2022 came with a bang and ended with an even harder bang. A year that let me take 13 trips in 12 months is undoubtedly a year to remember. After all, I got to do some of the most memorable things in 2022, which I had not done before. My quest of taking 13 trips in a year was something that initially felt a little harder; however, as time moved forward and somehow, things started to fall into place, it was just me, open roads, and some dreams…
A major challenge for any normal guy who has a 9-6 PM corporate job, taking 13 trips in a year is like a dream coming true. Though all these trips were within India, the feelings that I had after accomplishing this goal were next level. Something for which I may not have words to describe. You know it’s not that easy to manage your job and travel simultaneously, but I have known people. This idea of traveling every month (taking a trip every month) was a long dream. I had similar accomplishments previously when I made 12 trips in 12 months of 2019.
From exploring bustling cities to relaxing on pristine beaches, from hiking through rugged mountains to discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, I experienced it all.
Just like most of my trips, most of the trips of 2023 were largely unplanned journeys. However, I have started traveling a little bit more responsibly; I mean, I have booked hotels advanced online. This year’s trips were a mix of random trips where I had no idea what I was going to be doing there to slight hints of the place and activities to do there. Many of them were spontaneous, which just happened without any unpleasant experience; rather, things turned out pretty nice.
The year 2023 started great. I got published on Twinkl in their list of Best Indian Travel Bloggers to Follow in 2023. While writing this blog, I have already taken a trip to Shangarh (Just like 2022’s first trip was to Shangarh). This year has already started, and my journey has as well.
Honestly, taking 13 trips in 12 months with a full-time job is not an easy task. The experience was tiring at times, and I questioned myself at times why I was doing this. One trip every month was still like moving a mountain, and 2022 ended with 13 trips. December started with a trip to Nainital and ended with another trip to Kalga and Old Manali.
While I was working as a full-time employee with a SaaS company, I was traveling. For the first three months of 2022, I worked entirely remotely. After three months, the company went hybrid, and I started visiting the office every Tuesday and Thursday. For the first three months, I traveled for more than a week. Then I started traveling on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. So, I would leave on Thursday night (considering Thursday remains my office work). I would reach my destination the next day, leave Sunday night and reach Delhi Monday morning. It sounds like a tiring experience, but we have to make hard choices in our life. And I had made mine.
13 Trips in 12 Months of 2022 – Which All Places Did I Visit?
Traveling every month, maintaining a full-time job, blogging, and a lot drains you out. Also, convincing your family about this is another major task. However, I just had one thing on my mind, and it was to travel every month. Where? That was not something I had planned. Everything was more spontaneous or sudden. If you have been following my blog for a long time, you might have known my urge to take unplanned trips. So far, I have majorly traveled solo; however, I have taken trips with friends as well.
Welcomed 2022 from Shangarh in January
I welcomed 2022 from Shangarh. I booked a tree tent and spent the night. The experience was incredible. This was a new thing I did. It had been a long time since I hadn’t done any camping. I was expecting snow, but it didn’t. I left on the night of 31st December 2021 for Shangarh and reached there on 1st January 2022.
First Snowfall Experience at Nashala in February
Nashala is a small village near Naggar. I remember taking a walk to Nashala back in 2021 when I was in Naggar. I stayed in a tree cabin, a small-cute cabin set half on trees and half on the ground. It was another unique stay experience I had. I even spent two nights in a penthouse on the same premises. I booked the tree cabin on Airbnb, and the host, Klaus from Germany, was such an incredible guy. It was Nashala, where I got to experience snowfall for the first time.
Heavy Snowfall of Shangarh in March
From Nashala, I moved to Shangarh. While I was in a cab and everything turned misty, I could see raindrops falling on the cab’s front glass. And I had no idea when these raindrops changed their shapes to snowflakes. By the time I reached Shangarh, everything was covered in a thick blanket of snow. It was all white, and Shangarh looked like Narnia land.
Rewalsar, Sarkidhar, Kasol and Chhalal in April
I found Rewalsar – a melting pot of cultures while looking for offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh. I booked a homestay, Ritu Raj Homestay, and stayed there for five days. Then I moved to Chhalal, spent a night there, and the next day I moved to Kasol as I had to take a bus from there. This trip didn’t turn out that great due to poor planning (no planning, honestly, just like other trips). I believe it could have been better!
