CAUGHT IN SHUFFLE

Me and my husband share the same birthday. Yep — same day. A year ago, around this time, we planned something special. After weeks of dreaming about the cool breeze, the green hills, hikes through pine forests, and just escaping everything for a bit… the day finally came. Rucksacks packed, hearts full — we were off to Kasol, and little did we know, it would become one of our most cherished trips ever.

First Stop: Parvati River & That Himalayan Chill

We arrived and couldn’t wait to explore. The Parvati River was right next to our stay, and honestly, how could we resist? With a quick ask-and-get from the staff, we hopped over the railing and climbed down the rocky slope. It was wild and raw — and the water? Ice cold. We dipped our feet into the chilling stream, laughed at the shock of it, and just sat there, staring at the snow-capped peaks in the distance. It felt like the mountains were calling us closer.

Manikaran Gurudwara

Later that day, we headed to Manikaran Gurudwara — a spiritual spot wrapped in a vibrant little market. It was busy, but in that warm, small-town kind of way. Cafés, local food stalls, little shops — everything buzzing with energy. We wandered, snacked, and soaked it all in.

Challa Village Trek: A Wild Day with Unexpected Guides

The next morning, we were up early for the Challa trek, a route we’d heard was a must-do. We weren’t expecting it to become a whole story of its own.
At the trail’s start, a dog started following us. We got excited, fed it some biscuits, hoped we had a new trek buddy — but nope, it bailed on us pretty quickly (traitor 😅). We laughed it off and kept going.
But as we entered Challa Village, we noticed a quiet female dog tagging along. She wasn’t asking for attention. Just… there. Walking ahead, like she knew the way. And we’re so glad she stayed.
At one point, a group of dogs started fighting right in front of us. We froze — not gonna lie, it was scary. But our girl stood between us and them, growling, standing guard like we were hers. We looked at each other like — did that really just happen?
Not long after, another female dog joined. At first, there was tension between the two — growls, sizing each other up. But soon enough, they were running around, playing like old friends. And suddenly, our trek didn’t feel so tiring. With them by our side, it felt like an adventure. We felt safer. Braver.
As we left the village, the real trek began — rocky steps, tall trees, the faint sound of a waterfall somewhere nearby. We walked and walked, completely missing the actual viewpoint on the map because we were just… in the moment.
Eventually, we stumbled upon a small iron bridge with a waterfall view. It wasn’t the “official” viewpoint — but for us, that was it. We were hungry, tired, and so ready to eat. The dogs wanted to go further (they kept trying to lead us uphill again 😅), but we decided it was time to head back.

Wabi Sabi Café & The Goodbye We Weren’t Ready For

We stopped at a cozy little place by the river called Wabi Sabi. One dog left. But our loyal guide? She stayed. Curled up under our chairs while we ate, like she was part of our little celebration.
As we walked back toward the bridge where our trek had started, she followed us. Still with us. Step by step.
And then — right at the bridge — she stopped.
We turned around, waved at her, and said goodbye. She just stood there, looking at us calmly, like she understood. Like she’d done her job. Guided us. Protected us. Made this birthday one for the books.
Wherever she is now, I hope she’s guiding someone else. And I hope they realize how lucky they are.

Next Stop: Pulga — Fairy Forests & Bumpy Roads

We were rested, refueled, and finally got on our rented Scooty, off to explore Pulga Village. And let me tell you — the ride itself was an adventure. The road twisted like a snake through the mountains, and the views? Absolutely unreal. It felt like we were climbing into a painting.
But oh, those roads near Pulga! Rocky, broken patches, and steep climbs — we actually stopped at one point and considered turning back. But then stubbornness (and FOMO) kicked in. Somehow, miraculously, we made it to the entry point.
Pulga was buzzing with foreign travelers, but the village itself was tiny. We didn’t stop long — our goal was the mystical Fairy Forest. Towering pine trees surrounded us like a scene straight out of a fantasy movie. It was peaceful, cool, and everything felt… still.
The sun started dipping, and we knew we had to head back before dark. But we left with a silent promise: one day, we’ll come back and stay longer.

Kalga: Cabin Stays, Waterfalls & Birthday Eve Surprises

Next morning, we scooted over to Kalga Village — part of the famous Kheerganga trek route. No booking, no plan, just vibes. We found a charming wooden cabin uphill that, by some miracle, was available. Perfect.
After a quick rest (and a minor heart attack thanks to a giant spider in our room 😅), we set out again. I confidently thought I found the Kheerganga trail… I was wrong. But that didn’t stop us.
A tiny puppy started chasing us — tugging at my jacket like it was a toy. Adorable. Annoying. Hilarious. The trail kept getting steeper and narrower until we realized — yeah, we’re definitely lost.
We turned back, laughed at our own confidence, and took the actual trail this time. It led us to Chulang waterfall — crashing, loud, beautiful. It made the effort worth it. We stayed, soaked it in, and rushed back just in time for sunset.
That night, being our birthday eve, we decided to find some good food and sweet treats. Easy, right? Not in a pitch-black mountain village with no street lights 😅
We got lost — twice. Google Maps ditched us. But a kind stranger (who honestly looked like a Himalayan wizard) showed us the way. We finally found our dinner spot: fresh pizza and warm Nutella waffles. Birthday mood? Fully ON.

The Big Day: Kutla Trek, Snow Peaks & Pure Magic

We woke up on our birthday to cold air and mountain silence. For once, we skipped the slow start. We had one last trek to do — Kutla.
With our bags on, we hiked for nearly 3 hours. It was steep. It was endless. I had no fuel left. But just as I thought I’d give up, we reached our stay — and turned around.
Right in front of us were snow-covered peaks. Not in the distance. Not from below. But face to face. They looked like they were right there. We stood still. Watched. Let it sink in. It was our birthday, and we were on top of the world — literally.
The evening was a blur of bonfire crackles, delicious food, and birthday conversations with family and it felt like home. It was perfect.

Glacier Trek: A Wild, Icy Finale

The last morning, sore but stubborn, we went for one final hike — to a glacier viewpoint. With a group of dog guides again (because of course 🐶), we made our way up.
The glacier took our breath away — literally and emotionally. We played on the ice, clicked photos, and were just in awe… until we saw a rock tumbling down toward us.
Panic took over us. I don’t know how I ran that fast on ice, but I did. We were safe. The dogs? Legends. They stood their ground, dodged, barked, and actually managed to stop the rock.
It was terrifying. And incredible at the same time
Coming down, we passed sheep’s, horses, and fields — and as we packed our bags and left for Kasol, it felt like a story had ended.

But not just any story. Our story.
This birthday wasn’t about cake or candles. It was about frozen rivers, dog guides, starry skies, and mountains that made us feel small and infinite all at once.
We’ll be back someday. But until then, Kasol — thank you for everything.

📍Where We Stayed & Ate:
• The Hosteller, Kasol – Cozy, riverside, super accessible.
• Holy Palace, Manikaran – Great food with lots of variety.
• The Villster, Kalga – Beautiful, serene (maybe not if you fear spiders).
• Baked in Parvati – Fresh, delicious, an absolute must-visit café.
• Hello Tosh Café – Didn’t stay, but loved the food and vibes.
• The Singing Woods, Kutla – Dreamy cabin, spotless, warm food, and the best views ever.