A Poetic Beginning to a Chilly Escape

The mountains called, and we didn’t text back — we packed.

With tired souls and overworked group chats, we sought the solace of snow, the silence of pine-scented air, and possibly, the best momos north of Delhi. Shimla had been on our bucket list since college. And one long weekend later, we were finally headed there — friends, backpacks, chaotic energy and all.

It wasn’t just a trip. It was a reunion, a therapy session, and a comedy show on wheels.

The Plan That Wasn’t

We had no set itinerary, unless you count “reach Shimla and wing it” as a plan. One friend wanted to relax, another wanted to trek, and I just wanted decent Wi-Fi and no bunk beds.

The only thing we did prepare in advance? Our hotel bookings, thanks to cheQin.ai. I had used the app once before and loved how you could just post your stay details and let hotels offer you the best prices. Way better than scrolling through 57 tabs and comparing shady photos.

So while others fought over music playlists, I quietly locked down great rooms at great prices. That, my friends, is growth.

Day 1: Arrival, Altitude, and the Great Jacket Debate

The drive to Shimla was scenic, sure — but let me tell you, winding roads and loud friends don’t mix well. One of us got motion sickness, another kept yelling “Are we there yet?” and someone forgot their jacket. (It was 4 degrees. We judged them.)

Shimla greeted us with misty hills, colonial charm, and cold that could slap the chai out of your hand. We checked into our hotel near Mall Road, a cozy spot we scored at the last minute — again, thank you cheQin.ai and your magical real-time hotel deals.

Day 2: Mall Road Madness and Momo Obsession

Mall Road is where you go to pretend you’re shopping while actually just people-watching and planning your next snack stop.

We did a little bit of everything:

Tried on Himachali caps and took 30 photos in the same pose.
Bought souvenirs we didn’t need but now cherish.
Ate enough momos and maggi to worry a nutritionist.

Travel Tip: Don’t wear brand-new boots for long walks. My blisters now have names.

Day 3: Jakhoo Temple and Monkey Diplomacy

Hiking to Jakhoo Temple was beautiful. Peaceful trail, snowy trees, slight cardio… until the monkeys arrived.

One monkey stole a friend’s sunglasses. Another tried grabbing our prasad. Eventually, we negotiated with a banana and got the sunglasses back. Shimla’s monkeys are street-smart, folks.

The temple, though, was stunning. The giant Hanuman statue loomed over the hills like a protector. And the view? Worth every panting step.

Day 4: Kufri Adventures and Samosa Shenanigans

Kufri was our mini adventure day. Snow? Check. Horse rides? Check. Mild arguments over whether to ski or drink hot chocolate? Double check.

Some of us went for the full snowy experience, while others (me) stayed back for hot samosas, snowy selfies, and deep thoughts about moving to the mountains forever.

Oh, and we made a snowman that looked more like a snow potato, but it had heart.

Food Highlight: Local dhabas served some of the best parathas and chai I’ve ever had. Budget-friendly and belly-happy.

Nights in Shimla: Bonfire Gossip and Blanket Wars

Our nights were a mix of bonfire stories, card games, and blanket fights (because someone always steals the thicker one).

We shared ghost stories that were less scary and more dramatic. Laughed until our faces hurt. Debated about life and love and whether paneer butter masala should have sugar (it shouldn’t).

Hotel Tip: If you’re traveling with friends, use cheQin.ai’s group booking feature. It made our multi-room plan super easy, and we didn’t overpay. Plus, having hotels offer you their at best prices? Chef’s kiss.

What I Packed vs. What I Actually Needed

Packed:

3 jackets
2- pairs of jeans
1 book (never opened)

Actually needed:

Thermals
Moisturizer
Extra phone battery (for all the photo ops)

Also, if someone tells you it won’t be that cold? Don’t believe them.

Shimla: The Snow Globe of Memories

We didn’t check off every tourist spot. We didn’t stick to the itinerary (mostly because we didn’t have one). But what we got was better: spontaneous laughs, roadside tea, cold noses, warm hearts, and the kind of memories that only come from shared chaos.

Shimla gave us more than a break. It gave us stories — some hilarious, some heartwarming, all unforgettable.

Final Kicker:

So, if you’re planning a Shimla trip with friends, here’s my advice: Go. Get lost. Eat too many momos. Forget your plans. But whatever you do, don’t forget your jacket or your cheQin.ai app.

Because good hotels and great friends? That’s a trip worth freezing your toes for.

Shimla Weekend Trip with Friends: Snow, Laughter & Great Deals