Oddball Capers

Mountains !

…..far better things ahead, than the ones we leave behind !

12^th July 2016

Mountains have everything,vast expanses,challenges,succour and the ability to entice. They mean different things to different people.For some,mountains provide a perfect escape from monotony,for others like me, a piligrimage.

Mountains instil awe and exhibit immense beauty,strength and raw ferocity.For an all too short duration they also permit one to merge in an environment where one is not enslaved to time. Time instead, assumes the form a great swathe in which one can walk,climb, rest or just lie back and gaze at stars. Mountains instill a strange dimension to the sense of time.An easy trek of five hours may seem like an eternity. Conversely, an arduous climb of ten hours may feel like a stroll in the park.

The most beautiful mountain ranges on earth, the stunning Himalayas provides the ideal escape from the drudgery of instinctive everyday life and I embrace this escape with delight.

On my first trip to the Himalayas(The Ladak Region) I found myself struggling a bit and even feared it might be my last. But,the lure of the Magnificient Himalayas is so strong and keeps gnawing persistently,that I jumped at the earliest opportunity to return the very next year to inhale the fragrant mountain air, watch the huge trees and climb the emerald mountains in the lush Chamoli District of Garhwal Himalayas.

Why Himalayas?

At times I have pondered “Why Mountains ? Why Himalayas?” The only answer I can think of “The Himalayas enchant me. Draws me like a magnet”.

The lure of the Himalayas is colossal.The panaromic views, the spellbinding snow capped peaks,the silence,solitude,incessant gurgle of crystal clear waters,music of trees gently swaying in the breeze infuse a heightened sense of attainment and tranquility.

The Himalayas, by humbling those who come ,with its enormity and power, gratifying them with its splendor and beauty, testing their determination by its treacherous terrain and peaks, defying spirits with their mysteries - enables one to acquire the qualities which only the rawness of nature can refine. Trekking imparts the quality of self-reliance, leadership and discipline amongst adventure sports lovers.

All treks that I have undertaken have been in the pleasant company of team mates from my Club THE MYSORE GYMKHANA. Team building and camaraderie has been the forte of our club over the years. The club turns 80 this year, which everyone will agree is no mean distinction.In commemoration I aspire to pay a fitting tribute to my beloved club on its platinum jubilee. What better than a trek in the Himalayas with teammates?

The Lessons:

We train hard for a trek,improve physical condition,but in the mountains physical strength alone will not be sufficient. Mental strength,passion and motivation are not enough either ! However,striking a fine balance can work wonders. There is no place for arrogance,aggrandizement or bravado.And ‘conquering’ peaks should be farthest on mind.

I will never forget the words uttered by our mountain guide Sonu who accompanied us from Pandukeshwar to Gangaria, “the mountain is our Goddess. Only after praying for her permission do we use her for our benefit”. And added modestly “ I have never conquered a mountain peak”. He went on to explain that Garhwali guides always fix the flags a few metres below the peak. Almost reverentially he signs off “Our Goddess has an uncanny knack of teaching lessons while climbing down”.

On treks one feels pain,sweat profusely, run out of breath, even collapse.Yet the rebels always return !.So strong is the lure of the Himalayas.

Treks are about the Journey and not the destination (Cliché ?) .On our last trek to the Valley of flowers I was unable to reach the promised meadow . I was left thinking “I failed at the doorstep of Heaven”. After getting over the disappointment, and on careful assessment I felt absolutely no regret. I had thoroughly enjoyed the trek until that point.

But the most important lesson is that The Himalayas, even while energizing the spirit can rip one up from the inside, drain you emotionally, physically ,psychologically and mentally.

Reaching the heights and being a part of the gorgeous Himalayan landscape is an experience beyond comparison. Trekking in the Himalayas is a mix of adventure, Thrill ,pleasure and self-realization.

The lure of the greatest range of mountains on Earth, its beauty, vastness,fascination and mystery will have an everlasting Appeal for all those who venture in this region.Believe me, walking the Himalayas is a highly addictive obsession.

The call of the Himalayas is becoming overwhelming ... …and I must gooooo...” Chandrashila , Bandarpoonch, Yamunotri, Gangotri Glacier here I come !

Ecology

The call of the mountains is getting louder , and it will always be there if the basic character of mountains does not suffer a setback. With droves of Trekkers swarming over the mountains, irrepairable damage can be inflicted if trekkers do not take adequate measures to preserve nature. Trekkers will do well to protect rivers and green trees. Litter from the camps need to be collected and properly disposed of, wildlife should never be disturbed at all and habitats protected. These are some important unwritten codes of conduct which responsible trekkers should not only voluntarily adhere to strictly but also educate the casual traveler.