Our 10-Month-Old Discovered the Magic of a Himalayan River

It was October 2022, our first little one, Almeer, had just turned 10 months old and started crawling—exploring the world one tiny movement at a time. My wife, Aiman, was slowly recovering from the intense physical and emotional toll of new motherhood. The early months had been a blur of sleepless nights and constant demands, leaving her mentally exhausted. We knew we needed a change of pace—a breather from the routine. So, we planned a slow, week-long getaway to a quiet backpackers’ camp near Rishikesh.

I had been following this camp ‘Bastapack Adventure‘ for a while, run by a Facebook friend, and when I reached out, the off-season worked in our favor. We got a cozy Swiss tent in this camping accomodation which is located at Mohanchatti, a peaceful spot 16 km from the bustling town of Rishikesh. We traveled there in a local sharing taxi, bumping along mountain roads while soaking in the crisp autumn air.

When we arrived, the place felt like a hidden sanctuary. The camp was perched slightly uphill, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush valleys. The calmness wrapped around us like a warm blanket. Our Swiss camp room was simple yet comfortable, but the real charm was in the outdoor spaces—swaying hammocks, open green fields, and the distant sound of a Himalayan river stream calling us.

Finding Our Rhythm in the Slow Days

One of the best things about this camp was the freedom it gave us. The kitchen was open for our use whenever needed, and the staff went out of their way to make us comfortable. They even prepared customized baby food for Almeer without hesitation. This flexibility made everything easier and more relaxing. We weren’t bound by a tight itinerary or the need to tick off sightseeing spots—we just let the days unfold naturally.

Every morning, after a warm, homemade breakfast, we set off for long, unplanned walks. About 300 meters from the camp was a pristine Himalayan river stream, a place we kept returning to. We spent hours by the water’s edge, hiking along its banks, dipping our feet into the glacial-cold flow. One day, we spent nearly the entire afternoon there, doing nothing more than watching the water and letting time slow down.

At first, we were unsure how Almeer would adjust to these wild, uneven spaces. But as soon as we let him crawl freely, he surprised us. He clambered over the soft earth, picked up smooth stones with wonder, and giggled every time his fingers sank into the wet sand. When we held him in the flowing stream, his face lit up with pure joy. He even tried to dive into the water, as if he were born for these adventures. Watching his curiosity bloom in nature felt deeply rewarding.

One afternoon, when Aiman was feeling particularly drained, I suggested she find a still spot in the stream, lie down, and let the cold water carry away her exhaustion. For 15 minutes, she lay there quietly, eyes closed, as the mountain water flowed over her. When she stood up, her face looked lighter, as if the water had washed away weeks of tension. I also then had to try that, and it was a mind-blowing experience.

The Beauty of Unplanned Moments

Another day, we ventured further along the river and found a quiet cable bridge. It was meant for two-wheelers and pedestrians, stretching delicately across the valley. Almeer decided this was his playground. He crawled across the entire bridge while we followed, laughing and capturing every adorable moment. These unscripted experiences became the most precious memories.

On our return, we stopped at a small village tea stall, where we sipped steaming chai and munched on fresh pakoras while chatting with the locals. There was no rush, no pressure—just simple pleasures shared together.

Some days, we didn’t even leave the campsite. There were swings and outdoor games, but more than that, there was space—space to breathe, to play, to be still. We took turns watching Almeer while sneaking moments of solitude. The quietness around us became a balm for our tired minds.

Why Travel With a Toddler?

Many people hesitate to travel with a young child, especially after the exhausting first year of parenting. But this trip reminded us that slow travel with a toddler is not only possible—it can be incredibly fulfilling. Almeer taught us that you don’t need grand plans or picture-perfect itineraries. All you need is time, patience, and the willingness to let your child engage with the world at their own pace.

For us, this trip wasn’t about sightseeing or adrenaline-pumping adventures. It was about healing and reconnecting. Watching Aiman slowly regain her energy and seeing Almeer thrive in nature gave us something precious—a reminder that life doesn’t have to be rushed.

If you’re a parent feeling weighed down by the relentless demands of early parenting, consider this: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is pause. Find a quiet place. Let your child explore. And in that slow rhythm, you might just find yourself healing, too.

Rishikesh was our pause button. And it was everything we needed.