Pratik’s Heart-Touching Anniversary Celebration in the Heart of Himachal: A Thrillophilia Review
If you had asked me a few months ago where I would celebrate my first wedding anniversary, I probably would not have been able to answer you. But when I started thinking about it, I realised I wanted something special to celebrate this day with my wife - probably an adventure that would feel like a story unfolding unique chapters with each new day.
After much thought, my wife and I planned to spend our anniversary in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh surrounded by scenic beauty. And when I found Thrillophilia’s itinerary for Himachal, I knew this would be the trip we would remember forever.
Some Anticipation, Some Excitement
Our adventurous journey kicked off when we left Delhi for Manali. It was an overnight bus journey and we had thoughts brimming with excitement as well as a bit of anticipation.
As the sun rose and our bus rode its way along the picturesque roads, I gazed out the window, mesmerised by the Himalayas gradually emerging on the horizon. It felt like the breathtaking opening scene of a travel film, setting the stage for an adventure.
When we reached Manali in the morning, the cool mountain air hit us as we stepped off the bus. We were now far from the bustling city and surrounded by nature, which felt like stepping into another world.
Our first stop in this beautiful hill station of Manali was the Hadimba Devi Temple located amidst the tall Deodar trees. The temple had this mystical aura that felt timeless. We then visited two more spiritual sites, Manu Temple and Vashisht Temple. I could see my wife’s eyes light up as we wandered through these beautiful sites while soaking in the peacefulness around us.
The moment that stood out the most though, was our hike to Jogini Waterfalls. Its trail was scenic and peaceful, and when we finally reached the falls, we were rewarded with the most stunning view. Standing there, with the sound of the water and the crisp mountain air, we had found a hidden paradise.
I wanted to see the bohemian vibe of Manali, so we went straight to Old Manali in the evening. We found a cosy cafe in the market, where we enjoyed local dishes and watched the stunning sunset over the mountains.
And then Solang Happened…
The next day was one we had been looking forward to on this trip - a trip to Solang Valley.
As soon as we made our way to the valley, it lived up to its expectations. The snow-covered peaks, the crisp mountain air, and the promise of adventure had us excited. The valley was buzzing with energy, with people paragliding, and snowboarding. My wife and I quickly geared up for the paragliding experience, and while we were getting ready for the flight, I could see the excitement and a little nervousness in her eyes.
But, the views from up above the sky… Oh my goodness!
The view of the Himalayas from above was a sight we will never forget. My wife was so happy as she told me that it was the perfect anniversary gift that she could ever imagine. We also tried zorbing, and it was fun and hilarious that made our cheeks hurt with the constant laughter.
Mountains, Oh! Mountains
On the next day, it was time to head to the small town of Kasol, which is known for its laid-back vibe and beauty. The journey itself was so beautiful, with the Parvati River flowing alongside us and the green mountains towering above.
Kasol has this charm that is hard to describe. There is a sense of freedom and calm that immediately makes you feel at home.
In Kasol, we tried river rafting for the first time in our lives. I must say it was a thrilling experience that started from Kullu through Manikaran. We even had the chance to participate in the sacred Langar, which left us feeling both full and grateful.
The following day, we set off for Jibhi. It was indeed a stunning drive through the Banjar Valley and the gorgeous scenery made us feel like we had left the world behind. We spent the afternoon exploring the village while trying out trout fishing by the river and just enjoying the slow pace of life.
Time had slowed down to such an extent that we were able to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the simplicity of nature.
Our final day in Himachal was spent trekking to Serolsar Lake. As we hiked, we talked about all the moments from the trip that had made it special, including the adventure, the peace, and the sense of being completely present.
After reaching the lake, the scenery again left us speechless (like this entire trip did) with its exquisite beauty. We spent some time around and visited a temple nearby to seek blessings for a happy married life. It was the ideal way to end our trip.
The Perfect Ending
As we headed back to Delhi, we felt truly grateful for the experience that we had in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It was everything we wanted to do as a part of our first wedding anniversary celebration.
Thanks to Thrillophilia for carefully planning every detail and making our trip so special without any hitch. We created memories that we will carry with us for a lifetime.
Read More: Thrillophilia Himachal Reviews