My hands swollen due to the cold. I could not feel my face.
My lips fell numb. My nose dripping throughout making it difficult to breath.
My legs were telling me to rest but my heart kept telling me to take that one
more step. Looking down meant, the fear of height gripping you rather than the
experiencing the joy of climbing up so far. But, don’t be afraid. Fight your
fear. For fear is only as deep as you allow it to be in your mind. Every point
I reached on my upward climb made me feel like I had reached the peak only to
discover that there was more to go. Then suddenly there was nothing more to
climb. My eyes narrow squinted due to the winds blowing could finally see the
rays of the sun playing with the mist to display the range of mountains slowly
with passing of time. Looking into the horizon, I saw some mountains stark and
rugged while the others showed their beautiful snowcapped peaks.
 |
The mountains are calling and I must go ~ J Munir
PC: Tulika Wadhi-Jha |
As soon as I reached, I wanted to sit and relax on the rocks
overlooking the mountains. I was wonderstruck by the majestic mountains. They
stood rock solid for years. They stood their ground in all kinds of weather.
Isn’t life somewhat to be live like that? For me it was not about climbing the
summit to Kedarkantha peak. I guess it was more about what I learned or rather
unlearned while trying to climb up. After all, just occasionally, you encounter
things, your paths cross, and though you may part again quite soon, your life
has changed in some indefinable way. The mountains did that to me.
 |
| The Landscape as you trek |
Simply put, the mountain culture heals you. After all mountains
create a powerful protective culture that is capable to insulate you from the
harsh pressures of the modern world.
There is something about the community dinning with people, about
sharing food with one another, about people slowing down to chat with you,
about endless laughter, about the carefree mind not occupied with the daily
hassles, about living under a tiny tent roof yet being content, about
protecting one another while walking, about meeting people that inspire you. These
are the mysterious and magical ways of the mountains. They conquer your heart
and soul. Not to let the grip slowly loosen out with time rather to hold onto firmly
with each passing day. It is the place and our changing perspectives in the
mountains that heal us.
 |
| The candid fun in the mountains. |
The mountains did heal me and teach me.
On the first day as we were walking up to our first campsite
at Juda Ka Talaab, I understood that we live far too much in the future. While
climbing up most of us saw the long steep climb upwards taking away our energy
and zeal. That is when I re-learnt that living in the moment is a more
beautiful thing. Just taking that next step is all that matters. We let our
future take away too much from our present. Such that we don’t live in the
present to enjoy the wind riffling our hair, the leaves rustling, the birds
chirping, aimless wandering along the path of angelic white butterflies or plucking
fresh Red Rhododendrons to eat. Be in the moment. Be alive. Be present.
 |
| Red Rhododendrons |
After we reach our first campsite, Juda Ka Tallab. I soon discovered
that it was three or more ponds not interconnected but as years passed by, they
morphed into one big pond that we see today. For just as the bounty keeps
evolving, you are meant to be malleable. Keep looking at your reflection
occasionally; unpeeling and growing to take new forms and shape. Always showing
yourself you can be your better self.
 |
| Be a reflection of those that you admire |
As we bid our
goodbyes to our first campsite and proceeded to walk towards the next
Kedarkantha base camp our tryst with the snow finally happened. Imagine all
this while snow was eluding us. That is when you feel that the happiness in
little moments is for real. The sheer joy of experiencing something that is at
the back of your mind every minute, every step of the way is unprecedented. For
thoughts are never honest, what you experience is.
 |
| A volcano of a sunset |
The next day was a blur. We woke up (never slept really) at
2am to ensure we start our summit climb on time. I was late for the briefing
before the start of the summit climb. I was so hassled that I felt my energy
would run out soon. That is the day, I told myself to have the designated time
for the right things at the right time. I do fail on most days still but I have
made a start to say the least.
 |
| Majestic Mountains |
Soon enough your thoughts start to fade away when you
encounter sheer beauty of walking in the night. You get a new burst of energy. The
stars feel like diamonds in the sky. You almost want to transform into that
little girl who could pluck stars from the sky, like in the fantasy books read
to you at night. You almost want to look up and walk along the path not missing
a single sight. For not, everything you love stays forever. You must learn to make
peace with that.
 |
| Lonely bridge |
Slowly and suddenly, the sun starts to rise and shine. As
the night breaks into the day. As the stars, disappear to bring out the clouds.
I just stood there on the bridge, under the tree, by the stream and then just
like spring, embraced the new. With that thought, I started my final climb to
the summit.
With each passing step, fear was an ever-resounding
companion. I was wondering if fear ever leaves you. For fear grips you like
leeches, holding on, until you to breakdown. I was countering my thoughts, taking
them away to the mountains on the horizon. For with each mountain, that stood rock
solid, I had come to understand of grit and perseverance. Grit is like having
stamina. The stamina to see your future unfold. Grit is living life like a
marathon, not a sprint. So, with my grit, I finally made to the top. Quite
literally and figuratively.
 |
| For fear is only as deep as the mind allows |
PS: My first trek was with
India Hikes. I would suggest them
to everyone after a fabulous experience, to say the least. India Hikes ensures safety
is their top priority. Duty bound trek leader and his very efficient team displaying
sound knowledge and exemplary mountain spirit. Very efficient and organized.
