21 Comments

As someone who’s never romanticised or felt called to the mountains, your lovely piece made me realise that its about time I give it another shot! The car sickness may not be as bad now and if I put in some time to consistently exercise, I won’t crawl my way through the streets which are non existent in Mumbai where I live. Thank you for introducing me to Deer Park and Bir, I look forward to visiting sometime (sooner than later)!!

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Thank you Saloni. Let me know if you ever need help in planning your journey. Also I feel that maybe mountains are not for everyone. You may very well be a beach person or a tropical person. That's completely alright as long as you enjoy where you are :)

Regardless, would love to show you around Bir.

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I totally agree, I now just want my dislike to be an informed decision and not one based on experiences from the far past, which I suspect is tainting the entire canvas for me.

I sure will be reaching out for planning related queries then, thank you so much for your kind offer!

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Dear Rishu

Having spent so many months in Bir, and at Deer Park, this was a treat to read. I share the love you feel for the place. That day, that month of transformation and how the writing inside of you burgeoned outward...

Thank you for sharing your inner world <3

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Thank you so much Seema. Hugs <3

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It was very reassuring to know that such a journey with all the doubts and roadblocks that anyone who thinks about this does encounter (first in the head then in actuality). Good to know that you had similar problems and doubts and how you have managed to work with it. Lovely to read and know 👐

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Thank you very much for reading my work Sanskriti :)

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What a journey, Rishabh! Such a wonderful slice of life. The way you paint Bir makes me want to drop everything and just go. It’s wild how certain places can hold pieces of us we didn’t even know were missing!

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How kind of you to read and comment Mohika. Thanks a lot :)

If you ever plan to visit Bir, let me know! Would love to show you around.

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I’m so glad I found your Substack Rishabh! I loved reading your journey… and I love that plant based meal you had — looking delicious! 🌻

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Thank you so much! Means the world to me :)

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Rishabh, I love this. Each word had me riveted. Thank you.

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Thank you so much Shreya! :)

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Amazing, Rishabh!

As someone who has spent living and working in Himalayas as a Trek Leader for 1.5 years, I can relate to your routine and lifestyle 🥹

It’s so beautifully written

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thank you so much Rahul. Do you still work as a trek leader in Himalayas? :)

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Lovely Rishabh. I went to Deer Park in May 2023 and ended up spending close to 1.5 years in Bir. That community is still close to me. It was lovely to read about your experience. In fact, I am visiting Bir again next week. Maybe we will bump into each other! All the best for the journey ahead.

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Hey Namit. Hope you're doing well. I am so sorry I forgot to respond to your comment. I have come to Noida this week to spend time with my family. I will reach out to you once I am back. Till when are you in Bir?

Best wishes to you as well <3

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Wow, it really takes guts to make such a decision! Imagining a life in the mountains is one thing, but actually living it is a whole different challenge.

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Thanks a ton Seetanshu. Means the world to me :)

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Lovely to read about the journey into Bir Rishabh.

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Thank you Shital :)

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