Going on a trek with forty people is a quintessential college memory—one that’s unlikely to fade. Add in stunning scenery, warm chai by bonfires, adorable mountain sheep, and breathtaking views, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable adventure. Our journey began at the gates of St. Stephen’s College, where we boarded a bus and traveled nearly 12 hours to our destination, the cozy Ashoka Inn in a quiet corner of Manali.
Day 1 (25th October 2024)
The first day was a warm-up. We settled into the hotel, made full use of the hot water and WiFi, then set off to explore Manali. Our first stop was the Hidimba Temple, nestled in a lush park. After visiting the temple, we chose a spot nearby to play frisbee for over half an hour. Tired from our walk and play, we settled down for a lunch of classic pahadi Maggi and steaming chai. Next, we headed to Mall Road, where we sampled the traditional Manali Siddu—a steamed flour cake filled with a sweet walnut stuffing. After a few more hours exploring, we returned to the hotel. The night wrapped up with dinner and an impromptu dance session with the rest of the students, though a late-night round of UNO kept us up for another two hours!
Day 2 (26th October 2024)
Today was the beginning of the real trek. We filled up on a hearty breakfast of chole bhature before a short bus ride to our trekking point. For the next two hours, we hiked through stunning mountain trails. As we climbed higher, we passed through quaint villages, rugged terrain, and awe-inspiring scenery. After a two-and-a-half-hour trek, we arrived at our base camp, Shagadugh, where we were welcomed with refreshing drinks. The rest of the day was spent around a bonfire, bonding over tea and enjoying a short acclimatization walk in the nearby forest, where we gathered sticks for the fire.
The tents, cozy for three people, and the delicious food prepared by the warm kitchen staff made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Day 3 (27th October 2024)
This was the day of the final Patalsu trek! After a hearty breakfast of toast, hot chocolate, and paranthas, we set off for the peak. Our group ascended slowly, captivated by the varied landscapes.
We began in a forest, moved through grasslands, crossed rocky terrain, and finally arrived at the summit—Patalsu Peak. The view was magnificent: we could see the Pir Panjal range and its highest peak, Hanuman Tibba. It was a breathtaking moment. We enjoyed a packed lunch of aloo puri, rested for an hour, then began our descent, passing baby sheep being herded to the grasslands. Though exhausted, we were proud to have pushed ourselves through this challenging trek and grateful for the experience.
That evening, we gathered around the bonfire once more, enjoying chai, songs, and a delicious dinner.
Day 4 (28th October 2024)
Our journey drew to a close. With rucksacks packed, we trekked down to Solang Valley, where our buses awaited. We took in the stunning views one last time, knowing it might be a while before we experienced anything like it again. Finally, we loaded our bags, boarded the bus, and began our twelve-hour journey back home.
This trek was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories.
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It was an unforgettable experience for me, being my first trek and one of the few to reach the summit. Nature indeed has the principle of nurturing you in ways you can’t imagine and God’s beautiful creation was clearly evident in the scenic views and rocky terrains. Would encourage others to go on treks such as these as well.
Glad you enjoyed the trek Kimi! To many more treks with friends, old and new!