Business Panorama speaks to Ritu Bala, an aspiring Travelpreneur, who is taking Trekking, Camping and Adventure tourism to the next level.
In a world obsessed with money, remember that time is the most valuable asset we have. So, let’s escape the ordinary, explore the extraordinary, and collect memories along the way! 🗺️⏳💛
I remember when I was in college, I wanted to travel outstation with my college friends. At that time, it was just curiosity to go out with friends where there is no parenting (as I came from a middle-class family where a girl is not supposed to step out or even wear jeans). Knowing nothing about what the outer world looks like. Not knowing what excites me may be just being free.
And then a day arrived in August 2006 (not sure if 2006 or 2007, but yeah, I was using Orkut 😜). My first trip was, in fact, Trek to Vally of Flowers. A random plan with office colleagues (got permission from Mom; I would not have traveled even then if my dad was there; no, he wasn’t orthodox; he changed himself along with time; it’s just a fear and care for his daughters). I have been asked if I want to join their journey (Avinash and Faruq have already attempted it once and want to visit the beauty again).
Valley of Flowers, my first Trek, is heaven, in a simple or single word if I must describe it. Experience, breath-taking view, untouched beauty.
Since then, I have been exploring mountains and traveling everywhere. Covered most of Uttarakhand and Himachal. Multiple treks, naming a few: Tigers Nest (Bhutan), Tarsar Marsar Lake (Kashmir), Gomukh Tapovan (Uttarakhand), Lahaul, Spiti, Leh, and many more.
Sharing some astonishing memories in the form of photographs.
Everyone kept on asking how I managed all these travels with a 9–7 corporate job in hand. My answer to everyone is that if you really love doing anything, you do take out time, or in fact, you should take out time to fulfill your dreams. I follow my passion, and yes, it does come with compromises. One must choose between satisfying oneself or society. I earn enough to survive and fulfill my dream of traveling and exploring India.
I have also led groups for 3 to 4 days of trekking, helping people customize their travel plans. lined up many with other groups.
I wish to have my own homestay in the mountains and would love to continue taking people along with me on my journey.
I wish people would find their passion and follow it. I have been so lucky to have my family support me and never stop me from following it. I am working in corporate and with all the ifs and buts, the only thing that keeps me motivated is to work hard and earn so I can travel as much as I can.
I hope you like reading my experience and it brings smile on your face 😊
Ritu Bala, has somehow found happiness and passion in traveling, trekking and camping, getting her idea and venture to startup one day.
We @ Business Panorama team wish her great future ahead.
Instagram Id: https://www.instagram.com/_wanderlusting_wander_girl/