Journey That Stole Our Hearts: Pratik’s Himachal Trip Thrillophilia Review
There’s something magical about mountains, isn't it?
They make one feel so alive, and as Pratik and his wife inhaled the crisp mountain air, everything in their lives seemed to calm. The noise of their thoughts, the weight of stress, and the chaos of the crowd simply faded away, leaving only calmness and peace.
For their first anniversary, they decided to trade the crowded streets of their city for the quiet, majestic embrace of Himachal Pradesh. As the bus left the hubbub of the city behind, they felt like the lead characters in a novel, embarking on a grand adventure. Manali, Kasol, Jibhi, these were the names that stirred excitement, whispers of the unknown.
Of Chai, Snow, and Serene Conversations
The thing about travelling to the Himalayas is that time seems to slow down. The rush of everyday life fades, and what’s left are the moments that truly matter. But the snow wasn’t just for quiet moments. They became kids again, laughing and playing, throwing snowballs, and collapsing in fits of laughter. Pratik’s wife, in her competitive style, made it her mission to win every snowball fight.
Safe to say, he didn’t stand a chance!
And somewhere between all the snowball throws and shared smiles, they realised that the magic of this trip wasn’t in the places they visited but in the little things, the chai, the laughter, the snow fights, and the love.
Then there was Suresh Bhaiya, their driver. He wasn’t just driving them around; he was the life of the road. He told them the craziest stories about the mountains, wild tales that had them in splits.
A Walk to Remember
If there was one thing that stole their hearts, it was the trek to Serolsar Lake. The trail was like something out of a postcard, with trees standing tall, the wind whispering secrets, and the distant sound of birds. But what made it magical was walking hand in hand, knowing that the journey was just as special as the destination.
It wasn’t an easy hike, and Pratik’s wife now questions every ‘short hike’ description she reads, but every step was worth it. They trekked through the mist, the air so fresh it made them feel alive in a way that cities never could.
The lake, with its crystal-clear water, sat quietly in the lap of nature, surrounded by the dense green of alpine trees. It was breathtaking, almost as if time had stood still just for them to witness its beauty.
This trek, they knew, would stay with them forever.
The Thrill of the Rapids
Of course, no trip to Himachal is complete without a dash of adrenaline. River rafting in Kasol was an experience that pushed them out of their comfort zone and into the icy waters of the Parvati River.
It’s funny how one goes from nervous anticipation to sheer exhilaration in a matter of seconds. The river was fierce that day, and every rapid felt like nature’s way of reminding them that the best moments come when you let go of control.
By the end of it, they were soaked but grinning ear to ear. It was one of those shared experiences they knew would become a "remember when" story they’d tell years from now. As they stood on the riverbank catching their breath, Pratik turned to his wife and said, "If we can survive this, we can survive anything." She laughed and teased, "You were terrible at that."
Shopping and Hopping Cafe
After all that adrenaline, Manali’s streets and markets were the perfect therapy. They wandered through the bustling markets, losing themselves in the charm of local trinkets, warm woollen shawls, and quirky souvenirs.
One of his wife’s favourite finds was a handmade bracelet with a tiny silver bell. "Every time it jingles, we’ll remember this trip," she said. And now, back in Delhi, it’s a sound that brings back memories of the mountains.
The Hadimba Temple, surrounded by towering deodar trees, had a mystic aura that was hard to shake off. But it was Old Manali, with its quirky cafes and laid-back vibe, that truly captured their hearts. They spent hours hopping from one café to another, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to steaming hot momos.
Kasol, on the other hand, felt like a retreat into a different world altogether. The moment they arrived, they were greeted by the crisp mountain air and the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from nearby bakeries.
They stumbled upon a beautiful spot, Moonlight Café, nestled in the heart of the village. Dreamy, cosy, and aesthetic, it was the kind of place where time slows down, and all that matters is the delicious food on the plate and the view in front.
They spent hours there, sipping coffee, watching the river flow by, and talking about everything from their first date to where they’d want to be for their next anniversary. It was their little slice of heaven in the mountains.
The Night by the Bonfire
There’s something undeniably romantic about a bonfire. On their last night in Jibhi, they sat by the fire, wrapped in blankets, watching the flames dance in the dark.
To anyone considering a trip to Himachal, Pratik would say this, go with your heart open. Because this place, with its towering mountains and quiet valleys, has a way of filling you with moments that will stay with you forever. And if there’s one thing he’d tell anyone planning a trip to these mountains, it’s this, go with someone you love, because these mountains and these moments are best shared.
So, thank you, Himachal, for making their first anniversary so special. And thank you, Thrillophilia, for making sure they didn’t miss a moment of the magic.
Read more: Thrillophilia Himachal Reviews