Abhishek’s Spiti Sojourn with Thrillophilia: A Family Tale of Wonder and Wander
Our living room was a mess of duffel bags, jackets, and trekking boots. My sister was meticulously packing snacks like we were heading to the moon, while my brother was busy debating whether we needed an extra pair of sunglasses. My wife was calm as always, double-checking our itinerary and casually reminding me to keep my camera ready.
This was our long-awaited family adventure to Spiti Valley. Little did we know, this journey would turn out to be a rollercoaster of emotions, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
The Road to Chitkul: A Picture-Perfect Beginning
The drive from Shimla to Chitkul was like stepping into a painting. Towering deodar trees lined the roads, and the occasional waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs added to the charm. The journey was full of constant banter in the car, along with our favourite Bollywood songs playing in the background.
"Do you think they’ll have Wi-Fi there?" my sister asked, half-joking.
"Who needs Wi-Fi when you have this view?" my brother retorted, pointing to the lush green valley outside.
When we finally reached Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border, we were awestruck. The Baspa River flowed gracefully, and the wooden houses with slate roofs seemed like they were frozen in time. We walked along the riverbank, the icy water numbing our fingers as we splashed around like kids. My wife, the photographer of the group, couldn’t stop clicking pictures of the snow-dusted peaks surrounding the village.
That evening, we sat around a bonfire, warming our hands and sharing stories. The cold air, the crackling fire, and the laughter made it a moment to cherish.
Serenity Amidst the Mountains
From Chitkul, we made our way to Nako, a quaint village nestled in the lap of barren mountains. The highlight here was the Nako Lake, a mirror-like water body reflecting the surrounding hills. We took a leisurely walk around the lake, soaking in the tranquility.
At the nearby Nako Monastery, we found ourselves in awe of its ancient murals and the sense of peace that enveloped the place. My brother, who is usually the joker of the group, surprised us by sitting quietly in meditation for a few minutes.
"I think I’ve achieved inner peace," he declared dramatically, making us burst into laughter.
The simplicity of Nako was a refreshing change from our fast-paced city lives. It felt like time had slowed down, allowing us to truly connect with each other and the surroundings.
The Heart of Spiti
Kaza was the highlight of our trip. The bustling little town had a charm of its own, with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air.
Our first stop was, of course, the Key Monastery, perched atop a hill overlooking the Spiti River. The view from the monastery was nothing short of spectacular— rugged mountains, a winding river, and the vastness of the valley stretched out before us.
We spent the afternoon exploring the nearby village of Kibber, one of the highest motorable villages in the world. The locals welcomed us with warm smiles and cups of butter tea. My sister, who had initially been skeptical about trying the tea, ended up loving it.
"This tastes like salted soup!" she exclaimed, much to the amusement of the villagers.
In the evening, we visited the local market in Kaza, picking up souvenirs like woolen shawls and handcrafted trinkets. I found a beautiful prayer wheel, which now sits proudly in our living room as a reminder of this incredible trip.
Dhankar and Kalpa: A Journey Through Time
The drive from Kaza to Kalpa via Dhankar was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. The narrow roads and sharp turns kept us on the edge of our seats, but the views made it all worthwhile.
Dhankar Monastery, perched precariously on a cliff, was a sight to behold. The ancient structure seemed to defy gravity, and the stories of its resilience over centuries added to its mystique.
Kalpa, our final destination, was the perfect place to unwind. The Kinnaur Kailash range loomed majestically in the background, its peaks glowing golden in the morning sun. We took long walks through the apple orchards, munching on the freshest apples we’d ever tasted.
One evening, we decided to hike up to a viewpoint to catch the sunset. As the sun dipped below the horizon, turning the sky into a colourful palette, we sat in silence, each of us lost in our thoughts. It was one of those rare moments when words weren’t necessary, the beauty of the moment said it all.
A Souvenir and a Smile
Back home, a week after our trip, I found myself staring at the prayer wheel I had bought in Kaza. Turning it slowly with my hands, I was transported back to the rugged landscapes, the crisp mountain air, and the laughter-filled car rides.
"Missing Spiti already?" my wife asked, joining me.
"Every bit of it," I replied with a smile.
The trip to Spiti Valley wasn’t just about the places we visited, it was also about the moments we shared as a family. From the breathtaking landscapes to the warm hospitality of the locals, every experience brought us closer together.
We’ve decided that this won’t be our last family adventure. Spiti has set the bar high, but there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Read More: Thrillophilia Spiti Reviews