From Corporate Burnout to Spiti Valley Monasteries: Priya’s 9-Day Journey with Go Banjara

1. Escaping Hyderabad’s Corporate Grind

Working in tech in Hyderabad (HITEC City) often leaves little room for reflection. In March, I decided to take a leap and book my first solo journey to the cold desert of Spiti Valley.

I flew from Hyderabad to Chandigarh, where Go Banjara’s trip coordinators met our small group of 6 like-minded slow travelers, led by an experienced female trip captain.

2. Authentic Spitian Homestays & Local Culture

Instead of commercial hotels, we stayed in traditional mud-brick homestays in Kibber and Langza. We ate fresh sea-buckthorn tea, homemade butter roti, and listened to village elders share ancient folklore around wood-fired bukhari stoves.

The snow-dusted peak of Mount Shilla towering over Langza village.

3. Tea Sessions with Monks at Key Monastery

Sitting on the rooftop of 1,000-year-old Key Monastery overlooking the Spiti River while young monks chanted morning prayers was a spiritual awakening. It completely stripped away my corporate stress.

4. Trekking to Lake Dhankar at 13,500 Feet

On Day 6, our group hiked up the steep trail from Dhankar Fort to the turquoise glacial waters of Dhankar Lake. Walking behind our local guide Tenzin, we reached the high-altitude lake just as the wind died down, creating a mirror reflection of the peaks.

• Explored World’s Highest Post Office in Hikkim (sent 12 handwritten postcards)
• Trekking in high-altitude dry climate with zero phone network distraction
• Supported indigenous women-led homestay cooperatives in Kaza
• Equipped with Go Banjara weatherproof travel backpacks

5. My Advice for Solo Female Travelers

Don’t wait for friends’ schedules to align. Join a Go Banjara small group trip—it will redefine how you experience India.