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Being raised in an orthodox society, where women are always taught not to interact with strangers, it was a bold decision to step out alone on a venture. But my nomadic soul knew, I must do it. Not to be a rebel, but to seek my own self, that was buried somewhere deep down. One fine day, tickets booked, bags packed, and off I was on an unknown journey. I was scared and sceptical but determined to find out what this journey has in store for me. I travelled to Sikkim, a north-eastern state of India. This beautiful place is part of the great Himalayan range with mesmerising landscapes and the majestic view of world’s third highest mountain, the Kangchenjunga. I went there with a lot of apprehension in my heart. But the moment I reached Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, I knew I couldn't have picked a better place for my first solo expedition. The enchanting beauty of the mountains made me forget everything that I left back home. The feeling of a free bird is the best thing one could sense. I was in charge of my own happiness at that moment, and I promised myself to make this trip a memorable one. More than giving a lifetime memory, the 10 days solo wandering taught me lessons that the routine life cast a shadow over. I wasn't expecting it to be a smooth journey, neither was it. At every stage of the travel, I got rid of a bit of me that pull myself backward in life. I gave up my comfort when I hopped into shared taxis filled with unknown men, sometimes me being the only woman in there, or when I slept peacefully on dirty beds because I was tired by an eventful day. I did forego my fear while travelling on hours long lonely mountain roads alone with the taxi driver in the dark, or while evading those prying eyes waiting for a chance to take advantage. I stopped caring about what people think when I walked confidently in my menstrual blood-stained pants as I couldn't find a proper toilet. I abjured my introversion and reluctance when I chatted incessantly with the locales to see though their lives. I enjoyed each moment of those tough and scary times; they only made me more confident, fierce and determined. The best part of the solo travel is seeing your self-reflection in other’s eyes. I realised how big a feat solo travel is for a woman when I saw people astounded to see me alone on the roads. Even more surprising for them was the fact that I'm married, yet not accompanied by my husband. They were eager to know my story, why am I alone and how am I managing on my own. I was flooded with questions wherever I go, and it gave me a sense of pride while answering them. More than men, women were intrigued by my expedition. They found me inspiring, and that was my biggest achievement. People always welcomed me heartily and they showered extra care, attention or help to make me feel comfortable. I remember the caretaker of a lodge making me sit at a separate table in the dining hall, giving me extra piece of chicken, forcing me to overeat, or the local lady voluntarily giving me expert tip on how to bargain well in the flea market. Fellow travellers happily took me in their groups, clicked lovely photos of me and became good friends eventually. I couldn't have encountered a better experience had I not been there all by myself. I was alone there, yet never lonely. I'm often asked why travelling means so much to me. Well, I don't travel for a vacation. Travel is soul-food to me. If your soul is hungry, it gradually eats up your mind and body. A well-fed soul shows you how powerful you are. That's exactly what happened on this trip. I came home with enormous positive energy. I am ready to take up any challenge in life and my heart believes I won't falter. This little adventure changed me as a person. I found "myself" in the valleys of Sikkim.