Tosh - My home away from home

Why did I choose to write about this place first? 

Well, when I remember the days spent in Parvati Valley last year, the only thing that I remember distinctly is the small quaint village tucked deep into the valleys protected by the mighty mountains and a river flowing by. Yes - that is exactly what Tosh is.

Located in the lap of Parvati Valley, Tosh is one of the most beautiful villages I have ever seen in my life. The small wooden houses with beautiful fireplaces, laidback lifestyle of people here along with the aromas of freshly made ginger honey lemon tea is what perfectly defines Tosh. And yes, the company of snow cladded mountains and cold breeze is like the cherry on the top.

Tiny wooden houses tucked in the valleys are the best.

It was the fourth day of our trip when took a bus from Kasol to get to Barshaini which is the base village for Tosh. What happened in Kasol the earlier 3 days is a long story for some other time. 

Getting down at the Bhuntar bus stand, I felt like stepping into a wonderland. Small kids playing around carefreely, shop vendors having their cup of tea, and the mountains awaiting for us to take us in. 

We were soon accompanied by 2 people from Delhi who were planning for Tosh as well. After a tiring hour long walk, we reached the base of the village. We were absoltely lost as soon as we entered the village. The bunch of small wooden houses sitting on the mountains were waiting to tell us a story.

Those dreamy little houses on the mountains.

 We were drained by the walk but somehow managed to reach the cafe we had been hearing about throughout the trek; Pink Floyd Cafe. And bang, the cafe took our pain away even before we knew.

Rs.150 for this view. Beat that! 

The cafe offers a spectacular view of the Tosh along with the Parvati River. Having a sip of tea to the view of mountains was blessing in disguise. 

Sitting here I realized that nature is always living at its own pace. The silent whispers of the nature are often the loudest one's if you can hear closely. 

This is how nature speaks. And I was absolutely speechless.

Coming here I realized that beautiful things don't need your attention. They are just there, regardless of whether you see them or not. But if you wish to truly see them, you have to let go of everything and just be there. And believe me, just being there witnessing the beauty made me realize that sometimes in life you need to stop running and take a break just to be out there and live. Not exist; but live.

I could stay here forever for the rest of my life.

I always knew everyone had a home away from home. It finally took me 2000 kms to come down here from Pune, only to realize that mine was in the mountains; far away from the bustling noises and pollution of the city, away from the society, away from all the rules and norms we live in. And this home in the mountains was not four walls and a roof. It was the endless green pastures protected by mighty mountains. 

Yes, truly Tosh is now one of my homes away from home. 

To see more pictures - Go on my Instagram account.

Until next time,

Ashish