Swati Biswas’ Spiti Adventure with Thrillophilia – A Journey of Mountains and Memories
Swati Biswas and Arindam Ghosh arrived in Spiti with hearts full of excitement and anticipation. Spiti had called to Swati once before during a solo hitchhiking trip, but this time the journey promised a different kind of magic. Travelling with her favourite person and guided by Thrillophilia, she knew that the experience would be both hassle-free and deeply memorable. From the moment they set off from Delhi, the sense of adventure intertwined with comfort, as every detail had been carefully planned and executed.
The journey began with scenic drives through Himachal Pradesh, with rolling hills, winding roads, and patches of clouds that cast fleeting shadows over valleys and streams. The route offered glimpses of Shimla, where the Himalayan backdrop and colonial architecture created a striking visual contrast. Stops at small towns allowed the travellers to breathe in the crisp mountain air, savour steaming cups of local tea, and take in the first hints of Spiti’s rugged charm. Though Chandratal was initially part of the itinerary, unpredictable weather had forced a change. The disappointment was brief, as Thrillophilia quickly adapted the plan, crafting an even more immersive route through Chitkul, Nako, Gue Monastery, and Kalpa.
As the group reached Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border, the night sky opened in ways only the high Himalayas can offer. Swati and Arindam stayed in cosy tents under the stars, warmed by a crackling bonfire. The chill of the evening was softened by laughter, stories, and shared snacks with fellow travellers. It was in moments like these that strangers became friends, and the journey transformed into a tapestry of human connection and shared awe. The crisp mountain air, the soft glow of the fire, and the distant peaks combined to create nights that felt suspended in time.
Each day brought new experiences and breathtaking landscapes. At Nako and Gue Monastery, history and spirituality intertwined. The monasteries whispered stories of devotion and time, and wandering through their courtyards and ancient halls felt like walking through a living museum. The local foods added another layer to the adventure, with seabuckthorn juice, wild strawberries, Babru for breakfast at Kaza, and Siddu at Chicham Bridge offering authentic flavors that carried the warmth of the region. Every meal was more than nourishment; it was a taste of Spiti’s culture and history, enriching the journey at every step.
One of the most magical moments was a spontaneous picnic of Maggi at an abandoned hut beside the Spiti River. The hut, quiet and picturesque, overlooked the flowing waters that reflected the sky and surrounding cliffs. It was a simple moment, yet profoundly grounding, a reminder of the serenity that the mountains can impart. Another exhilarating highlight was spotting the Himalayan ibex in its natural habitat. The sight was rare, raw, and unforgettable, leaving the travellers in silent admiration of nature’s quiet grandeur.
Thrillophilia’s meticulous planning was evident throughout. Transfers, accommodations, and guided tours were seamless, allowing Swati and Arindam to focus entirely on the experiences before them. Their coordinator, Neetima Ji, and bus driver, Sai Ram Ji, were integral to the journey, combining patience, skill, and knowledge to ensure every detail was perfect. Neetima Ji enriched each stop with insights into the history, culture, and local cuisine, turning every location into a story waiting to be discovered.
The adventure also included a memorable midnight journey to Langza. Wrapped in layers against the Himalayan chill, Swati and Arindam looked up at a sky scattered with stars. The Milky Way stretched across the heavens, and even an asteroid appeared as if to wink at them in the darkness. Their cameras captured the celestial spectacle, but the memory itself was etched more deeply in their hearts. The mountains around them seemed alive, silent witnesses to a moment that felt infinite and intimately personal.
The final day in Kalpa offered a fitting conclusion. From this vantage point, they beheld the mighty Kinnaur Kailash, standing proud and luminous against the sky. It was a moment of quiet reflection and gratitude, a perfect closing note to an adventure that had intertwined nature, culture, friendship, and personal connection. Each place they visited had left a mark, each experience had a story, and together, they had crafted memories that would last a lifetime.
Throughout the journey, the accommodations were both beautiful and comforting, offering warmth after long days of exploration. The food was consistently delicious, light, and healthy, providing both sustenance and cultural insight. Even the unexpected changes in the itinerary became part of the adventure, handled with professionalism and care that allowed Swati and Arindam to relax and enjoy each moment.
By the end of the trip, it was clear that this was more than a vacation. It was a carefully curated experience that left them with new memories, friendships, and a fresh appreciation for the mountains. From spontaneous picnics and high-altitude encounters with wildlife to starlit nights and historical monasteries, the journey through Spiti had offered moments of wonder and intimacy. Thrillophilia’s planning, coordination, and attention to detail ensured that every step of the trip was smooth and enriching, making it effortless for Swati and Arindam to immerse themselves fully in the heart of Spiti.
Returning home, they carried with them not just photographs but the essence of the journey itself. The laughter, the quiet moments of reflection, the shared meals, and the breathtaking landscapes. Spiti had revealed itself as a place of beauty, culture, and connection, and thanks to Thrillophilia, every experience had been accessible, memorable, and deeply personal. The mountains, rivers, and villages of Spiti had left a lasting imprint, a story of adventure and intimacy that Swati and Arindam would revisit in their hearts for years to come.
Read More: Thrillophilia Spiti Reviews