Tatwani Himalayan Hot Springs: A Women’s Trek That Sparked Sisterhood

Written By

Kavita Mathur

At YUO, we celebrate women who embrace new adventures and connections as they grow older. In this story, Kavita Mathur takes us on a journey through the Himalayan hot springs of Tatwani, where a trek with four women turned into a celebration of sisterhood, courage, and rediscovery.

As narrated by Kavita…

A Solo Plan That Became Something Bigger

When I planned my second solo trip to Himachal Pradesh, my main focus was a creative writing workshop. Yet tucked away in my mind was another dream: trekking to Tatwani, one of the natural Himalayan hot springs I had once seen on a friend’s Instagram post. It wasn’t a fixed plan, just a quiet wish. I thought if it was meant to happen, it would fall into place.

And it did.

During the workshop, I bonded with four women from different cities, age groups, and life stages. There was Shweta, a yoga expert whose calm energy grounded us all. Komal, who helps run her family business and also runs marathons, was always ready to give a push to anyone who slowed down. Arshi, a government employee with sharp wit and endless curiosity, was often in the lead. And Deepika, a psychologist with a loud laugh and witty remarks, brought ease to anxious moments. I was the entrepreneur in the group, used to leading projects but here simply soaking in the joy of new friendships.

We clicked instantly—exchanging stories, laughing late into the night, and asking endless questions about each other’s journeys. One afternoon, as everyone discussed their post-workshop plans, I casually mentioned my idea of trekking to Tatwani. To my surprise, almost everyone lit up at the thought.

Eventually, the five of us committed to the plan. It was spontaneous, unstructured, and in some ways imperfect, but it felt just right. “It felt like a small, tight-knit girly group,” I recall even now.

Little did we know, this journey would introduce us to the magic of the Himalayan hot springs—where nature and sisterhood came together in unforgettable ways.

Setting Out on the Trek

We were supported by two local guides, Dipin and Amber, who knew the trail well. They arranged transport, meals, and essentials, and prepared us for what lay ahead. The trek itself was moderate—about one and a half hours—but with the chance of rain or wildlife encounters.

Instead of dampening our spirits, the uncertainty added to the excitement. I had gone in with very few expectations. What I found instead was joy, connection, and an energy I hadn’t anticipated.

The diversity of our group only enriched the experience. With ages ranging from early 30s to mid-50s, each woman brought her own perspective and spark. Rather than creating distance, our differences drew us closer. We were open, enthusiastic, and full of fun.

Along the trail, bonds deepened through small gestures. Shweta offered a steadying hand and even carried my backpack. Komal shared energy snacks and water when the climb felt tough. Arshi encouraged everyone while navigating slippery rocks and uneven paths. Deepika lightened the mood with her laughter and jokes throughout.

The trek was never about who was the fittest or fastest—it was about walking together, as one.

The Magic of the Himalayan Hot Springs

The true heart of the journey revealed itself when we finally reached Tatwani, a secluded Himalayan hot spring. Hidden amidst rocks, surrounded by towering peaks and open skies, the springs felt almost sacred.

Unlike other destinations, these Himalayan hot springs carry a unique spiritual quality—an untouched, serene space that seemed to embrace us with warmth and calm.

One by one, we stepped into the warm water—tentatively at first, then with bursts of laughter and squeals. Steam rose around us, clouds drifted above, and the mountains stood like sentinels in the distance.

“It was like we had stepped into a dream,” I thought. “We were soaking in not just the heat of the water but the sheer surrealness of where we were.”

For some of us, it was our first experience bathing in a natural Himalayan hot spring. The therapeutic warmth felt both healing and rejuvenating. Locals often believe that Himalayan hot springs carry natural minerals that calm the body and mind, and we felt that truth in the most personal way.

And then, without warning, we all went silent. The laughter faded into stillness. It wasn’t awkward silence—it was awe. A collective presence that felt sacred. For a few moments, we were free, weightless—almost like flying together in some metaphorical way.

That shared stillness became the most transformative moment of the trek. No words were spoken, but something shifted. We had started as strangers; in that moment, we became something much closer.

Sisterhood in the Mountains

The Himachal Pradesh trek was never just about reaching Tatwani, the Himalayan hot spring tucked deep in the valley. It became a lesson in how women, when they come together, can create spaces of care, encouragement, and belonging.

Meals shared on the way, bursts of laughter over little mishaps, and the quiet companionship on the trail all became threads in a fabric of sisterhood. The highlight wasn’t the place—it was us: the women, the energy, the bond we built that day.

Travel often strips away routines, roles, and responsibilities. On the trail, there was no need to play any part other than simply being present. That freedom made space for deeper connections to form, and we embraced it wholeheartedly.

Beyond the Trek: Lasting Connections

The bonds didn’t dissolve once the trek ended. We continue to stay in touch, exchanging messages, sharing photos, and even talking about future reunions. But more importantly, we carry with us the memory of what was created that day in the mountains—a reminder that sisterhood can be found in the most unexpected places.

For women hesitant about joining such adventures, our story offers gentle encouragement. Sometimes the most transformative experiences begin with a simple yes—to spontaneity, to strangers, to the unknown. And for many, saying yes to exploring Himalayan hot springs can become the gateway to deeper connections, both with nature and with each other.

Final Reflections

The trek to Tatwani, one of the region’s most cherished Himalayan hot springs, was more than just a scenic hike. It was a reminder of the beauty of Himachal Pradesh, the richness of shared journeys, and the strength of women traveling together.

In the silence of the Himalayan hot springs, surrounded by steam and mountains, five women discovered that sisterhood doesn’t need decades to build. Sometimes, it only takes a trail, a little laughter, and the courage to step into the unknown together.

The content belongs to Kavita Mathur . Reproduction is prohibited. Used on this website by permission from the author.