Chitta Katha Lake looks like something out of a screensaver—icy blue, ringed by mountains that make you feel small in a way that’s supposed to be profound. But nobody tells you about the altitude headaches, the way your hands go numb before sunrise, or how the silence gets so loud you start thinking about every mistake you’ve made since high school. I thought reaching the lake would feel like a win. Instead, I sat on a rock, shivering, and realized I’d packed more for Instagram than for myself. No one warns you how lonely a place can feel when you’re chasing a view instead of a reason. Next time, I’ll bring less gear and more honesty. #Travel #TravelRealityCheck #NotJustAPhoto