My adventure began with a flight from Bangalore to Delhi via Surat. I met a fellow trekker at Delhi airport who would soon become a valued companion on this journey. We made our way through the busy parts of Delhi, taking the metro from T3 to New Delhi station, and then switched lines to get to Kashmiri Gate. Soon after having a light meal, I boarded the HRTC bus to get to Shimla. The bus ride was long but uneventful, reaching Shimla by 6 am as promised. Upon arrival, I freshened up and enjoyed a hearty breakfast of parathas, preparing for the next leg of our journey.

The trekking group had arranged a tempo traveller to take us from Shimla to Kafnu, and it was during this leg that I met more of my fellow trekkers. With excitement building, we set off through the winding mountain roads around 8 am. The journey along the winding mountain roads was picturesque, with serene landscapes providing a peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life. After a few breaks for lunch and tea, we finally arrived in Kafnu by 4 pm, ready to embark on the trekking adventure that awaited us.

After arriving in Kafnu, we took some time to freshen up, enjoy a cup of tea, and explore the village. Kafnu, located by the Sutlej River’s tributary, offers a peaceful retreat with its beautiful scenery. This charming village is surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking mountain views, making it a perfect introduction to the natural beauty of the region. Our homestay was surrounded by a vibrant garden with various plants and trees, including apple and plum trees, adding a delightful touch to our stay. The peaceful atmosphere and the friendly locals made Kafnu feel like a hidden gem in the heart of the Himalayas.

Later in the evening, we had dinner where we finally met the rest of the trekkers and our trek leaders. They gave us an overview of what to expect on the trek and helped us prepare for the upcoming days. After dinner, we went back to our rooms to pack our bags and get ready for the adventure that awaited us the next day.