Thrillophilia Review: Priyanka’s Adventure to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib
As a software engineer from New Delhi, Priyanka’s daily life revolved around code, deadlines, and the unending hum of the city. Despite the fast-paced routine, she had always felt drawn to nature. The mountains, in particular, called to her in a way nothing else did. When work started feeling overwhelming, and she needed a break, the idea of escaping to the Himalayas kept returning to her mind.
While scrolling through her phone during a lunch break, Priyanka stumbled upon a trip by Thrillophilia to the Valley of Flowers. The vibrant pictures of endless meadows, brimming with colourful flowers against the majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks, instantly captivated her. It felt like the perfect escape from the monotony of urban life.
The Decision to Go Solo
Although Priyanka had travelled with friends before, this time she craved solitude. She wanted this trek to be an experience she would own completely. Going solo would allow her to reflect, recharge, and immerse herself in the beauty of nature at her own pace. And besides, how often does one get the chance to witness a UNESCO World Heritage site, that too, in full bloom?
She booked the trip on a whim, her heart racing with excitement. The thought of trekking alone in the Valley of Flowers- one of India’s most beautiful, yet less commercialised locations- made her feel both nervous and alive. As someone who had never done a high-altitude trek before, the challenge of Hemkund Sahib’s 15,200 feet altitude made her feel more determined than ever.
The Beginning
The adventure began in Rishikesh, where Priyanka met a few fellow trekkers. While the group shared their excitement for the upcoming trek, Priyanka quietly reflected on her decision to travel solo. “Perhaps the best journeys are the ones where you are your only companion,” she thought.
The next day, the group drove to Govindghat, the base for the trek. The stunning drive along the Alaknanda River already made her feel like she was in a different world, far from the chaotic city. The sky seemed bluer, the air fresher, and her heart lighter.
One Step at a Time
The trek to Ghangaria was the first real challenge. The 13 km route was a mix of steep climbs and level paths, winding through dense forests and cascading waterfalls. Priyanka felt her legs burn but the breathtaking views of the lush green valleys kept her going. "One step at a time," she reminded herself, humming "Yeh haseen vaadiyaan, yeh khula aasman..." from Roja as she walked.
The trail was alive with nature’s sounds—birds chirping, the wind whistling through the trees, and the gentle rush of water. Priyanka, though tired, found herself smiling. This was exactly what she had hoped for peace, beauty, and a quiet connection with nature.
At Ghangaria, she settled into a small guesthouse for the night. It was a simple place, but comfortable. As the sun set behind the mountains, she sat by the window, sipping chai, watching the world go by, and thinking about the next day’s trek.
Into the Valley of Flowers
The next morning, Priyanka was up early, eager for the day ahead. Today, she would enter the Valley of Flowers. As she hiked towards the valley, the anticipation built. Would it be as magical as the pictures had shown?
The moment she stepped into the valley, she knew the answer. It was even better than she had imagined. The valley stretched out before her, a painter’s palette of colours. The ground was carpeted with flowers—blue poppies, primulas, marigolds, and more- dancing gently in the breeze. Snow-covered peaks stood tall in the distance, framing the scene with perfect contrast.
She stood still for a moment, taking it all in. “This is the land of fairytales,” she thought, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. With each step deeper into the valley, she felt more connected to this place, as if nature was embracing her.
Pausing by a stream, she sat down and wrote in her journal: “This valley feels like poetry—alive, beautiful, and timeless. A place where everything else fades away, and only the present matters.”
The Spiritual Summit
The following day was the trek to Hemkund Sahib, a holy pilgrimage site for Sikhs. This part of the trek was more challenging, with steep ascents and thinning air. As she climbed higher, the landscape transformed from greenery to rocky, barren terrain.
The sight of the gurudwara at the summit was humbling. The calm waters of Hemkund Lake reflected the towering mountains like a mirror. Priyanka felt a sense of accomplishment, not just because she had completed the climb, but because the journey had been one of personal growth.
At the gurudwara, she sat quietly, listening to the peaceful kirtan, the sound of which echoed through the mountains. As she dipped her hand into the icy water of the lake, she whispered a prayer of thanks.
“Perhaps all of us need moments like this,” she thought, “To remind us of the beauty and stillness that exists in this chaotic world.”
The Journey Back and Beyond
Reflecting on the trek, Priyanka realised that the mountains had given her what she didn’t even know she needed. The long walks, the silence, the raw beauty of the Himalayas—all of it had healed her in ways that city life never could.
As she now sits back in her New Delhi apartment, typing away at her laptop, she hums "Zindagi ek safar hai suhana..." from the movie Andaz with a smile on her face, already planning her next escape into the wild.
“If you seek peace, look to the mountains, and if you seek yourself, take the path less travelled.”
Read more: Uttarakhand Trek Reviews