The unconquered peak!

There are some things that money can't buy...

Like climbing up a mountain...or climbing down! 

It is said that life often gives you lemons and you are supposed to make lemonade with it..But trust me when I say this, there is a thing as too much lemonade! Little did I know that I was going to be thoroughly humbled, when I signed up for the Kanchenjunga base camp trek. 

My perpetually optimistic side was buoyant and excited about the trek (apart from the jitters of the 70° steep climb). The onward train journey was fun and was probably the only time I ate well.

Here's a quick glimpse into the lessons I learned through the amazing trek journey:

1. There's no thing as too much preparation!

Whether it be physical fitness, carrying ration or an extra pair of underwear or socks, being prepared seems to be the key. Although I prided myself on being flexible and working extempore on virtually anything, I was humbled when I couldn't take in enough oxygen, my socks stank of stale sweat and I wasn't armed with ORS stocks. 

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize...

Aesthetics apart, a cold cream can actually prevent you from exploding in cold weather. My chapped lips and peeling nose threatened to tear apart, till I came to my senses and slathered myself with enormous amounts of cold cream. Needless to say, my photographs now need to be photoshopped.

3. Friends reveal themselves earlier than you think!

All that I thought or expected of some, fell flat right on the first tiring day. Empathy and compassion are revealed in dire times. In times, when you can look beyond yourself to feel the pain of the other. These are times when God has smiled at me, graciously. I found a well-wisher, a father figure and a great person to talk to..

4. I now understand the desperation of a parent, trying to get his child to walk faster

Although I don't remember being dragged the arm, by either of my parents, I got a first-hand experience of that on the trek. Climbing down to the base with Vishal (a 17-year-old strapping young lad), I seem to have tested the limits of his patience by taking baby steps (quite literally!). Being instructed by his senior to be nice to me and check on my oxygen levels from time to time, Vishal seems to have faced a moral dilemma. Every time I would pause, he would ask me if I am okay and would offer to hold my arm to help me walk faster. Me being the stubborn me (more like the tired me) refused to budge like a buffalo and I am sure the thought of whipping me crossed his mind several times.

5. Asli power Dil me hoti hai..!

Hindsight is, of course, the best sight...Down with fever, body ache and a broken heart, of not being able to get to the summit, I consoled myself to have made it so far. Feeling grateful for many people, experiences and the warm quilt over me, I realized the power of my mind over my body. Almost overnight, I felt better ~ body, mind and soul! I have now understood the meaning of the phrase "Don't let your worst enemy live between your two ears."

6. To each his own!

Innumerable people, including my trek mates - Javed bhai, Suhas, Vijay, Kamat Kaka and my friends, Rahul and so many others told me this... Don't compare and walk at your own pace. For someone who was born competitive (weakness of a Leo!), it took a lot for me to slow down in my head and enjoy my own journey. Of course, my body made sure that I was slowing down (excruciatingly painful). But at the end of each day of walking, I felt a new wave of humility build in me. Once I reached Kokchurung, my pride seems to have hit the floor and I, inadvertently, burst into a stream of tears, thoroughly humbled by Nature herself!

7. After every storm, emerges the sun! (Quite the made-up proverb)

With the tug-of-war with my own ego over, I was able to enjoy my journey much better. Feeling much relaxed in my mind, I soaked in the experience of travelling back. Surprisingly, the walk through the pitch-dark, quiet forest didn't scare me. With my guides Vishal and Nima, waiting ahead for me to join them, I quite enjoyed the solo walk in the moonlight.

8. Moral of the story

Not every summit needs to be reached, not every peak needs to be conquered. Sometimes, the conquering and the achievement is within us - in our minds. The journey matters and so does the experience. Like they say aptly, "It is not what you achieve...it is who you become when you achieve it!".

Awaiting the next peak to be conquered in my mind!

Signing off for now,

Crazy Pixie