10-Day Himachal Adventure: Solo Trip from Mumbai with EMBEE Tours
By Rushikesh, Urban Chats Contributor
Hey there! I’m Rushikesh, a Chill guy from Nanded, now navigating the corporate jungle of Mumbai. Life here? It’s a whirlwind traffic jams, endless meetings, and the constant buzz of notifications. Lately, I’d been mindlessly scrolling Instagram, feeling stuck in a loop of reels and envy-inducing travel pics. That’s when I stumbled upon EMBEE Tours and Events. Their 9-night, 10-day Himachal Pradesh tour Mumbai to Chandigarh, Manali, Kullu, Kasol, Dharamshala, Amritsar, and back caught my eye. Cost? Just ₹16,490 for a sleeper train and double-sharing room (my pick!). I booked it on a whim, craving a break from the mundane. Little did I know, this solo trip with 20 strangers would turn into one of the most unforgettable chapters of my life.
In this blog, I’ll take you along on my journey every scenic view, thrilling moment, and unexpected friendship. If you’re wondering whether a Himachal tour is worth it or how EMBEE stacks up against competitors, stick around. I’ve got a story to tell, plus a detailed breakdown to help you decide. Let’s dive in!
Day 0 & 1: Mumbai to Chandigarh The Journey Begins
It all started at Mumbai Central station on a humid April afternoon. I boarded the Paschim Express at 11:25 AM, clutching my backpack and a mix of excitement and nerves. The non-AC sleeper train wasn’t luxurious, but at ₹16,490 for the entire package, I wasn’t complaining. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks lulled me into a restless sleep as we chugged toward Chandigarh an overnight journey that felt like the calm before the storm.
I woke up to chai vendors and the faint hum of passengers chatting. Staring out the window, I watched Maharashtra’s plains give way to Punjab’s golden fields. After 28 hours, we rolled into Chandigarh at 3:20 PM. A mini-bus waited at the station parking lot, courtesy of EMBEE. Our group 20 strangers from all walks of life piled in, exchanging shy smiles. First stop? The quirky Rock Garden, with its mosaic sculptures, followed by a serene boat ride on Sukhna Lake. After a quick dinner (dal-roti, nothing fancy but hearty), we hit the road for an overnight drive to Manali. The adventure had officially begun.
Day 2: Chandigarh to Manali Into the Hills
The drive to Manali was a blur of winding roads and starry skies. I dozed off in the mini-bus, waking up as the air grew cooler and the silhouette of mountains loomed closer. We arrived in Manali early on Day 3, greeted by the crisp scent of pine and the sight of snow-capped peaks. Breakfast was simple aloo parathas and chai at a roadside dhaba before checking into Mars Resort. Early check-in wasn’t guaranteed, but luck was on our side.
After a quick nap, we headed out for sightseeing. Hadimba Temple, nestled in a cedar forest, felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The Mall Road buzzed with shops selling woolens and trinkets I grabbed a shawl for Mumbai’s rare chilly days. Dinner back at the hotel was warm and comforting: rice, sabzi, and gulab jamun. As I sank into bed, I couldn’t believe I’d escaped Mumbai’s chaos for this.
Day 3: Manali to Solang Valley Snow and Adrenaline
Day 4 kicked off early with a breakfast of toast and eggs. Our mini-bus rumbled toward Solang Valley, a 45-minute drive that unveiled jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas. The Atal Tunnel India’s engineering marvel left me speechless as we passed through its 9-km stretch. At Solang, snow dusted the ground, even in April. I’d never seen snow before, and the sight of it sparkling under the sun was surreal.
Activities like skiing and snowmobiling were optional (and extra cost), but I opted for a yak ride instead quirky and oddly fun. The group loosened up here; laughter echoed as we slipped on icy patches. Dinner back at the hotel was a cozy affair, and I fell asleep dreaming of the peaks I’d just explored.
Day 4: Manali to Kullu Camps Bonfires and Beats
After breakfast, we packed up and drove to Kullu for a night of camping. The campsite, with attached washrooms (a relief!), sat by the Beas River. Lunch was a buffet spread pulao, paneer curry, and salad followed by free time to explore. That night, EMBEE turned it up with a bonfire and DJ night. Someone requested Marathi songs (my Mumbai roots cheered!), and soon we were all dancing 20 strangers now swaying as buddies. The stars above and the fire’s warmth made it a moment I’ll never forget.
Day 5: Kullu to Kasol to Dharamshala Thrills by the River
Breakfast was quick bread-jam and tea before we hit the road for Kasol. The Parvati Valley unfolded like a postcard: lush hills, gushing rivers, and tiny villages. River rafting was the highlight here. I’d never done it before, and the rush of paddling through icy rapids was pure adrenaline. My heart raced, but I couldn’t stop grinning. We also visited Manikaran Gurudwara, where hot springs bubbled up, and strolled through Kasol’s hippie market. Paragliding was an option, but I skipped it raftng was thrill enough.
That night, we began an overnight drive to Dharamshala. Tired but buzzing, I napped with the group’s chatter as my lullaby.
Day 6: Dharamshala Cricket and Calm
We rolled into Dharamshala at dawn, greeted by the quaint HPCA Cricket Stadium its backdrop of Dhauladhar peaks is unreal. After checking into Mount Edge, I freshened up and joined the group for sightseeing. McLeodganj’s vibrant streets led us to the Dalai Lama Temple, a peaceful oasis. Sunset Point offered views that silenced us all orange hues painting the mountains. Dinner was momos and thukpa, a nod to the Tibetan vibe. I slept soundly, the day’s calm sinking into my bones.
Day 7: Dharamshala to Amritsar Parade and Prayer
An early breakfast fueled us for the drive to Amritsar. We reached in time for the Wagah Border ceremony a patriotic spectacle of synchronized marches and flag-lowering. The energy was electric. Checking into Hotel Infa, we then visited the Golden Temple.
Its golden glow reflected in the Amrit Sarovar as evening prayers filled the air. I felt a quiet awe I hadn’t expected. Dinner was Amritsari kulcha crisp, spicy, and divine. Sleep came easy after such a packed day.
Day 8: Amritsar to Mumbai Farewell to the North
Breakfast was light parathas again before exploring Jallianwala Bagh. The history hit hard, a stark contrast to the bustling Amritsar Market nearby. I picked up a Punjabi jutti as a souvenir. We checked out at 11 AM, leaving luggage at the hotel reception, and caught an evening train back to Mumbai. The overnight journey was bittersweet exhaustion mixed with nostalgia.
Day 9: Mumbai Arrival Back to Reality
The train pulled into Mumbai Central on Day 10, and just like that, the adventure ended. The city’s heat and noise hit me like a wall, but I felt different refreshed, alive. Those 20 strangers? They weren’t strangers anymore. We’d shared laughs, dances, and stories. My solo trip had turned into a group saga I’d cherish forever.
Why Himachal Pradesh? A Dream Destination Unveiled
Himachal Pradesh isn’t just a place it’s a feeling. Known as the “Land of Snow,” it’s a haven for nature lovers, trekkers, and anyone craving peace. Snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and roaring rivers make it a visual feast. Manali’s charm, Kullu’s adventure, Kasol’s vibe, Dharamshala’s serenity, and Amritsar’s soul each stop offered something unique. Whether you’re escaping city life or chasing thrills, Himachal delivers.
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. From Solang’s snow to Kasol’s rapids, this trip was a reset button for my soul. EMBEE Tours delivered beyond my expectations affordable, organized, and fun. If you’re teetering on the edge of booking, do it. Himachal’s calling, and EMBEE’s the way to go.
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