The Mountains We Climb

On the way to Gorakshep

Everest Base Camp at a glance

Wide eyed, I smiled incessantly while breathing in the thin, icy-cold air at Everest Base camp.  At 5364 metres (or 17,600 ft) above sea level, with a glint of snow in our eyes, we felt at the top of the world! Group photos, videos and warm cheer filled the sub-zero atmosphere. Rumour had it that Tom Cruise was around as well.  

My Khumbu cough and cold magically disappeared during that time.

We had made it.

I had made it.

Made it!

Having traversed over 60 kms over 9 days to reach there was no small feat. From high passes to deep valleys, through fragrant rhododendron to blue pine forests to rocky flatlands adorned with the world’s highest mountains; we had come a long way. Panoramic views of Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Ama Dablam (6812 m), Nuptse (7861 m) amongst some of the world’s other tallest peaks kept us mesmerized.

Having scaled new heights, the weight that we carry was slowly lifted off our weary shoulders. Amidst epiphanies & new perspectives in the oxygen-poor air, we felt a sense of relief. An achievement like no other.

The Mountains we climbed to get there, the mental shackles that we broke through and the dreams that we realized as a result. It all came together at the world’s highest base camp.

Peek Into The Peaks

A Good Year

2018 has been a highly memorable year for many reasons. It has been a year of many adventures, beginnings and endings. All for a bigger and brighter 2019!

I stayed away from my usual, frequent short trips this year. Instead, I saved up and splurged on my big Euro trip. After all, I was going back to my favourite part of the world after 8 long years. Italy has a charm like no other. The art, people, food, music and serendipitous views had a resounding effect.

Greece’s Santorini is paradisiacal.  Breath-taking views as far as your eyes can see; the food a sensory delight. Soaking up the sun while sipping Ouzo, staring at varying shades of the Mediterranean sea made time stop still.

Earlier in the year, my love for the mountains took me back to Barot, a sleepy hill station in Himachal Pradesh. The place has changed considerably from what I remember from my younger years. I had the most incredible time sitting by the river, an umbrella in hand, listening to the sound of the rain and gentle waves.

My job took me to Sathkhol in Uttrakhand earlier this month. Gazing at the Milky Way on a clear night sky and waking up to a panoramic, snow-clad view of the Greater Himalayas took my breath away.  I hope to see more of this amazing state next year.

As I plan next year’s adventures, I took some time out to reflect on life’s lessons from this year’s journey. And boy, has it been a ride!

To bigger, happier adventures in 2019.