“I took the one less travelled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

He took Robert Frost’s words literally. With an offline google map, he rode through the valleys of Ladakh, exploring villages only the backpackers used to visit, and finding places to stay where there ain’t any.

Vishal in the picture, © copyright Vishal Bhanushali

This is the story of Vishal Bhanushali who took a break from his decade-long career in animation and went out to experience the real world.Growing up in Mumbai, Vishal chose to become a professional in animation and VFX. After working in a studio for almost ten years he started his own studio in 2013. In 2015, Vishal took a break from his work and started to travel.

From then on, the wonders of journeys got hold of him. Celebrating his birthday with the monks in Ladakh, a rendezvous with Sham valley, dreaming to go on a bike trip from Mumbai to Bhutan. Vishal Bhanushali is a person who found peace in travel and the memories it gave him.

How did the journey begin?

Vishal is passionate about his work. Of all the days he worked in Mumbai, Vishal never took a leave or a vacation. But those extra hours in the office did not turn out to be something good for his health. So before doctors and prescriptions start to take care of his life, Vishal decided to take a break from his work

© copyright Vishal Bhanushali

“The need to travel was always in me. And this break was the perfect reason for me to embark on that dream. I started with small weekend journeys, especially treks. What I’ve experienced from trekking is that you will never get tired of it. Every time when I return from a trek I feel refreshed rather than exhausted.”

That break turned out to be one of the best decision he had ever taken. The more he travelled the more he learned. With all the expertise he has in animation and VFX Vishal made those experience into art, which tells his travel tales. Now his Instagram feed is donned with great pictures and a youtube channel with incredible videos. Apart from all this, his health became better.

“One thing I’ve noticed is that when you are healthy you can make better decisions” Vishal says.

The journey that stands out

© copyright Vishal Bhanushali

“One of my best experience is the road trip from Mumbai to Ladakh on my bike. It was a trip I had in my drawer for almost ten years. But last year, I decided to pack my bags and leave. Going all the way to Ladakh alone, riding through roads which you‘ve never been before and celebrating my birthday with monks. That trip definitely is one of my best experiences”

It’s not one over the other

© copyright Vishal Bhanushali

“It’s just me and my mom. When I told her about my plan to travel she didn’t stop me. I am also aware of my responsibilities, whenever she needs me I am there.”

The blessing in disguise

From where the road ends, it’s a 6-hour hike to reach the Phugtal monastery in Ladakh. At Lamayuru, Vishal was disappointed to know that the trail to the monastery was inaccessible due to some heavy construction work. He had to pull out from his plan.

But for a person filled with wanderlust and left with eight days in his itinerary, there’s always another place to go.

© copyright Vishal Bhanushali

“After a brief ride from Lamayuru, I reached Sham Valley. It was the season of Apricot and the entire valley was donned with Apricot flowers and fruits. That view is still vivid in my mind”

With the offline Google map, he went to several places which only some backpackers visit. Many of them didn’t even have a homestay. In such places, local people offered him shelter.

“I think that the people of Ladakh are some of the sweetest of the people I’ve met.” he said.

© copyright Vishal Bhanushali

Spending it right

With experience, Vishal has figured out a way keep the financial aspect of his travel in control. He uses hostels which provide decent stays at a nominal cost. He keeps in touch with the locals so that he can find places to stay amongst them when he goes there next time. And when it comes to food, Vishal always has a ‘mobile pantry’, so that he can prepare food on the go. It might not be anything big, but it can satisfy hunger, save a lot of time, money and nutritious. While he was travelling in Ladakh, he always carried some fruits, vegetables, bread and butter so that he can quickly make a sandwich whenever needed.  

Vishal Bhanusahli found his peace in travel. He met a lot of people, learned about their culture and each and every journey left him craving for more.

Last Updated on September 17, 2018 by Prathima HP