Chamba: A Hidden Gem That Stirred My Soul
There are trips you take to tick places off a list, and then there are journeys that quietly change something deep inside you. My solo trip to Chamba wasn’t just another destination on the map, it became one of those rare moments when travel turns into self-reflection, and adventure meets emotion.
The Road That Chose Me
After soaking in the postcard beauty of Khajjiar, I was ready to head back the usual way but Google Maps suggest a different route to Chamba; one that looked like it had been forgotten by the world. No traffic, no fellow travelers, just me, my car, and the winding road thru small villages.
The road wasn’t perfect, in fact, it was far from it. The broken patches, the silence, the absence of anyone else — all of it felt like the universe was daring me to trust the journey. And I did. Every turn, every bump, every empty stretch filled me with the thrill of the unknown. There’s a strange kind of freedom in taking the road less traveled and that day, I felt it in every bone.
H2O House: A Place Where Time Slowed Down
When I finally reached Chamba, I checked into H2O House, a quiet little hideaway by the river, a few miles away from town. The place had an energy; calm, peaceful, untouched, the kind that makes you take a deep breath and just be.
As I was settling in, the staff helped me with my luggage, and one woman paused, looking at me with a mix of surprise and admiration. “You drove all the way from Delhi? “Alone? ” she asked. I smiled. Not out of pride, but because at that moment, I realized that this journey wasn’t just mine. Every mile I had driven, every fear I had left behind, it was to overcome the limits the world tries to place on women. And for me, that was worth more than any destination.
A Personal Detour to Bharmour: More Than Just Memories
While Chamba welcomed me with open arms, my heart pulled me somewhere deeper – to Bharmour. A place tied to my past.
I was just 16 when my father was posted in that small tribal village, and I never thought life would lead me back there. But here I was, years later, steering my own car on the very roads I had once seen from the passenger seat.
The emotions were hard to put into words. It felt like meeting a younger version of myself; a girl full of dreams and questions and quietly telling her, “You made it.” This wasn’t just a trip for the photo albums or social media, this was my heart’s way of closing circles.
Chamba: More Than Just a Pretty Town
I spent the next few days wandering through Chamba not as a tourist, but as someone looking for stories. Every corner felt like it held pieces of history waiting to be noticed.
Standing in the wide open spaces of Chaugan, where the town celebrates its festivals, I could almost feel the pulse of the people who call this place home.
And then there were the temples — Lakshmi Narayan Temple and Chamunda Devi Temple. These weren’t just places I visited; they were places I sat in silence, reflecting on the journey I was on not just through the mountains, but through life itself.
Evenings at H2O House: Where Peace Found Me
The real magic, though, happened during the evenings. Sitting by the river at H2O House, watching the sky change colors, I found a kind of peace I didn’t even know I was searching for.
The sound of the river, the scent of pine trees in the air, the stillness all around — it wasn’t just relaxing, it was healing. I would sit there for hours, lost in thoughts about life, about where I’ve been and where I’m headed. And the funny part is – I didn’t want answers. I just wanted to feel the moment. And I did.
The staff was so kind to serve me Tea and snacks just by the river and I thoroughly enjoyed that attention and care.
Heading Home, but Changed Forever
When it was time to leave, the roads that once felt unfamiliar now felt like old friends. The solo drive back wasn’t lonely, it was comforting, as if the mountains had handed me back a version of myself I’d almost forgotten.
This trip wasn’t just about landscapes or destinations. It was about freedom, courage, and reconnecting with a part of me that still believes in possibilities, no matter the age or stage of life.
A Note for Anyone Dreaming of a Solo Road Trip in Himachal
If you’ve ever thought about taking a solo road trip to Himachal, here’s my honest advice: do it. It will test you, teach you, and reward you in ways you can’t imagine.
Drive safe, but don’t fear the road. The real adventure starts when you let go of control.
Always carry snacks, water, and a warm layer. The mountains love surprises, especially with the weather.
Choose places that feed your soul, not just your camera roll. Stays like H2O House will make you fall in love with silence.
Be open to conversations. Locals often give the best travel advice and life lessons.
And most importantly, trust yourself. Your courage will carry you farther than any GPS ever will.
The Journey That Found Me
Looking back, this trip wasn’t just about Dalhousie, Khajjiar, or Chamba; it was about finding joy in solitude, strength in self-belief, and comfort in memories.
Sometimes the best journeys don’t take you to new places, they take you back to yourself. And that’s exactly what Chamba did for me.