Solo Trip for 8 days! [Article 7: The Beginning of Trekking]

Read this article to know what happened earlier. Solo Trip for 8 days! [Article 6: The Experience that I Dreamt for Years.]

We quickly changed our clothes to more comfy and warm ones that could help us sleep throughout the night. I don’t remember the temperature but I was able to see the white foggy clouds whenever I exhaled. IT WAS COLD! We spent the night gazing at the stars near the bonfire. Most of us were from different backgrounds so we spent some time introducing ourselves and exchanging the bizarre experiences that we had in our lives. It was FUN! I don’t think everyone is blessed to have such groups often on solo trips. The night was turning out to be a memorable one. Ayush, Shivam, Rahul, and I decided to sleep in one tent and Sachin shared with another group. Before we nodded off, we decided to take a bath the next morning because we were visiting the TUNGNATH temple. One simply doesn’t go to a temple without taking a bath. We agreed on this unanimously without a second thought.

The next morning, I don’t remember if it was Paratha for breakfast or Maggi. Anyway, it wasn’t that healthy. We sipped some tasteless tea. Took Bath in that freezing cold. We are men. This is what we do. This is how we enjoy it. I thought. (I don’t know if I was right about this.) I asked some vlogging experts to click some of my photographs. Here it is. The good one!

Since I was carrying a backpack, all of us decided to keep our things in it and take turns carrying it until we returned. We were all excited to begin. I have been looking forward to it since day 1 of my solo trip. Just one last thing to do; the government checkpoint. Officials checked our bag and requested us not to litter the place. We promised them that whatever plastics we find, we will collect them. That’s when I realized that we become what the group we choose to belong to. If we choose a wise group, we become wiser. We stopped at many places and clicked some amazing pictures that I have posted on my Instagram. After some time, the group of nearly 20 people dispersed. A few were ahead and a few were far behind. That’s when I realized that we all start at one point. Birth. Some of us move ahead and some stay behind. And, that’s totally okay! The focus should be on our goal!

I tried to speak to many people on the way. Some responded and some ignored. I didn’t feel bad at all. There was something that changed in me; I was over-sensitive but I wasn’t anymore. I was able to see them as they are. I realized that they would talk if they felt like else no. There’s nothing wrong with that. There’s nothing to feel bad about. Similarly, we cannot force people to stay with us. It’s their choice. If they wish to, they will stay else no. All we can do is, try. Try to be a good person. Try to be considerate. Try to be a human being.

I was half way through and I had started taking too many breaks. I recalled the only source of inspiration and energy to get going. My dear lord, Hanuman. Chanting his name gave me strength and energy. I don’t lie… I was exhausted but when I started chanting, I was able to convince myself that I can move. I always bow to my lord. Throughout the day and night. When I am awake. Before I fall asleep. I bowed again and again whenever exhaustion kicked in.

I realized and learnt a valuable lesson about motivation and inspiration. You cannot stay motivated or inspired if you don’t have any strong reason or a specific intention. That’s how it works!

After a lot of struggle, I finally reached TUNGNATH only to see that the temple was closed. But, I didn’t feel bad at all. I bowed to the lord at the gate and took some pictures for yet another achievement in my life. I could have stopped here and skipped Chandrashila point as I was feeling a little breathless. But, I tried a few breathing techniques that I learned in my years of practice. It WORKED! I felt happy that my habits turned out to be life savior.

I didn’t stop then. I decided to reach the steepy Chandrashila point. While I was climbing up, I was scared that I would die. IT WAS REALLY SCARY! The only question that popped in my mind was “What would happen to my family if I am not around anymore?”.But, I somehow gathered courage that I can do it… and… guess what! I FINALLY DID IT! The question that popped in my mind was my fear. Nothing more. Nothing less. I didn’t surrender myself to my fear. I took a calculated step. That's what we should do!