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Raksha Nagaraj - Adventurous Solo Female Traveller

@solopassport

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61 countries 7 continents. Rescue Diver. Trekker. Proving solo female travel has no limits.
@bengaluruprayana @openskycircles @letstrekbangalore

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My friend Vijay and I summited Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, yesterday morning (7 Sep). This has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I am truly grateful to the universe for making this possible. This will surely remain one of the most memorable experiences I will talk about for years to come.

Some stats about the trail we did:
👉🏻Route: Lemosho Trail – 7 Days
👉🏻Distance: Approximately 70 km
👉🏻Height of Kilimanjaro: 5895 metres
👉🏻Trek Operator: Trekking Hero (they were fabulous) @trekking_hero
👉🏻Difficulty Grade: Extremely hard

Summit night was the toughest. We started at 11 pm the previous night and walked until 7 am to reach Stella Point, which is just 150 metres below the peak. From there, we continued and reached the summit around 8 am.

The climb was extremely challenging. At that altitude, every breath is a struggle and each step feels heavy. At one point, just 10 metres away from the Kilimanjaro signboard, I sat down and felt like I could not go further. But my friend Vijay and our leads, Thomas and Nazareth, kept pushing and supporting me. Walking between frozen ice paths gave me a sudden burst of energy, and reaching the summit felt surreal.

It was an incredible experience, and I highly recommend every trekker to have Mount Kilimanjaro on their bucket list. taken in Uhuru Peak (5895m) by @solopassport

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a year ago

There was a time I couldn’t speak in front of even a second stranger. I would get nervous, overthink, and freeze. Public speaking was one of my biggest fears.

Today, I stood on a TEDx stage.

This moment wasn’t just about being on stage. As I grew older by a year yesterday, this was a gift from someone above looking after me.

This journey has been long, and it has been full of learning. I didn’t get here alone. I am deeply grateful to every person who has helped me reach this point, those who encouraged me to speak up, who gave me opportunities, who reminded me that my voice mattered.

Special thanks to Jana and Sridevi mam for all the help and support.

Thank you for being a part of this path. Each of you has played a role in making this possible.

And to those still afraid to speak, it does get better.

@tedxthengpschoolcoimbatore

#TEDx taken in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu by @solopassport

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a year ago

Antarctica Travel Guide:

Popular activities include iceberg cruises, wildlife watching (penguins, seals), and visiting research stations, Antarctica, a vast and pristine wilderness, offers a unique travel experience.

Best Time to Visit: During the Summer Season starting from November and ending in March. Even though this is summers, the temperature can go as low as -5 degrees Celsius.

As the weather is very cold, the best way to tackle is to layer up with thermals, fleece, down and rain jackets. (Coming up with a detailed blog)

How to Visit Antarctica? There are cruises and charter flights that you can take to visit this continent. Most convenient and common way is to take cruises. The cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. There are also some cruises that depart from Hobart, Australia and Bluff, New Zealand.

There are cruise ships and then there are expedition ships. The expeditions are a bit more expensive than the cruises.

How much does it cost? This really depends on the time, and whether you want to take expedition/cruises. The starting prices only for the cruise may start from around $6k/$7k basic with sharing and there are usually deals that you can look out for. (Again, detailed blog coming up)

You do not need visas to enter Antarctica as it is not owned by any country. But you do require permits that are obtained by the cruise companies.

There are many things that you can do on Antarctica. Here is a detailed blog:
https://solopassport.com/best-things-to-do-in-antarctica/

What else do you want to know?

Follow @solopassport to come along my travel journey.

#raksantarcticadiaries #solopassport #antarctica #antarctica_ambassadors #antarcticadventure #antarcticaexpedition #onceinalifetime #bucketlist #solotravellingwoman #solotravel #whitecontinent #7thcontinent #antarcticpeninsula #antarcticacruise by @solopassport

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3 years ago

An evening of Swiss magic, inspiration and exciting possibilities! 🇨🇭

I am incredibly grateful to Switzerland Tourism for inviting me to an evening filled with insights, conversations and a glimpse into the exciting plans for the destination.

