Hope, Hunger and Height.

The prime purpose - a reasonably demanding mountain trek. Always a keen walker, I decided several years ago that one day I would visit either South America or Nepal to test my stamina by trekking in mountain conditions . Such was my trip to Sandakphu , the top most point of my state where you find innumerable trekkers striving to put on their best. After watching an adventure film promotion featuring various Himalayan treks, I along with few of my friends decided to join in on a 15 days trek to Sandakphu, to get a vivid view of Katchenjunga and its range. At 8,420 meters it stands as a magnificent giant, surpassed only by the mighty Mt.Everest(8,848m) and K2 (8,621) in Pakistan. As the days slipped by we moved deeper into the mountains steadily gaining altitude. Our fitness improved, and we rapidly settled into a steady routine. We were experiencing drastic changes in weather and track conditions crossing many suspension bridges of varying state of repair and disrepair. Interaction with local farmers and villagers gave us valuable knowledge of the tough life these mountain people endure. As we moved higher the scenery became even more spectacular, we left the farming land behind, the slope only fit for grazing of the stock. Regular afternoon snowfalls began and night time temperatures dropped to low levels. Eventually with time we turned to retrace our steps and then take alternative routes to reach the mountain top. As we looked back approximately 40kms behind us we could see the pointy Mt.Everest on the left with Mt. Katchenjunga with its broad flat top to the right. Somebody once said, great things are done when men and mountains meet. I’ve never wanted great things to happen. I never even wished to, for all I knew was to cherish those moonlit skies and keep walking through those pathless woods. I guess that is where I’ve found it all. We were unable to traverse a high pass due to excessive snow fall. That night before waying back we celebrated with some of local brew, a millet and barley beer which the locals called Toomba.We celebrated the end of trek with festivies with some of our porters and sherpas.
Traveling for experiences have been a passion since I was a child, and I believed all those mysteries can only be captivated and brought back through writings and photographs. Its experiences that teaches a man how to deal with situations with patience, love and care. The interactions with various people on our way, the road maps, track signs, and all the adventure we’ve had, added a different meaning which we tend to realize sometime late in our daily life.