Are you tired of listening to the constant warnings that it’s dangerous to travel on your own? If yes, then I have got some inspiration coming your way. I am giving you the chance to know your very own travelling passion at a deeper higher level. I would like to share my experiences by travelling solo.
The holidays were coming up in the month of October and I was so desperate to go to the mountains. I had to wait for other people’s confirmations and days would go by with no reply. This was very disheartening and that’s then I decided, I will go my way and explore the unexplored. I was completely clueless, how this would impact my life and with my duties as a doctor. Just with one feeling that I am my own boss, and the only person I need to worry about is myself. I packed my stuff and took a night bus to Shimla from Delhi. When backpacking, there is always a chance that things are missing. But, most of the time, we get an easy solution. Solo travel as a female can be horrifying, but why the question continually running in my mind.
To explore Kalpa was always there on my list; therefore I decide to go to my much-awaited destination. Kalpa is a small town on the Sutlej river valley, above Recong Peo in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Northern India, in the Indian Himalaya. Inhabited by Kinnauri people and famous for its apple orchards. On my way to Shimla, I gathered information from the net on how to reach Kalpa and about the accommodation. All the way I had an odd nervous moment; I guess it’s very natural. It’s good to feel a bit scared, as long as you deal with your worries by staying informed.
I reached the Shimla bus stand at 7 in the morning. Took next bus to Reckong Peo which had to go via Rampur. It was around 240 km from Shimla. I had to travel a total of 625km from Gurgaon to Kalpa. So, I landed up doing non-stop 24 hours local Himachal Road Transport Corporation bus travel to reach my destination. I named it as “Selfie Trip”. Travelling with locals in a local bus and talking with them was an extremely overwhelming experience. I guess I would have missed this experience going with a group. The road to Kalpa is dangerous and adventurous itself, all the respect to the bus drive. I was flabbergasted with all the adventure and my endurance to travel all the way in a local bus. I booked my home stay, as I was going to reach around 9:30 at night. It was a comfortable stay. Got up at 4 in the morning as I intended to shoot sunrise pictures from Shivling rock on the Kailash Mountain at Kalpa. I walked to the location and waited for the first ray of sunshine…. Woo!!! Astonishing and startling experience. Indeed, felt blessed and proud of myself…!!
I stayed for a day to witness the amazing geography along with different culture, language, and customs. Not even a second I felt alone or scared, just happy and confident. My travel was ultimate in self-indulgence; I can rest when I want and move on when I am feeling ambitious. I guarantee you to meet lots of other travelers and backpackers. You have to be smart about your safety. Solo female travelers are more approachable and will get attention. People will often come and talk to you. Most of the times I have been mistaken as a foreigner, sometime it was helpful to be one, but at times it is better to converse as an Indian. People are curious and don’t think twice about asking personal questions. If you need to, you can always invent a friend /husband /boyfriend, which I have done on occasions and worked quite well. It is just common sense; I always used my instincts and have been safe. Don’t be too hard on yourself as travel is hard work.
I realized the benefit of a solo trip, is that your mistakes are your own, and your elation is all the more exciting. Travelling alone is more like on a voyage of self-discovery. I’ve grown as a person and gained so many life skills from budgeting to people skills and that give me such a great sense of achievement.
There you have, a bit of me on how I view my life as a solo traveler and why I personally prefer to travel this way. Solo travel doesn’t have to stop once you become a parent. In fact, it becomes even more important getting away, even for a day or two, to maintain balance and mental clarity. I would love to inspire busy mothers to travel more and to plan their solo getaway. Solo travel is the ideal opportunity to try something new, make the most of your life and to live your way. Ladies, It’s your take now..!! Move it and inspire yourself!
