Unexpected Desire to Travel
Sometimes, you really want to travel, but you just can’t make a plan. A Solo Trip to Shimla was never on my mind, but something inside me craved an escape. It wasn’t about time, money, or the destination—it was just about taking that first step. I was stuck in the same dilemma, wanting to break free from my daily routine and frustrations.
But the biggest question was—where?
I always thought I was an introvert, someone who enjoyed his own company. But this solo trip to Shimla shattered that belief. I realized that meeting new people, talking to strangers, and sharing experiences were something I actually enjoyed. Being introverted was just a myth in my mind.
"People are always open to conversations—you just have to take the first step."
So, let me take you through my first-ever solo trip to Shimla—one that wasn’t planned, wasn’t organized, but turned out to be the most refreshing journey of my life.
The Moment I Decided to Leave
One evening, tired of everything, I was mindlessly scrolling through YouTube and Instagram. Travel reels, mountain landscapes, and photography posts kept popping up on my feed. And suddenly, it hit me—I need to leave. I need a trip, right now.
Being a resident of Uttarakhand, I knew how cold it could get, so I packed accordingly. My rucksack travel bag had just the essentials—a jacket, a shawl, and a thin blanket to keep me warm. My camera travel gear was a must, along with my laptop for storing photos.
Mother’s Love packed in Tiffin
And of course, my mom, knowing me better than anyone, packed some homemade food for the journey. She always does this, no matter how much I insist that I’ll eat outside. Maybe it’s her way of showing love—quiet, thoughtful, and always making sure I have a taste of home wherever I go.
“Maa ke haath ka khaana—nothing in the world can match that. “
She knows I love her food more than anything, yet if I say it out loud, she just smiles and pretends not to hear. But deep down, I know she understands—Maa toh maa hoti hai. Love you, Maa.
A Bus without a Destination
With no idea where I was going, I reached Haridwar bus stand. My only plan? To take the first available bus to any city I had never been to before.
After a few inquiries, I found a night bus to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
Perfect! A night journey meant I’d reach early morning, saving both time and money.
The Night Journey to Shimla
The bus was scheduled to leave at 5:30 PM. Since I had booked my ticket early, I secured a window seat—a must for any traveler. My 75-liter rucksack bag was safely placed next to me, while my camera and laptop bag were in my lap.
As the bus started moving, I felt a rush of excitement mixed with nervousness. Was this safe? Was this a good idea? But I had made up my mind—I needed this.
The journey from Haridwar to Chandigarh was smooth, but after Chandigarh, the winding mountain roads started playing tricks on my head. Motion sickness kicked in, so I wrapped myself in my blanket and tried to sleep. Surprisingly, no one took the seat beside me till Solan, so I had enough space to stretch a little.
The freezing air was sneaking through the window gaps, making it impossible to sleep peacefully. The bus stopped three times—for food and tea breaks. Each tea break was a blessing in that chilly weather.
Reaching Shimla—the Adventure Begins
At 6:00 AM, I arrived in Shimla, a place I had never visited before. The bus dropped me at the new bus stand, but I needed to reach the old bus stand, where most of the city activities were. I asked around and found a local bus to get there.
My first task? Finding a budget-friendly stay. Before leaving Haridwar, I had noted down the names of three Dharamshalas in Shimla. But when I reached them, they were all fully booked.
Feeling exhausted, I sat near a shop, wondering what to do next. Just then, a man approached me, offering hotel rooms. I knew these were commission-based deals, so I politely declined and continued my search. Eventually, I found a budget hotel near Mall Road for ₹1200 per night, which allowed an early check-in. That was a relief!
Exploring Shimla Like a Local
After a much-needed nap, I stepped out to explore Shimla’s famous places. But first, breakfast! While searching for food, I met some locals who suggested I visit Kali Bari Temple, which was nearby.
As luck would have it, a bhandara (community meal) was being served at the temple. I decided to take it as Prasad and had my first meal of the day there.
The day started with spiritual vibes and a full stomach, a great combination for any trip.
Walking Through the Streets of Shimla
After the temple visit, I walked through Mall Road, but since the sun was harsh, I decided to explore less crowded areas. I wandered towards Vidhan Sabha Road, eventually reaching Ridge—the iconic Shimla church spot.
The stunning British-era architecture made me think about how incredible engineering was back in the day. The area was filled with shopping stores, branded outlets, and cozy cafés.
By evening, I returned to Mall Road, blending in with the lively tourist crowd. I stopped at a street momos stall, where I had a long conversation with the vendor. He told me he was from Uttar Pradesh and had been living in Shimla for four years.
As we talked, he said, “If you want to see the real Shimla, I can take you around the local markets after I close my stall.”
Of course, I agreed! That night, he took me through hidden alleys and lesser-known bazaars. This was exactly the kind of experience I wanted—raw, local, and unfiltered.
Before we parted ways, he also gave me a tip—“If you’re in Shimla, you must visit Jakhoo Temple. It’s a bit of a climb, but totally worth it.” That’s when I decided—Jakhoo Temple would be my next stop.
The Next Morning—Jakhoo Temple & A New Friend
The next day, I planned to visit Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. But instead of taking a taxi, which was too expensive, I decided to hike.
Halfway through, I realized the steep climb would take much longer than expected. Just then, a solo traveler named Nitin approached me, asking if I’d like to share a taxi. What luck! We split the fare and reached the temple together.
During our ride, I knew that Nitin was in Shimla for an exam and had to return home the same day. We had breakfast together, enjoyed a local festival at Ridge, and shared stories.
Before leaving, I told Nitin, “If we hadn’t met, I wonder how we would have reached Jakhu temple so easily!”
“Nitin, if you ever read this, I just want to say—thank you for being part of my journey. Hope we meet again someday!”
FAQs about solo trip to Shimla
Yes, this was my first-ever solo trip, and it was completely unplanned.
I didn’t plan to visit Shimla specifically. I reached Haridwar bus stand and took the first available bus to a place I had never been before—Shimla.
I initially looked for dharamshalas, but they were fully booked. Eventually, I found a budget hotel near Mall Road for ₹1200 per night.
A street momo vendor I met in Mall Road told me about Jakhoo Temple and suggested I visit.
Yes, motion sickness on the hilly roads, freezing cold at night, and finding budget accommodation early in the morning were some challenges.
Yes! I met a street vendor who showed me local markets, and a traveler named Nitin, with whom I shared a Jakhoo Temple taxi ride.
Absolutely! Shimla is safe, budget-friendly, and full of experiences—perfect for solo travelers.
The Journey Continues…
After saying goodbye to Nitin, I returned to my hotel, packed my bags, and checked out. But my adventure wasn’t over yet. I wasn’t going home. I was heading further into Himachal.
Where did I go next? Well, that’s a story for another blog!
"If you think you're an introvert, maybe you just haven't met the right people. Start a conversation—you never know what stories await you."
Want to know what happened next? Stay tuned!
Stay Tuned for More Adventures!
This solo trip to Shimla was just the beginning! My journey didn’t stop here—I continued exploring new places, meeting amazing people, and gathering unforgettable experiences.
If you enjoyed reading this, stay connected for my upcoming travel blogs, where I’ll share more unplanned adventures, hidden gems, and personal travel stories.
Have you ever taken a spontaneous solo trip? Or had an unexpected adventure while traveling? Share your experience in the comments! I’d love to hear your stories.
Thank you for reading. Have any thoughts or questions? Feel free to comment, share, and engage.
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