Gushaini - Himachal Pradesh (India)

                             

They say, “Not all those who wander are lost.” I didn’t really understand this until the summer of 2008, when I found myself wandering not just in the mountains, but also in my office corridors with zero clue about where our long-awaited vacation would take us.

Picture this: a group of colleagues desperate for a break from Delhi’s chaos, endless office chai breaks spent “planning,” and still… no destination. Slowly, people began dropping out. Out of 15, only five warriors (including my boss!) were left standing. With no plan, no bookings, and no clue – just backpacks, chips, and enthusiasm – we were determined to go somewhere.

And that’s how Gushaini, Himachal Pradesh happened – a place none of us had ever heard of, but would later call one of the best accidental decisions of our lives.

Delhi to Gushaini – Road Trip Tales (ft. Overpriced Omelettes & Google Maps)

At 3 a.m., we set out from Delhi in my boss’s car – a road trip led by a boss, can you imagine? (Spoiler: he turned out to be more fun than some of my college buddies). The route was Delhi–Panipat–Karnal–Ambala–Chandigarh–Ropar–Bilaspur–Mandi–Pandho Dam–Kanda–Gushaini, covering roughly 550 km in 16 hours.

The highways were empty, our playlists were on shuffle, and our bags were filled with chips and soft drinks (our version of survival gear). By 6 a.m., we were devouring “bread-omelettes” at a highway dhaba in Karnal. Only later did we realize we might have been served ostrich eggs considering the price. That became our first “pinned-down spot” of overcharging villains, followed later by a gas station and a shopkeeper who sold Lay’s above MRP. No, we weren’t starting a Tehelka sting operation – just collecting inside jokes for the trip.

View from our camps

By afternoon, the plains gave way to Himachal’s stunning valleys. Windows down, mountain air rushing in – the tiredness vanished as the Himalayas opened their arms for us. Finally, around 5:30 p.m., after chips, jokes, and countless turns, we rolled into Gushaini.

Our camps by the river

Camps by the River Tirthan – Night Safari & Ghostly Legends

We had booked the Trans Himalayan Camp, perched right next to the beautiful Tirthan River. Imagine this: fresh mountain breeze, the sound of a gushing river, and candlelight dinners by the water. Basically, the stuff Instagram reels are made of (except this was pre-reel era!).

That night, the camp arranged a moonlight safari. We climbed uphill in pitch darkness as the camp guide narrated local legends. Honestly, every rustle felt like a ghost breathing down my neck. The guide reassured us that the local Goddess protected the valley. We didn’t argue – just followed him, chanting silent prayers. When we finally returned safe, we thanked both the Goddess and our sturdy legs before diving into a hearty dinner by the river.

Tirthan river

Waterfall Trek, Discovery Channel & Glacier-Chilled Showers

I woke up at 5 a.m. to the sound of heavy rain. By breakfast, the sun was out again – apparently, that’s the Tirthan Valley weather routine. Fun fact: we later learned that we were only the 11th tourist group to ever stay here. Even cooler? Before us, crews from Discovery Channel and National Geographic had visited for glacier studies. Talk about following in elite footsteps!

Post breakfast, we hiked to a glacier-fed waterfall about 3 km away. What looked like a cakewalk soon turned into us panting and questioning our life choices after the first kilometer. But once we reached, the sight was heavenly – crystal-clear water tumbling down amidst untouched forests.

En-route waterfall

The water was so icy cold that stepping in felt like being stabbed by a thousand needles. Naturally, we all jumped in anyway. We even drank straight from the stream – the purest, freshest water I’ve ever tasted. Refreshed and shivering, we headed back, later feasting on local trout fish and an enormous chicken dinner at camp. (Fun fact: the chicken leg was so big it looked like it could file for Aadhaar on its own). Meanwhile, one of my friends drank till 3 a.m. with the camp owner, who the next morning made it clear this was less bonding and more harassment.

The waterfall

Jalori Pass Adventures & My Graceful Fall

The next morning, we set off for Jalori Pass (10,800 ft). The drive itself was spectacular – waterfalls along the road, oak trees standing tall, and clouds drifting by at eye level. At the top, green meadows stretched endlessly, with wildflowers carpeting the slopes.

En route Jalori pass

                          

View down the valley

Nearby, we hiked towards Serolsar Lake, a serene spot dedicated to the local goddess Budhi Nagin. Just when we were getting into the spiritual vibe, the skies opened up. Heavy rain forced us to run – three friends uphill, my boss and I downhill. And then, it happened – I slipped on the wet grass and slid downhill like a poorly dressed toboggan. No injuries, just lowers that now looked like a camouflage design gone wrong.

Jalori Pass

We took shelter in a tiny eatery, ordered breakfast, and watched the valley dissolve into misty rain. It was one of those moments where you’re drenched, hungry, and yet ridiculously happy.

                               

Back to Delhi – But a Little More at Peace

As the trip wrapped up and we drove back to Delhi, there was a quiet contentment in all of us. Gushaini had given us more than just a break – it had shown us the beauty of hidden places, the fun of unplanned adventures, and the joy of being away from the “tourist trail.”

Why You Should Visit Gushaini, Himachal Pradesh?

• Location: In the heart of the Tirthan Valley, near Kullu.
• Best Time to Visit: March–June for pleasant weather, October–February for snowfall.
• Things to Do: Trek to waterfalls, camp by Tirthan River, visit Jalori Pass & Serolsar Lake, try local trout fish.
• Stay Options: Riverside camps & homestays.
• Perfect For: Offbeat travelers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a digital detox.

Final Thoughts

From overpriced omelettes to ghostly night safaris, from glacier showers to my epic Jalori Pass slide – this trip was proof that sometimes, the best adventures come with zero planning. If you’re looking for an offbeat Himachal Pradesh destination, skip the usual Manali–Shimla circuit and head to Gushaini in Tirthan Valley. Trust me, you’ll return with stories, peace, and maybe even a new appreciation for your boss.