When I tell people that I’ve been travelling the world since 2015, without having any source of steady income, they ask, without sparing a second, “Then how do you fund your travels? You must be rich.” People think travelling is an expensive hobby. They think it is only possible to travel if you either earn an impressive figure every month, or your father is exceptionally wealthy. In my case, neither were true. Perhaps that’s why, when I had initially told my friends, two years ag

During my very recent 9-day solo bike trip to Spiti Valley, I did camping in Chandratal. I also camped all the 9 nights throughout the trip. This helped me to keep my budget under a good control and stay away from the most ‘sought after’ tourist places — as I had the security to have a roof at night, no matter where I go. Other than visiting some offbeat places and staying at places where no tourist stays, I happened to do a very cheap Spiti Valley tour that cost me les

Spiti Valley is harsh and inhospitable. With an average height of 12,500 feet above sea level, it consists of high alpine lands and some of the world’s highest motorcycle roads. But when it comes to experiencing it and exploring its postcard-perfect landscapes, many find themselves short of budget. “25 thousand for 10 nights? I can go to Bali for a week, for that price,” and they would abnegate the idea. Cheap Spiti Valley Tour There are many tour companies claiming to offer a ch

Spiti Valley road trip is an experience of a lifetime. The idea of riding on some of the most isolated roads in the worth is an adventure in itself. Sure it can be a rough experience, especially if you are doing a Spiti Valley solo trip, but nonetheless, it’s an experience to try at least once in your life. And now that I’ve done it, and that too while camping in Spiti Valley, I thought why not share my experience and some useful tips for those who want to try a similar exper

A solo-motorcycle expedition in Spiti Valley is itself an adventure. And the idea of camping in Spiti Valley, rather than opting for the safety and comfort of a guest house, is an adventure to another level. Unlike other parts of the Himalayas, in Spiti Valley, you can’t think of camping out in the wild, away from civilizations (see my Spiti Valley photos to understand what I am talking about). Gusty winds and an unfriendly terrain make it too tough. I remember when I left for my solo m

Hope. Anxiety. And Excitement. Such emotions are inevitable for any newbie traveller. I remember when I quit my job to travel and booked a one-way ticket to Bhutan, I was scared too. No one I knew had ever done it before. But now, after years of full-time travelling, I have learned the art of travelling. And if only I could sit my younger self, I would give him this advice:Useful Travel AdviseDon’t Be ScaredWalking off the beaten path and travelling places you’re not familiar with might

If you look at the world now, Bhutan is the only remaining Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom in the entire world, making it an alluring destination for tourists. What makes it even more alluring is the fact that it has only opened its borders to tourists only in 1974. Perhaps that’s why I decided to make Bhutan my first travel destination after I decided to quit the job to travel the world. I knew I was in store for a travel experience unlike any other. I wanted to backpack in Bhutan. But the

I consider Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, my second home — and it is not because I organise camping in Sethan and for that reason, travel from Delhi to Manali at least once every month. I have been visiting this place, almost regularly, for a long time. And it is not just me. Manali is a popular tourist destination for everyone who lives in New Delhi. Its close proximity to Delhi, Chandigarh and other big towns makes it a preferred weekend getaway. This particularly happens during summer,

Isolated and wild as it appears, a journey to Spiti Valley will take you to the roads less travelled, absolutely literally. I happened to visit Spiti Valley during a motorcycle trip that happened a few years ago. Back then, there were no roads and the entire place felt a lot more isolated than how it feels today. I did a solo trip from Delhi to Shimla to Kaza to Manali to Delhi and it took me 9 days. To make it even more interesting I did camping in Spiti Valley rather than staying in g

It is easy to spend weeks in Rishikesh and feel that you have not got under its skin. It offers a seemingly different stage-set experience during every visit. For example, if you travel to Rishikesh during monsoon season you are more likely to lose yourself in a pilgrim crowd, dominating its streets, with their confusing march pasts from Gangotri to Gaumukh. Whereas if you come here during winter, you find a place being swirled over with hippie westerners. So where is the real Rishikesh?

