“I discovered a new side of me in the mountains of Spiti Valley”- Shilpa Shetty

It was my idea to travel with strangers to get new experiences to cherish. Being an extra introvert, I was not sure of this idea, but I felt ready for it. It’s like I was getting a direct call from Spiti Valley. 

We chose the Summer Spiti package, but I was agitated about facing linguistic barriers. I belong to the South, and I thought people usually don’t gel up well with us. So I had my reservations and planned to enjoy the mountains with my friend and ignore the rest of my fellow travellers.

A Journey to Remember: My 5 Nights/6 Days Summer Spiti

Journeying Through the Himalayan Range

Day 1: Delhi to Manali

Day 2: Manali to Kaza 

Day 3:  Visit Dhankar Monestry and Pin Valley, followed by a stay at Kaza

Day 4: Kaza to Chandratal 

Day 5: stay at kaza, kaza to Manali

Day 6: Manali to Delhi

A Cosy Journey with Strangers in Spiti Valley

It provided me with the perfect backdrop for quiet contemplation and introspection. And I was no longer the shy, introverted girl who preferred staying quiet and listening to people.

I was finally making people listen to me and dance along the way with them.

Throughout the trip, I found comfort convenient and cosy accommodations available in the valley. The washrooms were clean and hygienic. Our oxygen was checked every day before the journey, and my friend and I were never left alone. We were always accompanied by one of the trip leaders or fellow group travellers. Even for the pictures, they were calm and gave us the time we needed.

I admired the stunning Buddhist artwork and immersed myself in the spiritual teachings of the resident monks. The monks were there near the Dhankar and Taboo monastery, and it was so beautiful to listen to them reciting the prayers. 

The valley’s tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes create the ideal environment for meditation and mindfulness practices. I found solace in the quietude of the mountains and engaged in soul-nourishing practices.

From the emerald-green Chandratal Lake to the dramatic vistas of Pin Valley, each destination offered a glimpse of the divine beauty that surrounds the place. 

Your spiritual escape to Spiti Valley allowed me to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with my inner self. I did not only find peace within me but also outside me while talking to like-minded travellers.  

Chandratal Lake – A Milky Way on Land 

In the evening, as the sun began to set, I was drawn to the allure of star gazing. It was crowded, but gradually, people dissipated as the night grew darker, leaving only a handful of curious souls eager to witness the celestial wonders.

I looked up at the sky and was mesmerised by the Milky Way stretching across the night canvas. 

I was in a peaceful spot away from the crowd and sat in peace with my friend. The crisp mountain air filled my lungs as I gazed at the twinkling stars above. It was as if I had stepped into a movie “Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani.”

In the stillness of the night, I felt a spiritual transition within myself. The beauty of the Milky Way sparked a profound sense of introspection. I realised the insignificance of my worries and embraced the vastness of the universe, finding solace in the moment.

The beautiful weather, the towering mountains, and the serenity of Chandratal Lake created an enchanting ambience that transferred me to a different world.

As I immersed myself in the breathtaking landscape, I felt a deep gratitude and connectedness to nature. The journey to Chandratal Lake had been more than just a destination; it had become a transformative experience, evoking a sense of awe, wonder, and spiritual awakening.

Witnessing Soul-Stirring Transition in the Offbeat Lake of Spiti Valley 

Out of 36 travellers, we were only 18 people who stepped into this wild experience. With every step I took over this trek, I was planning to go back. There were no roads or places even to walk. We climbed to the top of the mountains. 

Within 10 minutes, foot on the trail, I was greeted by breathtaking vistas, towering peaks, and the melody of the wind whispering through the valleys. The path led me through remote villages and I encountered warm smiles.

 After 2 hours of trekking, we finally reached the secluded lake, a sparkling jewel cradled by the surrounding peaks. Its waters reflected the vibrant hues of the sky, creating a picturesque panorama that took my breath away.

With each step closer to the lake, I felt the serenity washing over me. I found a quiet spot by the water’s edge, where I sat in silence, with my legs fluttering downhill and I  marvelling at the sheer magnificence of nature’s masterpiece. It was a moment of pure bliss, far away from the chaos of the modern world.

We had to leave in an hour as the Sun was about to set, and it was unsafe to trek back from the jungles to our camps. But I loved every bit of that place. It’s like I found me,  a side of me that even I didn’t know existed. From thinking of giving up on every step ahead, I completed the whole secret trek with the feeling of never returning.

From one traveller to another: Some tips for visiting Spiti

• You’ll experience more than what you plan.
• Be patient and gel up with the people around you.
• Take every risk in your sight, it will be worth it.
• Enjoy your travel your way.