Solo Trip for 8 days! [Article 6: The Experience that I Dreamt for Years.]

We were late. There were several messages on WhatsApp asking about our whereabouts. The tempo traveler was waiting at the exact stop where my cab driver had dropped me (Ref: Article 4) earlier. There were a few people already standing near chitt-chatting and taking a puff of their cigarette. The driver asked to keep our luggages at the back of the tempo traveler and we did it like obedient children. The reporting time was 8, and it was already 8: 30 and we were still in the same place. Upon enquiring, we found out that two more people had to join us who were running a little late. Meanwhile, we decided to finish our breakfast. We quickly walked into the nearby cafe and ordered Parathas for ourselves. By the time we returned, everyone had boarded the cab and had reserved seats for their friends. Sachin & I jumped on the last seat. Ayush sat in a seat in front of me. Rahul - An advocate by profession, joined us. The journey finally began. We slowly started to introduce ourselves. Up until then, I was under the impression that I was on a budget trip. I realized that I had spent money on things which had cheaper alternatives. I was like, “How could I be so wrong?”. Moving on… I convinced myself that it’s my first Solo Trip, so it’s okay. I said to myself, “Mistakes happen in life. That's how we learn. I would be a fool If I repeat this ever again.”

After driving for a few kms, the driver stopped for people to buy things if they needed anything during trekking. There was a snacks center, a restaurant nearby, and a bar adjacent to it. Meanwhile, Rahul was kind enough to offer us the food his wife had packed for him. It was delicious and authentic. We brought things that we thought were necessary.

On the way, we stopped and enjoyed the beautiful view of Rudraprayag Sangam. Isn’t this one of the most beautiful views in the world?

For the rest of the journey neither we slept due to mountain-y roads nor spoke much. We enjoyed the beautiful views through the tiny window of the temp traveler. I wanted to stick my head out for a better view, but the window was so small. I couldn’t make out if my head was or the window. Lol.

We took a few photos of each other that weren’t any good. It wouldn’t have impressed a gen-z child. And, I knew that I couldn’t use it for my never-published vlog. We spent a few hours more speaking and enjoying songs on breakups and more until the driver stopped for lunch. I had seen a few “Don’t do this… When you’re on a Trip” videos that had warned me to eat popular dishes or dal khichdi or even curd rice if nothing is available. We decided one will pay the expenses throughout and we all will divide equally at the end of the trip. It was a unanimous decision.

It was dark when we reached Chopta. The beautiful tents welcomed us. I was tired but was very much looking forward to the night. At night, I saw tiny shining stars in the sky which I hadn’t seen for years. It was just… Wow! Even when I close my eyes, I see that view! 🙂