Singalila Ridge Trek (or Sandakphu trek, as is often called) is the most popular trek in the state of West Bengal, and the highest point in West Bengal. As you start waking from Mane Bhanjang and begin your Sandakphu trek, the valley beautifies itself with clear panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. You cross India-Nepal border a few times because the trek divides the two nations and is more or less the borderline between India and Nepal. And the towns that come on the way, includin

It has been a few years since I’ve been travelling full-time and all this time I’ve come across this question ‘why did I quit the job to travel if I wanted to travel my own country’ when there is so much more to see in the world. “What is the reason behind this abiding fascination,” I remember someone once asking. I give people different reasons – right from the obvious mentions of India’s cultural diversity to the warmth I get from the people. At times, I a

When you’ve been travelling for long enough, you start calculating the benefits. You wonder whether your travels have made you a better person and whether all these journeys, that you’ve so far taken, have given you a deeper understanding of yourself – from within, and without I found myself pondering over such infinite and boundless thoughts too as I decided to stay yet another day in Charanag, in Hallan Valley – a small village in Himachal, secluded from the-road-much-taken towards Ma

Last month while returning from my solo bike journey to Spiti Valley, I decided to spend a few nights in the town of Vashisht, near Manali, in Himachal Pradesh. Looking for a guest house, I went to my usual place, where I had stayed before for at least a dozen times. I liked its peaceful ambience and the location which allowed me to sit at the top of the village, overlooking the mountains down below. But as I enquired about the price for a room, out of courtesy, despite being very much

August makes it a great time to travel in India. This is the time of year when you can explore the great Himalayas in the North, enjoy the tranquil backwaters in the South, or experience many tribal areas in the Northeast. The monsoon brings alive about the entire country. What makes it even better to visit August in August is that most of us are still left with our yearly paid holidays which can now be put to good use of travelling. So pack your bags, head to any of these best places t

Himachal Pradesh is India’s most popular and easily accessible hill station. Here you will find beautiful people and some of the most beautiful Himalayan landscapes with snowy peaks and plunging river valleys. The ubiquitous apple orchards and cultivated terraces further add to the beauty. From trekking to paragliding to road-trips on the world’s most treacherous roads – Himachal Pradesh is also known for adventure activities. It is also home to the Tibetan government in exile and the B

From dense forests to beautiful tea plantations, rich culture to amazing food – Kerala has something for everyone. It’s an ideal place for luxury travel as well as budget backpacking. And thanks to its natural beauty, the state has established itself as one of India’s top travelled destination. The culture in the state is moreover unique than the rest of India, and has been carefully preserved for centuries. Kerala Travel Guide I have been to this India state more times than I can

Bhutan is the land of surprises. This is where chillies can be the main dish, and the economic index GDP is measured in “Happiness”. From beautiful landscapes to amazing hospitality – there are many reasons to plan a holiday in Bhutan. And speaking of top places to see in Bhutan be rest assured there are many! During my first trip there, I travelled for almost a month, and since then, I always wanted to travel Bhutan again. Bhutan Travel Guide The entire country – from the popular towns

India is not a country, it’s a continent, with a spectacular mix of people, cultures and landscapes. From snow-capped mountains in the north to the sultry sun-washed beaches in the south to deserts in the west to rainforests in the east – one can find all-natural phenomenon here. And speaking of the top places to see in India, be rest assured that there are more than you can count. Walk the streets of any Indian city and you’ll rub shoulders with people representing different traditions

I stayed in Thailand for more than two weeks, travelling from north to south, and was a whirlwind experience. While I enjoyed most of its cities and towns and islands, nothing can compare my love for travelling in Bangkok. And I only imagine there will be more tributes to the city, especially when I will be back in India and have the chance to reminisce and write more. I encourage everyone to try a solo trip to Bangkok, particularly those who’re new to solo travelling. And it shouldn’t