Having visited Switzerland once, I can confidently say that there isn’t a single corner of the country that doesn’t feel beautiful. From its dramatic mountains to its charming towns and stunning landscapes, Switzerland left a lasting impression on me. And I would happily go back to explore more!

It was wonderful to hear Martin Nydegger, CEO of Switzerland Tourism, and Chris, Director of Switzerland Tourism India, share their perspectives, insights and plans for the destination. Listening to them first-hand gave me a better understanding of how Switzerland is looking at the future of tourism and connecting with Indian travellers.

And, of course, meeting Jemimah Rodrigues was such a lovely highlight! ❤️ She is every bit as sweet, warm and humble as one could hope. Her energy and genuine personality made the evening even more special.

Thank you, Switzerland Tourism, for such a fabulous evening and for the opportunity to be part of these conversations.

Through Solopassport, I love discovering destinations and sharing stories that inspire people to travel. I look forward to exploring more of Switzerland, sharing its experiences with Indian travellers and hopefully building a meaningful collaboration with Switzerland Tourism in the future.

Here’s to more stories, more adventures and more Swiss magic! 🇨🇭❤️

@switzerlandin @switzerland @jemimahrodrigues

#SwitzerlandTourism #MySwitzerland #Solopassport #TravelIndia #DestinationMarketing TravelStories taken in Namma Bengaluru- ನಮ್ಮ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು by @solopassport

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a day ago

The transition we all need: from ‘I need a break’ to ‘I’m going to the mountains.‘

📍Gaumukh Tapovan Trek taken in Gaumukh Tapovan Trek by @solopassport

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5 days ago

Scared of your first solo trip? Same. So was she. 😅

Raksha: 59 countries, all 7 continents, Antarctica, Kilimanjaro. And a sleepless night before trip one, because her friend bailed and the “what ifs” took over. 🎒

Her take: you don’t need courage to start. It comes after you go.

In this one:
✌️ Extend a trip by 2 days. That’s the whole solo test.
🧊 Antarctica, paid in instalments
😂 Booked Borneo. Landed in Brunei.

New episode is LIVE — link in bio! 🎙️

#TheShaliniMishraShow #solotravel #solofemaletravel #antarctica #kilimanjaro #travelpodcast #adventuretravel #podcasts #podcastreels #GoodTripsBetterStories by @solopassport

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8 days ago

I had already been to Hawa Mahal.

I had stood outside it, looked up at its famous pink façade and taken photographs.

But when I visited, the monument was undergoing renovation, so I didn’t get to experience it the way I had imagined.

Recently, I discovered Hawa Mahal again.

This time through the pages of a beautifully illustrated children’s book about Jaipur by my friend Veena.

And I learnt about the story behind those 953 windows, the breeze that inspired the palace and how the women of the royal household could watch the busy streets of Jaipur without being seen.

It reminded me of something I often experience while travelling.

Seeing a place isn’t always the same as knowing it.

Sometimes, it takes a story to make you look again.

And now, when I look at my photographs of Hawa Mahal, I don’t just see a beautiful pink building.

I see the stories behind those windows.

And honestly, it makes me want to go back. ❤️

Have you ever visited a place and understood it differently only after learning its history?

DM @rorobooks.in to order in for the book! taken in Hawa Mahal, Jaipur by @solopassport

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12 days ago

Gaumukh–Tapovan: A trek that became something else

Some journeys begin with a very clear picture in your head. This one didn’t end that way.

The first day from Gangotri to Chirbasa was beautiful — 10 km alongside the Bhagirathi River, bright sunshine and the Bhagirathi sisters towering above us.

Then the weather changed.

It rained through the entire night.

The next morning, we still set out for Bhojbasa, walking another 6 km through the rain. As we climbed higher, the rain turned into a snowstorm. We kept walking through it until we finally reached Bhojbasa at 12,415 ft.

And the snow didn’t stop.

By the next morning, there was around six feet of snow on the trail. The route ahead was no longer safe, and the trek to Gaumukh and Tapovan had to be stopped.

