I’m not a girl whose best friends are some shiny rocks. Instead, gift me a trip (or few) to the mountains and we’re sorted for life! Truly, madly, deeply infected by the wanderlust bug,I am someone who already starts planning another escapade while returning from one.
Summer of 2015 is just the perfect time for my big Himalayan Dream. I haven’t worked out the details yet, but my bucket list is already overflowing. I am yet to take a solo trip, and the mighty Himalayas should be the best place to begin that adventure. They could provide me with such a majestic backdrop for some soul-searching which I need in life. So far, the apprehensions that come with being on a trip with no one but myself have always overpowered the wandering soul that resides inside. But Himalayas, you inspire me and maybe you’re the one who would set me free. Maybe you’ll kill these demons and bring to life, the solo traveller who is caught inside.
So, Dear Himalayas, I long to be with you. With no-one to hold my hand but your deep valleys and high peaks (of course snow covered- I am not going to settle for anything less) to set me soaring. As I take a leap of faith to be with myself this summer, I know you will silently play a very important role in liberating me from the constant need of travel companions. Like you did, to a very dear friend. I wish to convey, she thanks you for that life-changing moments she had with you.
As much as I love life’s little chichés in real, my dreams can’t be far behind. But solo travel is no stereotype. Even though wandering in the lap of mountains and becoming a yogi might straight be out of a Bollywood flick, but the Indian film industry is way far behind to make a bio-pic out of solo women travellers. Still, I dream of being featured in one when I find life’s purpose one night, staring at the stars, lying by the side of Lake Pangong. Well, when it is my dream then SRK has to be in it! So, let me re-phrase it a little. While I am there, wind transforms into SRK and I finally have a real moment with him. Alone. And then I find purpose, and everything else by staring at those stars. The warmth of the fire that he lit up for me to keep me warm would stay in my life forever. The sky has to be clear- No clouds, because it has to be a new Sun the next day. Liberation, maybe.
A whole lot of staring into the sky and stars falling into my laps later, I would wake up to a canvas painted by nature. A clear sky, and a clear mind – with a new found purpose of course. Maybe I have a little hint as to what it is, but like I said I love chichés, so the decision has to be taken at some place beautiful. Can there be another paradise on earth except this one?
A whole lot of staring into the sky and stars falling into my laps later, I would wake up to a canvas painted by nature. A clear sky, and a clear mind – with a new found purpose of course. Maybe I have a little hint as to what it is, but like I said I love chichés, so the decision has to be taken at some place beautiful. Can there be another paradise on earth except this one?
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| Picture Credit – Google.com |
Did I mention that I also want to write poetry while I am there. Oh, also that I am adamant of doing it the old school way – I don’t need a laptop but just a pen and a paper. It is another matter altogether that it would be quite hard not to look at the gorgeous view and concentrate on a piece of paper. But, soon a poetry surfaces, describing the journey and the transformation.
Some wandering thoughts
A pair of starlit eyes
Echoes from the mountains.
I hear thy soulful voice
Oh so mighty Himalayas
The winter inside me ends.
An instinct beckons
I follow some unheard chants
To a wonderland.
As I climb huge peaks
And take life changing holy dips
Trekking the myths far away.
A new found energy
Oscillates from the ends of
One spring to other.
And I might just leave that piece of paper there, as an ode to the Himalayas for changing my life, to be read by unknown travelers who find it. Maybe, they will think about the person who wrote those words and agree with me on the fact that Himalayas sure are capable of changing lives!
This post is a part of the Himalayan Dream contest by GIO Adventures: India’sPremier Adventure & Outdoors Travel Specialists since 1999.
Wonderfully written post, full of starlit dreams, love for the majestic mountains. All the best for your dream travel.
Thanks dear. Glad you liked it, and that the dreams came across as 'starlit' 🙂
You have expressed the Himalayan love so well ! Wish you great summers this year and exceptional Himalayan experiences !
Thanks! I am slowly but steadily giving in to my love for travelling, and maybe it showed across in the post. So glad you liked it 🙂
wowowo look at that pic.. who would not fall in love with the mountains
beautiful poem … makes one fall in love with the moutains all over again
Bikram's
Thanks so much! I so wish to click a picture like that, someday 🙂
Nice article that too without any visit… 🙂 go for this adventure some time !!
Ya, So it means I should go ahead soon 😉
Ah…almost everyone in my facebook account is going to the Himalayas..trekking and more! Cannot blame them and I so want to go too. Solo travelling are fro the brave hearts…I need someone with me 😀
That poem is right on point. Loved it!
Ya, same here- and with the number of long weekends this year, I don't want to miss the opportunities!
So like us, we start planning our next trip while we are still on a trip. Traveling solo is fun and Himalayas – what's better than that? Love the poem. 🙂
They better choose you winner or else I will sue them for partiality.
Awwwwww 🙂 So glad you liked it so much! But, I never win. Sigh.
Wow! Loved reading this post. I need to visit that part of India and I wish this happens soon 🙂
Thanks Parul! Glad you liked reading and hope your wish becomes a reality soon!
Loved reading ur post..very beautifully written. ..
Njoy ur trip dear ..
Congratulations u won..
Thanks a lot! 🙂 So happy you read!
Wow..no wonder you won..You made me want to go too even though I'm more of a reading books in beach resort kind of girl 🙂
So glad to know it had an impact on you! First time I ever won, btw 🙂
Love the poem and I love the idea of leaving the paper to be found by another traveler!! Who knows how many people you inspire to pen another poem for the great mountains!
Thanks Roshni! So glad to know you liked it. I found the idea of leaving that piece of paper behind a bit charming myself. I would love to find one 🙂
wow…very nicely written Akanksha 🙂
Thanks!
Loved it thoroughly. Applause! :-*
You're the one who made me write this one and I won! You're my lucky charm 🙂
Hi Akanksha, Surprised and happy to see this.
http://www.the-nri.com/life/politics/the-age-of-p…
Thanks for publishing my work.
Not published by me- but by the website. Credits/Thank-Yous must be re-directed there 🙂
Grt piece of write up!