I cupped my hands over my lips and shouted, “Anyone there?!”

My voice traveled across the deep ravine that lay beneath my feet, touched the white, fluffy clouds that were sadly sliding away in the distance and ricocheted off the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayan mountain range.

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I looked at myself, awed and humbled by a strange sensation welling inside me.

I looked around and could see the road winding and stretch to both sides, hemmed by mountains on one side and a deep ravine on the other. I could not spot any signs of life, human or otherwise as far as my vision went. At the height of about 4200 meters, I did not see much vegetation around me, though the valleys that stretched out below me were lush green. I gazed in marvel at the contrasting landscapes, barren land, lush vegetation and snow capped mountains captured in a single frame by my natural camera, my eyes.

The only sound I could hear was that of my breathing; the silence was so overpowering that it induced a meditation like trance in me without even closing my eyes.

As I stood and soaked in this wonderful experience, strange waves of bliss coursed through my veins, and I was filled with a strange exultation. I breathed in gulps of rare oxygen and felt happy just to be alive. Standing on the side of the road overlooking a deep ravine on the way to Nathula Pass, I felt I had come a long way. My temporary camp at Sterling Holiday Resorts, Gangtok, now seemed far, far away, in another world.

With a last look at the panoramic feast that stretched out before me, I reluctantly made my back to civilization. However, I knew that the strange bliss that had overpowered me would stay with me for a long time and I would feel the same thrill whenever I relived the experience.

Traveling solo has many advantages, and one of them is so intrinsic, words are not capable of describing it. The above account was a feeble attempt at describing an immersive experience of traveling solo.

Like everything else, Solo Travel has its advantages and disadvantages, though there is no denying the fact that the sharing of experiences with your family and/or partner is also an excellent experience. This post is dedicated to talking about the advantages of Solo Travel.

Rediscover yourself

Traveling Solo is a fantastic opportunity to rediscover oneself.  It is in itself an internal journey, which one can embark on and visit the two important destinations of INTROSPECTION and RETROSPECTION. If we consider travel as a process of transformation, then Solo Travel is a catalyst that expedites the process of transformation. While discovering new places outside, one comes in touch with various aspects of ones’ personality which lay undiscovered.

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Feel free

Solo Travel sets you free like never before and you can soar with the wings of a bird, literally and figuratively without a burden. What that means is you travel lighter, both physically and mentally. Your backpack contains only your bare needs, and your mind does not need to worry about whether your companion can keep pace with you or not. This taste of independence is indeed sweet.

Lets you get out of your comfort zone

Solo Travel pushes you out of your comfort zone in a way that nothing else can do. You are on your own and need to fend for yourself. The road stretches out long and lonely in front of you and you are the master of your own destiny. Solo Travel is a great medium to challenge your own fears and insecurities. It kneads and pummels your personality and transforms you into a survivor.

Helps you meet new people

Solo Travel also gives you a chance to interact with complete strangers in a strange land. It is a chance to immerse oneself in the local cultures without inhibitions and the need to look over one’s shoulder. Solo travel provides some great opportunities to meet with amazing specimens of the Homo Sapiens race and forge everlasting friendships based on shared experiences.

Travel at your own pace

Solo travel provides you the luxury of traveling at your own pace. One can follow the dictates of ones’ heart and impulses. If you like a particular place, you can decide to stay put to your heart’s content and if you do not like a particular location, who is there to stop you from boarding the next bus or train?

To conclude, these are some of the advantages of traveling solo, there are many others too, and I am sure everyone has their own personal reasons for traveling alone.

So hoist your backpack onto your shoulders and take the first step. The long and lonely road stretches out before you!