We turned back.

The return to Gangotri meant another 16 km through snow-covered, slippery terrain.

I didn’t reach Gaumukh.
I didn’t reach Tapovan.

But this trek taught me something I wasn’t expecting.

Sometimes the mountain changes the plan for you. And sometimes, the journey is about accepting it, turning around and making it home.

Gaumukh–Tapovan wasn’t the trek I had planned.

But it became a trek I will remember for a very long time.

Thank you @ajaywoohoo and team from @indiahikes for getting us back safe and well. taken in Gaumukh Tapovan Trek by @solopassport

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17 days ago

Some travel memories are made on mountain trails, under the ocean or while exploring a new city.

And then there are memories like this.

Finding a cosy café, ordering a good cup of coffee and cake, and finally sitting down with my journal.

I love carrying my journal when I travel. It gives me a chance to pause and write about the places I have been, the people I have met and all the little moments that I know I will otherwise forget.

Between exploring Belgaum and discovering its history, this little stop at Paistry Bakehouse and Cafe was exactly what I needed.

Good coffee. Good cake. And some quiet time.

Because travel is not always about constantly moving. Sometimes, it is also about finding a comfortable corner and taking a moment to write it all down. ❤️

Have you ever travelled with a journal?

#Belgaum #Belagavi #BelgaumCafe #BelagaviCafe #CoffeeAndCake TravelJournal Journaling TravelDiaries SoloTravel Solopassport taken in Belgaum Karanataka by @solopassport

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a month ago

Rescue diving!!!

Fascinating discussion with Raksha @solopassport regarding @padidiving. From breathing under water, to saving lives. Amazing 👏

#byrach #podcaststudio #padirescuediver #padidiving #podcasthost taken in HSR Layout by @solopassport

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Today, Yellur Fort is a place people visit for the views. But centuries ago, this view had a very different purpose.

Perched on a hill near Belagavi, Yellur Fort, also known as Rajhansgad, was built in a location where the surrounding landscape could be watched from a distance.

The fort is associated with the Ratta dynasty and was later strengthened under the Bijapur Sultanate. Its height and location made it an important strategic outpost.

Walking through the old stone walls, the well and the remains of the fortifications, it is fascinating to imagine the people who once stood here watching the horizon.

Today, there are no armies approaching.
No soldiers waiting for a signal.
Just the wind, the hills and a beautiful view of Belagavi.

But the landscape still tells the story.

Yellur Fort is a reminder that sometimes, geography itself becomes part of history.

📍 Yellur Fort, Belagavi
⛰️ Rajhansgad

Would you climb up here for the history or the view?

Follow @solopassport to come along my travel journey!

#YellurFort #Rajhansgad #Belagavi #Belgaum #KarnatakaHeritage KarnatakaTravel HeritageOfKarnataka FortsofKarnataka HistoryOfKarnataka BelagaviTravel BengaluruPrayana ExploreKarnataka TravelKarnataka taken in Yellur Fort by @solopassport

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a month ago

22 km. Mostly flat. And still one of those treks you should not underestimate. 🥾💦

Our Dudhsagar trek took us through the beautiful trails of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, with long stretches of walking, lush green forests and sections where we had to cross streams.

The trail does not have many steep climbs, which is why it can be considered moderate. But the 22 km distance, humidity and hours of continuous walking make endurance the real challenge.

We started at almost 10 AM and returned only around 6:30 PM. It was a long day on our feet, but reaching Dudhsagar made every kilometre worth it. 💦

If you are planning this trek, preparation makes a huge difference. Wear proper trekking shoes with good grip, carry enough water and snacks, start early and respect the rules of the forest.

And most importantly, don’t underestimate a trek just because it is mostly flat.

Because sometimes, it is not the elevation that tests you.

It is simply how long you can keep walking. 🥾

💦 Have you done the Dudhsagar trek?

Follow @LetsTrekBangalore for more trekking stories, useful tips and adventures from the trail. taken in Dudhsagar Waterfall by @solopassport

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