From a Solo Female Traveler to a Solo Female Traveler

^{Wandering off to some unknown place gives you a sense of freedom and lightens your soul. This is the part of me that takes me to such beautiful places, meet lovely people around  & when you visit such places and meet the people, your heart just smiles all the way.}

^{Himachal is a place where I lost my mind totally seeing the immense beauty of this place while I was on my solo trip this year.
True to its name, the state lies in the lap of the Himalayas, surrounded by splendid natural beauty.}

^{“Himachal” … well I’ve always wanted to go, I just didn’t realise, this is where I’d be taken to when I least expected it.}

^{Heart over my mind. Impulse over practicality. I packed my bags and left to experience a new trend called Work From Mountains. I reached Manali,  a charming town situated at the northern end of Kullu valley.}

^{I have travelled solo to many places, out of those I found Himachal is one of the best options for people who are still planning but have not been able to execute their first solo trip due to the fear of being or travelling alone.}

^{Here are a few reasons to choose Himachal Pradesh if you are planning your first solo trip:}

• ^{Safest Place: Himachal Pradesh is the safest place to explore in India as I can understand your safety issues because I had gone through the same situation when deciding to travel alone. After exploring different parts of Himachal Pradesh I can say that it’s the safest place for first-time solo travellers.}

• ^{Unique Culture: You will fall in love with their Pahadi Culture which is very unique. You can explore the simplicity of their culture where you will be able to notice a unique flavour of Indian-ness.}

• ^{People of Himachal Pradesh: Visiting offbeat places, experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and admiring the diversity is what I love, and that is exactly what I experienced on my trip to Himachal. I am in love with Himachali People as I have never seen people with such a pure & kind heart. I feel this is one of the safest place to wander in India. It is possible only because of Himachali People.}
• ^{Food: Himachal is one of the places where you will find diversity in its food as well. Israeli food, Tibetan food, Himachali food, North Indian food, whatever you want to eat.}
• ^{Reasonable Accommodation: There are various suitable options available that are within your budget. In guest houses or homestays, you can easily have one room between Rs. 300 to Rs. 500. Hotel rooms will cost you something between Rs.1000 to Rs.1500. Visiting Himachal Pradesh I never faced any safety issues where ever I stayed so feel free to select any type of accommodation options from any homestay/guesthouse/hotel from a security point of view.}
• ^{How to reach: Himachal Pradesh is easily accessible from Delhi & Chandigarh. Public buses are easily available & it’s really suitable for your pockets as the charges are not high and safe, too, if you have security concerns.}

^{Here are few best places to visit and treks to do during your trip to Himachal:}

^Manali

^Shimla

^{Kasol – is a small village with so many engagement options. The village attracts tourists from all around the country and is becoming popular as a trekking destination with trails such as the Kheerganaga trek, Tosh Valley Trek, Chalal trek, Kalga and Pulga village hikes, Malana Village trek among several others.}

^{Dharamshala – Dharamshala cricket stadium, St. John Wilderness Church}

^{Mcleodganj – Bhagsu water fall and Triund trek.}

^{Bir –Bir is also known as the Paragliding Capital of India. It’s a noted centre for ecotourism, spiritual studies and meditation.}

^{Palampur- A picturesque and quiet little town, Palampur is a panorama of stunning tea gardens, brooks, creeks, rice paddies and colonial-era buildings.}

^{Bijli Mahadev – Bijli Mahadev is one of the ancient and sacred temples in India. This either can be done by a 4km trek or vehicles can also reach the temple.}

^{Tirthan Valley – Jibhi waterfall, Jalori pass and Sarolsar lake trek}

^{Spiti Valley}

^{Sissu, Lahaul, Jispa, Darcha-  All these villages en route to Leh are dreamy places to experience extreme cold during winters and witness the beautiful colours of autumn.}

^{From travelling the oldest most treacherous roads to the most beautiful scenic roads or being in a sleepy town with no phone service or too many people for that matter this trip opened me up to emotions I’d never felt, things I had never experienced.}

Author – Rupali M. (Instagram – @luv4solo)