How Mumbai, the City of Dreams, Made Way for My Himalayan Adventure

Journey from Mumbai to the Himalayas

Mumbai, often referred as city of dreams, is where millions wander around in search of opportunities and success, and a better life. For many, its a place where dreams are made or broken. For me Mumbai was a starting point of the journey that led me to the serene heights of Himalayas, where I found my true calling and dream life.

The Hustle and Bustle: Mumbai’s Energy

Living in Mumbai, I was surrounded by the relentless energy of a city that never sleeps. The fast-paced life, constant buzz and the drive to succeed shaped me in more ways than one. Mumbai taught me the value of hard work and how to party most importantly.

This was one of the parties I attended with my fitness community, Cult.Fit Official.

Finding My Passion

Despite the opportunities Mumbai offered, there was always a party of me that yearned for something more. The constant grind of city life began to take a toll, and I found myself longing for peace, meaning and deeper connection with nature. It was in the midst of this struggle and the solo mountain trips I took in my early 20s.

The photo below is from 2013, showing me in a backpacker's paradise called Kasol.

My weekends spent in nearby hill stations, hiking trips, and occasional getaways to the Western Ghats became highlights of my time in Mumbai.

These moments in the Western Ghats were contrast only to realise my heart belonged somewhere else - THE HIMALAYAS!

Trading the City Life for Indian Himalayas

The decision to make Mumbai the second priority city, or what I call 'Base Camp,' wasn’t easy. The city had given me a vibrant social life, and countless memories. But the call of the Himalayas was too strong to ignore. I realised that in order to truly LIVE MY DREAM LIFE, I needed to take my leap of faith and follow my passion.

Mumbai had prepared me for this. The resilience I built in the city gave me the courage to embrace the uncertainty of a new life in the mountains. The skills and experience I gained in Mumbai, along with my hostel life in Hyderabad during my master's, became invaluable as I navigated the challenges of a completely different life.

The lessons I learned in Mumbai - adaptability, persistence, and the ability to thrive under pressure - helped me succeed in the new mountain chapter of life. I built a life aligned with my values and passions, far away from the noise of the city.

Read more about how I created a dream life in the mountains.

Gratitude for the City of Dreams

As I now sit in Himalayan homestays ot hostels, surrounded by towering peaks and the serenity of nature, I often reflect on my time in Mumbai. The city of dreams gave me the foundation I needed to pursue my true calling. It taught me to dream big, work hard, and have the courage to follow my heart, no matter where it leads.

Mumbai will always hold a special place in my heart, not just as the city that nurtured me, but as the place that ultimately led me to my dream life in the Himalayas.