Of Snow, Stillness, and Self-Discovery: Keerti’s Winter Journey to Uttarakhand with Thrillophilia
Sometimes, life gets loud.
The kind of loud that is not about chaos but about endless routines, meeting deadlines, and doing things just because they have always been done that way.
When my husband and I decided to escape for a week to the mountains of Uttarakhand, we were not looking for adventure or luxury. We were looking for stillness - something the mountains promise and always deliver.
This was not a decision we thought over for long. On a chilly January evening, I casually mentioned my growing urge to “just leave everything for a bit.” My husband, usually the practical one, surprised me with his answer: “Then let us go.” Before I could even Google itineraries, he had already had a word with Jatin from Thrillophilia. Our friends had planned a Ladakh trip for them years ago, and so, we trusted them completely.
The First Embrace of the Himalayas
Our journey began on 22nd January 2024 in Rishikesh, where the Ganga meets the mountains in a breathtaking confluence of power and grace. Checking into Aloha on the Ganges, I felt an immediate sense of calm. Our balcony offered a spectacular view of the river, its waters glistening in the golden glow of morning light. There was something deeply meditative about watching the river flow, carrying with its stories of countless lives and lands.
We spent the afternoon exploring Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. The bustling chatter of pilgrims and vendors did not distract from the profound energy of the place. Walking hand-in-hand with my husband, I felt a connection not just to him but to the pulse of this ancient city.
However, the true magic unfolded at Parmarth Niketan, where the evening Ganga Aarti cast a spell over us. Standing on the ghats, surrounded by flickering lamps and soulful chants, I felt an overwhelming sense of unity. It was as though the river herself had drawn everyone into her embrace, blurring the lines between the spiritual and the ordinary.
Faith and Timelessness in Haridwar
The next day, we headed to Haridwar, a city so soaked in devotion that its very air seemed to hum with prayers. Our first stop was the Vaishno Devi Temple, a smaller but no less inspiring version of the one in Jammu. The intricate carvings and serene ambience made me pause to reflect.
Later, we visited the Bharat Mata Mandir. Here, each floor depicted a phase of the country’s history, culture, and mythology, and I found myself lingering over the depictions of women who had shaped the nation. It was a powerful reminder of resilience, one I tucked away for days when I might need it.
By the time we reached Har Ki Pauri for the evening Aarti, the city’s devotion had seeped into me. The flames of the diyas mirrored in the water and the rhythm of the chants looked timeless. My husband, who rarely speaks during such moments, leaned in and said, “It is so peaceful here.” I nodded while holding onto the stillness for as long as I could.
A Journey Through the Beauty of Joshimath
The following morning, we got on a road trip to Joshimath. Winding through mountain roads, we stopped at Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganga. The sight of their swirling waters, each a different shade, was mesmerising.
We continued through Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag and stopped briefly to stretch our legs and take in the panoramic views. There is something about the mountains that makes time slow down. Every turn brought a new vista, every breeze carried the earthy scent of pine. By the time we reached Joshimath, the sun was setting behind the peaks and painted the sky in shades of pink and orange.
Our hotel in Joshimath was cosy, with large windows framing the snow-covered mountains. That night, as I wrapped myself in a blanket and sipped on hot chai, I was so contended that no words could capture it.
The Symphony of Snow in Auli
The next day, we travelled to Auli, often called the “Switzerland of India.” As we approached, the landscape transformed into a winter wonderland. Snow stretched endlessly and glistened under the pale sunlight. The Chairlift Ropeway ride offered an unobstructed view of the valley below.
Auli was indeed alive. We spent hours playing in the now, making clumsy snow angels, and laughing like children. At the Auli Artificial Lake, I stood surprised by the frozen waters and their stillness reflected the tranquillity I felt within.
In the afternoon, we trekked to Gurson Bugyal. Although the climb was challenging, it was rewarding as each step revealed a vista more beautiful than the last. Upon reaching the top, we sat on a rock and shared a thermos of chai while gazing at the Himalayan peaks. It feels as though time had paused and allowed us to exist in a bubble of pure and unfiltered joy.
The mountains had given me that I was searching for: a sense of stillness and of clarity.
Why Uttarakhand? Why Thrillophilia?
Uttarakhand is not just a destination, but a conversation with nature, with simplicity, and with yourself. And with Thrillophilia handling the logistics, we were free to truly listen.
If you are looking for an escape, I cannot recommend Uttarakhand enough. It is a place that reminds you of the beauty in slowing down, in being present, and in finding joy in the simplest of moments.
As I write this, I can still hear the rivers, feel the snow under my feet, and taste the mountain air. Uttarakhand may be far away, but its whispers remain close, urging me to return. And I will - because some places, like some emotions, are worth revisiting time and time again.
Read more: Thrillophilia Uttrakhand Reviews