Above the Clouds: A Solo Journey to Tungnath & Chandrashila

Sometimes, the biggest journeys begin with the simplest feeling—boredom.

I found myself stuck in the monotony of daily life and work, craving something different. That’s when I decided to go on a trek—my third one—but this time, I wanted it to be different. I chose Tungnath and Chandrashila, with no prior experience of this trail, and more importantly, I chose to go solo.

Well… not completely alone. I booked a group tour.

Stepping Into the Unknown

It was my first-ever group trip with strangers—24 people, all equally excited yet completely unknown to me. Our journey began with a delayed departure from Delhi, sometime around midnight. Despite the delay, the energy was high. Everyone carried the same excitement—the dream of reaching the summit.

Our first stop was on the outskirts of Delhi for food. It wasn’t extraordinary, but it had that familiar Delhi vibe—simple, comforting, and just what we needed before heading deeper into the journey.

A Morning in Rishikesh

After hours on the road, the sun finally rose as we reached Rishikesh. The sight was magical—the sunlight reflecting on the river, the cold breeze brushing against our faces. In that moment, it felt like we had left all responsibilities behind.

It felt like freedom.

Into the Mountains

The journey ahead was long and winding. The roads turned hilly, the air got colder, and the views became more breathtaking. Music played, conversations grew, and small moments of chaos inside the vehicle somehow made everything more fun.

One of the most unforgettable stops was at Devprayag. Here, we witnessed something surreal—the meeting of two rivers with completely different personalities. One aggressive and powerful, the other calm and composed. Watching them merge into what becomes the holy Ganges was a humbling experience. Nature, in its rawest and most beautiful form.

Our Home in the Hills

After hours of travel, we finally reached our stay—a beautiful resort nestled near the Kedarnath route, surrounded by forests and the soothing sound of a flowing river. The cold breeze, the greenery, and the peaceful environment made it feel like a different world altogether.

Exhausted, I lay down “just for a moment”… and woke up six hours later.

A Night to Remember

Dinner that night was special. Sitting with the group, eating warm food beside the mountains and river—it felt surreal.

But the best part was yet to come.

A bonfire, 24 people, open skies, and music.

I picked up my guitar and played while everyone sang along. For nearly two hours, we shared laughter, songs, and moments that didn’t need words. By the time we checked the clock, it was already 2:00 AM.

We had planned to wake up at 4:00 AM for the trek.

That plan… failed.

The Trek Begins (Late, But Worth It)

Like true “punctual travelers,” we woke up at 11:00 AM and finally began our trek around 2:00 PM.

With chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” we started our climb.

Every step felt meaningful. Every breath, every drop of sweat, every cold breeze—it all felt like we were moving closer to something bigger than ourselves.

We took short breaks every 15–20 minutes. After about two hours, it was time for a mandatory mountain ritual—Maggi.

And honestly, Maggi in the mountains hits differently. Even one bite shared among many felt special.

Connections on the Trail

As the group spread out based on pace, the journey became more personal. I found myself trekking alongside a girl who was also on her first solo trip. I was genuinely impressed by her courage—choosing a Himalayan trek as her first solo experience. We spoke about life, independence, fears, and what it truly feels like to step out alone. Somewhere between those conversations and the climb, the trek became more than just a physical journey—it became meaningful.

At the same time, there was a group of seven people from the same company who added a completely different energy to the trip. I had come on this journey as a solo traveler, but with them, it never really felt like I was alone. They were warm, fun, and incredibly welcoming. From random jokes to shared struggles on the trek, we built a bond that made the entire experience even more enjoyable.

There was also one person who silently inspired all of us—a 55-year-old man, climbing with determination and a calm mindset. Watching him push forward on such a demanding trail was a reminder that age is never a limitation if your will is strong. His presence motivated many of us to keep going, even when the climb got tough.

What made it special was this balance—I came alone, but I experienced the journey both as a solo traveler and as part of a group. Trekking together, supporting each other, sharing moments—it all became a big part of the memories I carried back.

Reaching Tungnath

After hours of climbing, we finally caught sight of Tungnath Temple—the highest Shiva temple in the world.

That moment felt unreal.

Taking blessings there felt like preparing for the real challenge ahead—Chandrashila.

The Real Test: Chandrashila Summit

The final stretch was intense.

A steep, snow-covered path, strong winds, low oxygen, and black ice. We had made a mistake—we didn’t carry spikes, which are essential in such conditions.

But this is where the kindness of strangers came in. Fellow trekkers who were descending shared their spikes with us.

With renewed confidence, we moved forward.

The weather kept changing every minute—clear skies one second, complete fog the next. At times, visibility dropped so low it felt like we were walking into the unknown.

But we kept going.

Step by step.

Standing Above the World

After a challenging climb, we finally reached Chandrashila.

And in that moment, everything stopped.

We were above the clouds. Surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan peaks, standing in silence, feeling something that words can never fully describe.

It wasn’t just happiness—it was achievement, freedom, and peace all at once.

We clicked photos, laughed, sat quietly, and just absorbed the moment.

No one quit. Everyone made it.

The Descent: Where the Real Challenge Began

As the sun began to set, we started descending. And what followed was one of the toughest parts of the journey.

Darkness fell quickly. There were no lights. Just a faint phone flashlight guiding the way.

The path was steep, slippery, and dangerous.

At one point, we stopped to make a small snowman—because sometimes, even in the hardest moments, joy finds its way in.

It took us 2–3 hours to descend.

Exhausted, cold, but determined—we made it.

The End of the Trek

Reaching the base felt like crossing a finish line.

Some people fell sick, some were completely drained—but everyone carried a sense of pride.

We did it.

That night, we didn’t even realize when we fell asleep.

A Slow Goodbye

The next day was calm. No rush, no pressure.

We spent time by the riverside, shared food, laughed, and relived moments from the trek.

It was our last day together.

We clicked our final group photos, said our goodbyes, and slowly went our separate ways.

But something had changed.

Conclusion

This wasn’t just a trek.

It was a reminder—that stepping out of your comfort zone, even alone, can lead you to the most unforgettable experiences.

From strangers to companions, from struggle to achievement, from chaos to peace—this journey had everything.

And somewhere between Tungnath and Chandrashila, I didn’t just find a destination…

I found a part of myself.