Table of Contents
1. Day 1: A Quiet Home Visit Turns into an Adventure
What started as a simple trip back home to Barmana near Mandi turned into something far more exciting. I arrived on December 26th with no concrete plans for New Year’s Eve. But as the 31st approached, the urge to do something different took over. Kasol had been on my mind for a while, so I packed my bags and set off on my bike. The highway ride till Manali was smooth, but the old, weary roads after the Kasol diversion made the journey challenging.
With it being a peak tourist season, finding accommodation was tough. Fortunately, I stumbled upon Pinewoods Guest House in Chalal, near Wabi Sabi Cafe—a peaceful retreat with a generous host. Instead of partying, I explored Kasol, Tosh, Manikaran, and Kheerganga, covering as much as I could on my bike. As midnight approached, I found myself sitting by the river, watching fireworks light up the sky. It was the perfect way to welcome the New Year—quiet, reflective, and peaceful.
2. Day 2: A Change of Plans and a Drive to Shoja
Initially, I had planned to return home, but something told me the trip wasn’t complete yet. On a friend’s recommendation, I set off for Jibhi, another 2.5-hour ride through the winding Himalayan roads. Instead of stopping at Jibhi, I rode further up to Shoja, a quaint little place with cozy hostels and serene landscapes.
I checked into Odin’s Hostel, which had a warm and comfortable vibe. After some much-needed rest, I spent the evening soaking in the breathtaking views, chatting with fellow travelers, and planning the next day’s adventure. Meeting new people, especially as an introvert, was an unexpected but pleasant experience.
3. Day 3: Trekking to Raghupur Fort and Serolsar Lake
Determined to make the most of my time, I started my trek to Raghupur Fort just before sunrise. While my hostel mates were planning a later start, I wanted to experience the quiet of the early morning. Due to snow-covered roads, I had to leave my bike behind and walk 6 km to Jalori Pass, which took about 2.5 hours. From there, the trek to Raghupur Fort was another 3–4 km. The climb was tough, but the reward was incredible—breathtaking views and complete solitude at 11,000 ft. I lay on a patch of grass amidst the snow and dozed off for nearly an hour, an experience that felt surreal.
After soaking in the beauty of Raghupur Fort, I made my way back to Jalori Pass and continued towards Serolsar Lake, another 5 km trek. The moment I reached, I knew it was worth every step—the snow-covered lake looked like something straight out of a postcard. It was one of the most mesmerizing sights I had ever seen. Completely exhausted, I returned to my hostel, realizing I was in no state to ride back home that night.
4. Day 4: Shoja Waterfall and the Journey Home
On my final day, I joined a group from the hostel for a short trek to Shoja Waterfall. Finding the trail was tricky, but an unexpected guide—a local dog—led us through the dense woods. It was a short but adventurous hike, and dipping into the ice-cold water was both refreshing and nerve-wracking.
Before heading back, we had lunch at a charming little cafe called Ghar 1964. It was the perfect ending to my first solo bike trip. As I rode back home, I reflected on how an unplanned trip had turned into one of the best experiences of my life.
Top Highlights from the Trip
- Sleeping atop Raghupur Fort, surrounded by snow and silence.
- Meeting new people and forming unexpected connections.
- Witnessing the ethereal beauty of Serolsar Lake.
- Being guided by a local dog to Shoja Waterfall.
Pro Tips for a Similar Trip
- If traveling solo, talk to fellow travelers—you might make great friends along the way.
- Don’t overthink—sometimes the best trips are the unplanned ones.
- Be prepared for unexpected weather changes in the mountains.
