I still remember the night of December 31, 2023. I was at my best friend's house, celebrating New Year's Eve together. Like every year, we were talking about life, our plans, and our hopes for the year ahead. In the middle of the conversation, she smiled and asked me, "What's one wish you're going to make for 2024?" For a moment I paused and thought, " This year, I want to manifest something different. Unlike previous years, I didn't want to wish for materialistic things or the usual resolutions. Instead, I looked at her and said IN 2024, I'M GOING TO TAKE ONE SOLO TRIP EVERY MONTH. She smiled, but there was a hint of surprise on her face. Do you really think that's possible? She asked. You'll be busy with college, assignments, research work, job interviews and everything else. How will you manage to travel every month? To be honest, I didn't have a detailed plan, nothing. I didn't know how I would make it happen. But for the first time, I was determined not to let my schedule or circumstances stop me. I made a promise to myself that night—and I was ready to keep it, one trip at a time.

It was February month and I already knew where I wanted to go, but my mind was a mess. I had several job interviews lined up, and a part of me wondered: should I postpone my trip? But without giving it much thought, I packed my bag, booked my very first solo trip bus ticket to Dharamsala-McLeod Ganj, which is in Himachal Pradesh. If you ask anyone who knows me, they'll tell you only one thing- she belongs to mountains. Believe me, there's something magical about mountains: the crisp air, the first cup of chai with hot Maggi, the colourful prayer flags, monks peacefully walking through the streets of McLeod Ganj, and the silence that speaks louder than words. It all makes me feel at home.

As exciting as it sounds now, the reality was way too different because it was my first solo trip. There was no friend beside me to share my excitement or nervousness, no family member to rely on if something went wrong, and no familiar face waiting for me at the destination. It was just me, my backpack, and a bus ticket. Those three days were truly magical. Even today, I can't believe I did everything on my own. That trip didn't just introduce me to a new place—it introduced me to a stronger, more confident version of myself.

One of the most unforgettable memories from this trip happened on my way to Bhagsu Nag Waterfall. The weather suddenly changed, and within minutes, it started raining. The trail, which had been lively just a while ago, became almost empty. As I continued walking, I came across a Buddhist monk.

He smiled warmly and asked me, "Are you travelling alone or with your friends?"

When I told him that I was travelling solo, he smiled again. What started as a simple question soon turned into one of the most meaningful conversations of my journey. He told me that travelling alone teaches you what real life is. It helps you discover who you truly are when there is no one else to depend on. He spoke about how solo travel changes a person's perspective, especially for a woman. It teaches confidence, responsibility, and the courage to trust yourself.

As the rain became heavier, he noticed that the trail ahead wasn't safe. Since there was a cliff on one side, he gently advised me to return instead of continuing towards the waterfall. Instead, he suggested that I walk with him to the Tsuglagkhang Complex (Dalai Lama Temple).

As we walked through the rain, we spoke about life, travelling, and the lessons that come from stepping outside your comfort zone. It wasn't a long conversation, but it was one that stayed with me. Sometimes, the people you meet for just a few minutes leave the deepest impact.

Although I travelled to a new place almost every month in 2024, I won't be sharing all twelve journeys here. Every destination has a story of its own. Instead, I want to share the journey that I know I’ll never forget for the rest of my life-the trek to Kedarnath.

Among all the places I travelled to in 2024, Kedarnath wasn't just another destination. It was a dream I had carried in my heart for years.

I am a devotee of Lord Shiva, and my wish to visit Kedarnath goes back to 2021, during the COVID lockdown.

One evening, my father and I were casually talking about spirituality and the peace that comes from visiting sacred places. In the middle of our conversation, I said, "Papa, I really want to visit Kedarnath someday."

With a little anger-or perhaps it was just a father's way of protecting his daughter-he replied,

"Go wherever you want, but never think of travelling to places that require trekking."

I didn't argue with him, but his words stayed with me.

From that day onwards, something strange started happening. My Instagram feed was filled with reels of Kedarnath almost every day. Some people might call it a coincidence, but I believe it was Mahadev's way of reminding me that one day, when the time was right, He would call me.

Three years passed.

Life became busy with studies, interviews, work, and responsibilities, but the dream of visiting Kedarnath never left my heart.

And then, in October 2024, the call finally came. The journey I had dreamed about since 2021 was no longer just a dream- it was happening.

I packed my bag, booked my tickets, and began the journey I had imagined countless times. Even today, as I write these words, I get goosebumps remembering that night. The trek began at noon. The air was freezing, and every breath felt sharper than the last. As I took my first few steps from Gaurikund, I looked up at the towering mountains and silently whispered, "Har Har Mahadev."

The first few kilometres felt easy. I was excited, full of energy, and overwhelmed by the beauty around me. But the mountains have a way of reminding you that they demand both respect and patience.

Adding to the nervousness were the mules constantly passing by. Every time I heard someone shout, "Side! Side!", my heart skipped a beat. I would quickly move closer to hold the iron railing, afraid that one wrong step on the wet trail could make me lose my balance. The sound of horseshoes hitting the stones, the smell of wet mud after the rain, and the continuous chants of "Har Har Mahadev" echoing through the valley made the entire trek feel unlike any other journey I had ever taken. There were moments when my legs felt heavy, and every step seemed harder than the last. I wasn't sure if I would be able to complete the trek.

During one of my breaks, I sat beside an elderly couple who were also resting. We started talking casually, and I asked them if it was their first visit to Kedarnath. They smiled and said, "No, this is our fourth... or maybe fifth trek to Kedarnath."

For a moment, I was speechless.

They looked to be around 70 years old, yet they were climbing the entire route on foot with such calmness and determination. They weren't in a hurry. They simply walked at their own pace, taking short breaks whenever they needed. What surprised me even more was that many younger people, including those in their twenties and forties, were choosing mules, horses, palki to reach the temple. Yet this elderly couple had chosen to walk, driven by nothing but faith.

Seeing them completely changed my perspective. If they could continue the trek with a smile despite their age, what excuse did I have to give up? Hours later, tired, cold, and completely exhausted, I caught my first glimpse of the Kedarnath Temple.

Time seemed to stop.

The cold wind touched my face, the temple bells rang continuously, and the chants echoed all around me. Hundreds of people stood there, yet for a moment, everything around me became silent.

There were no thoughts. No worries. No tiredness. Just an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.

And there I was.

Standing in front of my Mahadev.

At that moment, I understood why people say,

"You don't decide when to visit Kedarnath. Mahadev calls you when it's time."

I don't know whether that is true for everyone, but for me, it certainly was.

As I look back today, I realise that 2024 was never just about travelling to new places. It was about saying yes to myself. Every solo trip challenged me differently. Dharamshala taught me that being alone doesn't mean being lonely. A conversation with a Buddhist monk changed the way I looked at life. Kedarnath taught me that faith can carry you through even the toughest paths. Every destination gave me a lesson that I will carry for the rest of my life.

And if there's one thing I would tell anyone reading this, it's this:

Don't wait for the perfect time, the perfect plan, or the perfect company. Sometimes, the journey you've been waiting for begins the moment you decide to take the first step.

But if my best friend asked me that same question today, my answer would be very different.

I wouldn't wish for more destinations or more passport stamps.

I would simply wish to never lose the courage to say yes to myself.

Because one simple promise I made to myself on the last night of 2023 gave me stories, memories, and a version of myself that I’ll cherish forever.

Sometimes, all it takes is one promise to yourself to change your life forever.

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