A Trip to the Himalayas: Senthilkumar Rajendran EEP 2009
When you scale New Heights, Be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Embrace the Present & It is perfectly okay.
“I believe I can Fly,
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away “
Climbing the mountain to embrace the challenge, to enjoy the air and behold the view has been my passion; it’s just not about the view which comes after the toughest climb that makes the Body, Mind & Soul fulfilled, but the happiness and growth that occurs while you are climbing it with your team.
I have been an avid traveler/ trekker in Himalayas and the last time I climbed was Pin Parvati ranges in 2017 and my lust for Himalayas only grew year after year since my visit to Kailash in 2004. I call this a Lust because this seeking never gets fulfilled.
After a gap of 1 year, It is the mountain that has been calling me, and it’s time to answer said my heart this September. We, a team of 8 people decided to climb the Lamkhaga pass (Approx. 18,000 ft.) one of the Toughest, Roughest and Challenging terrain in Baspa Valley, Indo-Tibetan Border which connects Chitkul of Himachal Pradesh with Harshil in Uttrakhand. A journey of approx. 100Kms in 9 days at an altitude of above 12,000ft.
Living in a city is having a completely entangled life, not necessarily engaging or involving. The Luxury of spending time with self is a challenge & we are always connected with the outside world but hardly get time to be with our own company in this race.
The mountain scenery is breathtaking. Ethnic villages are beautiful. Living is simply stress-free & so it’s easy to see Intense Life and Spunk in People’s Eyes. Learning to embrace the moment is truly a humbling experience. As the Chinese proverb says be calm and take things as they come, The Journey clears the mind from the constant chatter, you are at peace with self and you clearly get to see Priorities, Goals & People in your life with whom u would like to spend time. It improves Relationships & Quality of Life. It is said, “A man with clarity reaches his goal sooner than the man with confidence”.
Trekking or Mountaineering is the only option where there are no chances of saying sorry. If you commit a mistake that too at higher altitude, life would be the one saying sorry to you, anything can happen at any time on the mountains, yet you keep the faith on Mother Nature and pursue your Journey and enjoy each and every minute of it.
We pace our walk to catch our breath. However, if we walk too slow or stop too long in between, We might reach the tent after dark that too in extremely cold weather.
This is equally real in our working life. Many years, we work hard to climb the corporate ladder. There are always a few resources, yet many things to accomplish in the Organization. Those who stay positive, agile, and focus on the goals always succeed to the top. For them, the goal is purposeful Therefore, a purposeful goal inspires everyone to be agile and stay focused. More importantly, to support one another in reaching the destination on time.
The hill trekking was an amazing but exhausting experience. We trekked through beautiful villages, farm terraces, river streams, forests, and suspension bridges. Jaw-dropping views. We trekked for 8 to 12 hours in hills on an average every day. The journey also opens up conversations on various subjects from the world economy to how much Pepper to be added in dal to make it ideal, it was physically exhausting and muscle numbing but the spirit to reach the top boosted the soul. Trekking means a traveling experience with thrilling excitement.
On reaching the top of the mountain, I could feel that both my Heart and Lungs were Pushing their Best, the panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas, Mesmerized and Sunk me. I was excited with tears in my eyes but equally calm, as a kid, I always looked up the blue sky and wished for wings to fly up to the mountains. I Believe I can fly… I live at that moment every time I climb the Himalayas. Nothing like being On top of the world.
Change is an unpredictable journey, experiencing the predictable and expecting little unpredictable ones always spice’s up the journey. It’s not only on the climb to the Himalayas but also for life.
Travel teaches as much as or some times more than a teacher, Travelling shouldn’t be just a tour, it should be a tale. When I reflect upon the journey I realize…
Be comfortable with the uncomfortable to reach New Peaks. Embrace the Present & It is perfectly okay.
Senthilkumar Rajendran
EEP 2009