🌆 From Kota to the Mountains
My journey began from the city of Kota, filled with excitement and a curious heart. I boarded my train and reached Nizamuddin Railway Station, Delhi, where my next adventure awaited.
From there, I took the metro to ISBT Kashmiri Gate, weaving through the vibrant pulse of the capital city. I had already booked a Volvo bus to Dharamshala, and by evening, I was all set for the overnight ride to the mountains.
🌄 First Light in the Himalayas
As dawn broke the next morning, I found myself surrounded by something truly magical. I couldn’t bring myself to even blink — outside my window seat, I saw towering mountains blanketed in snow, bathed in the golden light of sunrise.
🏡 GoStops McLeod Ganj – My Cozy Stay
Soon, I reached Dharamshala, and from there, I took a shared cab to McLeod Ganj. My stay was at the cozy and vibrant GoStops Hostel, nestled amidst the hills. After checking in and taking some rest, I set out to explore the local market of McLeod Ganj.
🛍️ A Stroll Through McLeod Market
The market was nothing short of enchanting — colorful shops, Tibetan handicrafts, and the aroma of local food made me feel like I had stepped into a different world.
I sipped hot tea and devoured aloo parathas while soaking in the beauty of the place. That evening, I returned to my hostel, already in love with the serenity that surrounded me.
🏍️ Exploring Dal Lake, Naddi Point, and Kangra Fort
The next day, I had a plan. I wanted to explore some iconic places — Dal Lake, Naddi Point, and Kangra Fort. To cover all these spots, I rented a bike from the hostel and hit the road.
The freedom of riding through the winding mountain roads, with chilly winds brushing against my face, was pure bliss. Each location had its own charm, and the views were so captivating that I didn’t want the day to end.
📅 The Unexpected Extension
When I returned in the evening, something strange happened — I didn’t want to go back home. It felt like the mountains were asking me to stay a little longer.
After much thought, I gave in to my heart and extended my stay by two more days.
🧘 Finding Peace in the Hills
Those two days were the most peaceful of the entire journey. I spent hours on the rooftop of the hostel, gazing at the snow-covered peaks, doing my office work with a view that most people only dream of.
I didn’t need to go anywhere else — just being there was enough.
🚞 Saying Goodbye
Eventually, I had to return home. But I left with a heart full of memories and a soul touched by the calm and warmth of this incredible place.
Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj gave me more than just a vacation — they gifted me stillness, perspective, and a feeling of belonging.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This journey will always remain close to my heart — because sometimes, the best moments in life are the ones where you lose yourself to find your peace.