures. Paragliding, zorbing, zip-lining - you name it, they were ready to try it all!
Archana’s daughter was particularly excited about trying zip-lining, while Archana hesitated a bit when it came to paragliding. "Do I really want to jump off a cliff?" she thought. However, upon a little encouragement from her husband and instructors, Archana was up in the air in no time. The feeling of flying high in the sky, with the Himalayas as her backdrop, was unlike anything she had felt before.
They spent the rest of the day having fun as they cheered each other on, with their happiness echoing across the valley.
Afterwards, they headed to a quaint little café for lunch, where they feasted on hot and spicy dishes, perfect for the chilly mountain weather. Their day ended with a relaxing dinner back at the hotel, where they recounted the day's adventures, eagerly looking forward to what awaited them next.
A Slight Hiccup
Kasol was next on the list. The drive was beautiful, with each turn revealing a new vista. But then what’s the point of any adventure without a bit of a hiccup? Their tent stay in Kasol was not as smooth as they had hoped. Allocation took longer than expected, and they ran into a few minor issues.
But, they laughed it all off. With the help of their local guides, Ramesh and Pal, they got things sorted. It turned into an impromptu team-building exercise.
And you know what? It wasn't that bad after all. They gathered around a bonfire that night, sharing stories and warming up with the spicy, local food. The kids marvelled at the stars above, a rare sight for city dwellers. It was one of those nights where you realise that sometimes, the little hiccups make the trip even more memorable.
Crossing Frights and Conquering Heights
The next day brought a whole new kind of adventure - a river crossing on a pulley bridge. The thought of it made Archana’s nerves tingle. Watching the first few cross, she thought, "Maybe I’ll just sit this one out." But her family wasn’t having any of it. All she needed was a little encouragement from the local guides, and she decided to try this adventure.
Little did she know, it was a lot less scary and a lot more exciting than she had imagined. Her confidence grew with each step, and before she knew it, she had reached the other side. It was an empowering experience, one that she knew she would cherish for a long time. She silently thanked Thrillophilia for curating such an adventurous yet safe itinerary for them.
Saying Goodbye to the Mountains
Archana and her family spent their last day exploring the Kully Valley, soaking in views of the lush green landscapes and apple orchards. They made a quick stop at a local market, and got their hands on local apples and handcrafted woollens, adding a perfect end to their Himalayan adventure.
They felt a mix of emotions while boarding their bus back to Delhi. Watching the mountains slowly fade from their view, they felt like they were bidding goodbye to an old friend - one they weren’t quite ready to part with. There was a hint of sadness, but how could there not be?
But, with that sadness, came a much deeper sense of contentment. They had come to the mountains seeking an adventure, a break from their daily lives, and they were going back with stories to tell and moments to cherish. Above all, they were leaving with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Himachal Pradesh.
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