A Family Escapade to the Himalayas: Surabhi’s Spiti Trip with Thrillophilia

“Take some time to explore the mountains and feel a unique connection to life.”

Surabhi, a busy Delhiite, often found herself daydreaming about escaping the fast-paced city life to immerse herself in the tranquillity of the mountains and spend meaningful time with her family. One day, she decided it was time to stop dreaming and make it happen. She opened her laptop and began searching for the perfect family trip that combined adventure and quality moments together.

After days of research and narrowing down her options, Surabhi chose a trip to Spiti Valley with Thrillophilia. She was drawn to it not only for the adventure it promised but also for the assurance that her parents would feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the journey. All four of them were packed with excitement to enjoy this family trip, which was literally happening after 5 long years. 

Fruitful Journey

Surabhi’s family trip soon turned into a group adventure where they travelled with other tourists and little did they know, this journey would lead to new friendships. Their visit to Narkanda was a fruitful one where they passed dainty small villages with a backdrop of stunning views. Nature and people seemed to blend in with each other and seemed as one. They stopped for a quick lunch in a restaurant overlooking vast lands adorned with apple trees on one side and cherry trees on the other. With the delicious lunch and aroma of the fruits, the time just slipped by. 

After checking in, they decided to hit the local markets and stroll around the city. They shopped for Himachali handicrafts and souvenirs, pretty woollens, and they all indulged in some local sweet dish named “Sidu”, simple yet tantalising. 

A Sunrise to Remember

Surabhi and her family woke up early in the morning to witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises they had ever seen. The tangerine shade changing into golden hues spreading across the majestic mountains felt like witnessing a painting coming to life. After a hearty breakfast, they embarked on their journey to explore the stunning Kinnaur Valley. Travelling along the Sutlej River Surabhi’s phone did not get a minute’s rest as she kept clicking the surreal views of the river and mountains along the way. 

Once they reached Chitkul, they visited the famous "Hindustan Ka Akhri Dhaba," a unique and charming eatery known for its simple yet delicious meals, offering the perfect place to relax and savour local delicacies. Surabhi and her family relished the warmth of the food and her father exclaimed, “Pahadon me dhaabe ka garam-garam khana, best in the world!”  

The afternoon was spent settling into their campsite, filled with laughter and lively conversation. The group came up with playful games and a karaoke session, adding to the carefree, joyful atmosphere. As the day ended and the night sky was lit with thousands of stars, Surabhi and her brother sat by the bonfire talking about their future and the fun childhood they had. A rekindling moment which filled Surabhi with happiness and a memory to cherish forever.

Traversing Through Nature

After a heartfelt and amazing camping adventure, the charming town of Kalpa, Nako was awaiting them. The drive was quite scenic along the Indo-Tibet Highway offering stunning views and a quick stop at the Khab Bridge. Witnessing the intersection of Spiti and Satluj Rivers was very fascinating and a great photography backdrop!

The journey continued and upon reaching Nako, they were all set for a relaxation time by the serene Nako Lake. The peaceful atmosphere and the presence of the Nako Monastery nearby made it a little spiritual and serendipitous. Time at Nako made Surabhi realise the significance of rejuvenating time and she made a pledge to herself to indulge in at least one getaway every year, just to relax and unwind in nature. 

Spirituality in Spiti

Visiting the monasteries was Surabhi’s parents' favourite moment. On their trip, they had the opportunity to visit some of the most revered monasteries in the Himalayas, each with its unique charm and significance. Their visit to Tabo Monastery was quite unreal with its stunning murals and intricate architecture, one of the oldest continuously operating Buddhist enclaves in the region. It offered a serene and spiritual atmosphere that left them in awe.

Perched high among rocky spurs they visited the majestic Dhankar Monastery. This 1,000-year-old fort monastery offered panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, giving them a sense of timelessness and solitude. The history and mystique of the place turned Surabhi into a history buff and she wanted to know all about the place and the origin of it all.

Their journey also took them to Key Gompa Monastery in Spiti Valley. This monastery, with its striking location and peaceful ambience, was a perfect place for reflection and appreciation of the natural beauty surrounding it. The blend of spirituality and awe-inspiring landscapes made each monastery visit a memorable part of their journey.

Majestic Views and Natural Wonders

Some of their trip highlights included some spellbinding views of Spiti’s natural wonders like Geypan Peaks and Chadratal Lake. Geypan Peaks offered an awe-inspiring sight against the vast sky, even with clouds and drizzling, the view was stunning! Their visit to Chandratal Lake left all of them awe-struck and the surrounding snow-capped mountains made it all magical like a storybook. They also crossed the Chicham Bridge, Asia’s highest suspension bridge, where the breathtaking valley views left them speechless, adding unforgettable moments to their adventure.

The trip turned out to be one of the best family trips of all time.  It was a journey that not only brought them closer to each other but also allowed them to rediscover the beauty of peace, nature, and self-reflection.

Read more: Thrillophilia Spiti Reviews