Abhishek’s Solo Escapade to Ladakh with Thrillophilia- A Treat for Life!
Growing up in Mumbai, I have never really gotten the chance to experience nature at its best. Yes, I have gone to places, and been on trips and safaris, but to stay in the lap of Mother Nature for more than two days?
Never.
This is why the Ladakh trip was so special to me. I grew so frustrated with work and the hustle culture that I urgently needed a break. I had worked for 3 months straight without a holiday and I had grown different, a bit imbalanced. I had forgotten all about my personal life and I had let the company consume me. I wanted to break away from this monotony, it was driving me crazy.
I have been a fun-loving and cheerful person all my life, but I had forgotten how to laugh out loud in the screaming silence of the glass offices. One day, I thought, enough was enough.
I applied for a 15-day holiday straight.
Within 2 days I booked a slot with Thrillophilia for their Ladakh trip and set out on a journey of my own.
My first solo
I had to pay a hefty price for accommodating my reservation at the very end moment. I did not care about the money, I wanted to see something different, some mountains, and greenery would do really good. My mental condition at that point was so fragile and vulnerable, that if anyone came up to me for a hug I perhaps would hold them tight and cry a river.
No, I am not being over-dramatic, that is the truth of post-college corporate trauma.
Anyway, the flight took off from Mumbai and within three hours, I was standing in Leh airport!
It was such a beautiful feeling! I could see the mountains surrounding the entire place, the blue skies that preached the slogans of freedom, and the cool air that seemed to wash away all the stress and trauma I was talking about.
I felt like I had wings, and that I could fly anywhere I wished to now that I was free.
But no, I am not that stupid as a person, I was very good at reality-checking. I knew I had to return, but as of that moment, I craved a cathartic adventure that would help me let out all the chaos built inside for so many days.
I met the batch of travellers with whom I was supposed to share the itinerary. There were three guides, one local and another two from Thriillophilia’s Ladakh on-ground team. They were very well-versed in the terrain of Ladakh, its cultural aspects as well as its natural phenomena. It was very helpful, the insights they shared and the tips they provided us with.
The Ladakh Story
I could never imagine myself travelling alone with a bunch of strangers. But upon reaching our hotel at Leh, I made some friends. One was from Chennai, one from Gwalior, and another from Kolkata. We were exchanging stories of our home states and rejoicing in the moment when Tarun, one of our guides, showed up behind us and asked us if we would like to have a bonfire that night.
We were excited! We agreed immediately! So, after strolling around the locality and the markets a bit, we started off with a bonfire session in the hotel in Leh. The temperature had dropped and I felt amazing! The trip was going better than expected.
And thank god, it remained like that for the rest of the journey as well!
We went to monasteries like Thiksey and Hemis, explored the original Rancho School, and even tried the yellow-scooter ride in Pangong!
Our stay in Nubra was fantastic! Waking up in the morning and seeing yourself cradled in the lap of the mountains, who would not want to spend an eternity there?
The most exciting part was the camel ride, I was super scared to ride the camel and I even fell off it twice. But still, my dear friends forced me back up!
We four made more friends, but everyone referred to us as mini India. (We are still in contact).
I loved the landscapes of Ladakh, so unique and off-beat, unlike anything I have ever encountered before. While going from Nubra to Pangong, I said out loud that this terrain seemed similar to that of the moon. Lakshya, our other guide replied to this, “That is why these landscapes are also known as moonscapes because they resemble the land formations of the moon”
I was taken aback, I had no clue about this. And after knowing this piece of information, it seemed to me as if I was travelling somewhere beyond the world!
A vote of thanks
This adventure of mine would not have been possible if Thrillophilia had not accommodated my slot at the end moment. I am truly grateful for that.
We received guidance from all three guides, and they also helped us interact with the locals of Ladakh. Due to this, we could learn a lot about the place and its culture. We also heard some drunken legends over bonfire sessions in Nubra!
All in all, I had a refreshing experience. A much-needed holiday that would reboot my system. It was my first solo and a great step in my life.
After returning from the trip, I could focus better, and work better, and I improved my lifestyle very cautiously as well. I realised college was really over, it was the time for adulting. Whenever things would get on my nerves, all I had to do was take a nice long break from a new adventure!
Read More: Thrillophilia Ladakh Sightseeing Reviews