Barshangarh Waterfall of Shangarh in May
I was in Shangarh for the third time in 2022. Yes, I was in Shangarh to visit the famous Barshangarh Waterfall. I made a failed attempt in August 2021 (it rained, and I had to go back). This time too, it was almost a failed attempt. I was just close to the waterfall and dropped my phone in the water. I couldn’t navigate through the thick forest. I met a group of travelers, and then we all made it to the waterfall.
Air and Water Travel for the First Time – Mumbai and Goa in June
Yes, June was the month when I took the first-ever flight of my life. And not just the flight; I even took a ferry ride in Goa, making my first ever water trip. Also, it was the longest trip (distance-wise) to India that I have taken. I spent three days in Mumbai and then moved to Goa. A rented scooty and some beaches and other iconic attractions of Goa made the itinerary. Everything went wonderful, but Spicejet ruined the trip.
Shangarh Again in July
My love for Shangarh just won’t end. This is one place that has this affinity to pull me back to it again and again. And trust my words! If you are someone who loves nature, isolation, and peace, this is your go-to place. There’s a lot more this place has to offer—treks, beautiful stay options (TreeStays), etc., which can add more to your memories.
A Road Trip to Jispa in August
August was my birthday month, and I needed a good trip. So, that’s what I had. I went to Old Manali, rented a scooty, and went to Keylang. This was the first time I rode a scooty, and that too on the mountainous roads of Himachal Pradesh. That’s one good reason to remember birthdays. I stayed in Keylang for a day in a local hotel. The next day, I headed to Jispa from Keylang on the scooty and returned to Old Manali.
Rupi Raila Waterfall in September
Rupi Raila waterfall is on the way to Shangarh. While I was in Shangarh in July, I tried to visit this waterfall, but due to time constraints, I couldn’t. Thus, I decided to stay for a couple of days in Raila village, which is located in Sainj Valley. I booked two nights in The Yellow Chalet Homestay and visited this famous waterfall of this village. In the evening, I trekked to the sunset viewpoint and meadows of the village. And trust me; the trek pulled my lungs out.
Mini Thailand of Jibhi in October
The most awaited place, Jibhi’s turn, came in October. After coming to Aut multiple times, I have always ignored this small village for some reason. One of the biggest was the crowd and commercialization. And I personally realized this after staying for four nights in Jibhi, hopping from place to place. I covered four major attractions. I trekked to Jalori Pass, Raghupur Fort. I went to Jibhi waterfall early in the morning when there was no one. And then I went to Mini Thailand at noon.
Pushkar Fair in November
I had been thinking of visiting Pushkar for a long time, but it was just slipping out of the list. The famous Pushkar Cattle Fair held every November was always an attraction. So, this November, I took a bus at night straight to this city to attend the cattle fair. However, due to the lumpy skin disease of cattle, the cattle fair wasn’t held; everything else was there. Pushkar was a big surprise for me. It was a mixed combination of Indian religious place and hippie culture.
Kayaking in Nainital in December
Working a full-time job drained me so much that I had to take a sudden weekend (first week of December) trip to Nainital just to unwind myself from work. I stayed there for one night and visited Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, etc. I even went Kayaking in Sattal. It was a first-time experience. Then I moved to Nainital, where I visited mall road and Naina Peak (also known as China Peak). I took a long route to visit Nainital (Delhi to Bijnor, Kashipur, etc.)
Staying in a Hut in Kalga in December
It was the end of the year, and I had to take a trip to wish 2022 goodbye. I don’t know why I chose to visit Kalga for two days. However, the experience wasn’t that great. The only good thing about my stay was Rajma Chawal at this property where I stayed. The very next day, I moved to Old Manali, where I spent two days.
So, that’s how I traveled for 12 months and made 13 trips in 2022. The idea of traveling every month this way is tiring and sort of hard-hitting on my pocket (poor guy 🙁). However, I am thinking of continuing to do the same. But who knows where life is going to take us? As I always say,
“Life is a game of uncertainties. You never know what’s coming on the way…”
I met some good people, worked with good people, and lost some good people. I guess, in the end, life is all about who you are, irrespective of going through all the rough phases. That’s what makes you a real person. We all know life is beautiful, but beauty doesn’t come for free. It takes a lot from us. But the real deal lies in standing against all the odds and staying strong!
