The Valley of Flowers: Pooja’s Solo Journey to Uttarakhand with Thrillophilia

One evening, while scrolling through photos of mountain trails and alpine flowers, I paused at the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand.

It felt like the valley was calling me.

I had always wanted to travel solo, but never had the courage to do it. That day, I looked at myself in the mirror and said aloud, “Pooja, if not now, then when?”

The next morning, I booked a 6-day trip through Thrillophilia. Their itinerary included Haridwar, Joshimath, Ghangharia, Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib.

I did not know what exactly I was seeking. But I was ready to find out.

The Long Drive from Haridwar to Joshimath

I arrived in Haridwar, and it was humid, chaotic, and buzzing with pilgrims. But even in the rush, there was a sense of calm. The Ganga flowed gently. I dipped my fingers into the cold water and soaked in the beauty of it.

The journey to Joshimath was long - almost 10 hours of winding mountain roads through thick forests, gushing rivers, and landslides that reminded me just how alive the Himalayas are.

I shared the cab with fellow trekkers. Most were in groups, but I kept to myself with headphones on and watched the world pass by the window. At every turn, I felt different.

Joshimath welcomed us with its fresh mountain air and misty views. That evening, I sipped chai alone on the hotel balcony while watching the clouds float like lazy thoughts over the mountains. It was my first solo evening in a strange place, and I felt free.

The Walk to Ghangaria

The next morning, we headed towards Pulna, the starting point of the trek to Ghangaria. From there, it was a 10-kilometre uphill walk through pine forests, waterfalls, and wooden bridges.

I will not lie - it was not easy. The sun played hide-and-seek, my legs protested, and my backpack felt heavier with every turn. But walking alone on that trail, surrounded by nature, gave me strength.

I stopped often to breathe and take in the rhythm of the forest, the chirping of birds, and the distant sound of the Pushpawati River.

A local woman passed me with a mule and said, “You have come alone, sister?”

I nodded, slightly nervous. She smiled and replied, “You are very brave.”

That single line stayed with me the whole way.

By the time I reached Ghangaria, a small village situated deep in the mountains, the pain in my legs was real, and so was the peace in my heart.

The Time Stood Still in the Valley of Flowers

This was the day I had been waiting for.

After a light breakfast, I joined a small group for the 3.5-kilometre trek to the Valley of Flowers. The moment we entered the national park, I felt like I had stepped into another world.

The valley was bursting with colours. The pink geraniums, blue poppies, yellow marigolds, and tiny orchids moved gently in the mountain breeze. The valley stretched wide and endless, with streams crisscrossing the meadows, and the mist rising slowly like incense in a temple.

I walked slowly as I was afraid to disturb the sacred silence. There were no loud voices here, apart from the rustling of petals and the occasional call of a bird.

I found a rock near a stream and sat down. Around me, hundreds of flowers bloomed, with each one delicate yet standing tall against the cold wind and harsh terrain.

Something inside me cracked open.

I had carried the weight of stress and questions that had no answers for months. But at that moment, I felt them all dissolve into the air.

I whispered, “Thank you,” to the valley and myself.

We returned to Ghangaria that evening, tired and full of surprise. I had a childlike sleep covered in the silence of wildflowers.

The Path to Hemkund, or Auli Instead

The next morning, I was meant to trek to Hemkund Sahib, the high-altitude Sikh shrine located at 15,000 feet. However, the route was closed due to early snowfall. Instead, Thrillophilia offered an alternative: a visit to Auli, a peaceful meadow above Joshimath, which is known for its ski slopes and Himalayan views.

At first, I was disappointed. Hemkund had been on my list. But the mountains, I have learned, do not always give you what you want. They give you what you need.

So I said yes to Auli.

And I am glad I did.

The next day, we took the longest cable car ride in Asia to reach Auli. While floating above pine forests, valleys, and winding roads, I felt like I was watching the Earth breathe.

Auli was untouched and simply stunning. The view of Nanda Devi from the top took my breath away. I sat there for a long time, alone, just watching the snow-capped peaks.

Back to Haridwar

The journey back to Haridwar was filled with laughter, music, and chai breaks. I had made some friends with fellow solo travellers, couples, and even a mother-daughter duo. But I also spent quiet time looking out the window and holding on to everything I had felt over the last six days.

When I arrived back in Haridwar, the city felt different. Or maybe I had changed.

Before leaving, I went to Har Ki Pauri and stood by the Ganga again. I just smiled.

Because I had come full circle from a woman seeking something to a woman who had found pieces of herself scattered across mountain trails and flower-filled valleys.


Read More:
Thrillophilia Uttarakhand Trek Reviews