The Different Faces of the Adventure

Chin, my partner

When she is not in the lecture hall with the students and facing the white board, she is either up on the mountain trekking or under the sea diving. ‘Don’t judge the book by its cover’ aptly describes her. Her gentle but serious demeanour could hardly tell that mountains and seas are her favourite haunts and trekking shoes and diving suits are preferred to, perhaps, high heels and skirts.

Mohinder,
the manager of our tour agent

On our first night in Delhi, we ended up having a good ‘run-about’ the city all because he chose to be picked up at a pillar, no. 165 of Metro line where Tek and the driver, for some strange reasons best known to them, kept missing it.

We met him twice and only briefly. The first time was on the night we arrived and the last time was before we left for home. Perhaps, there will be opportunity for us to meet again.

Tek, the guide

On our first day of trek, while walking through the pine forest, we lost sight of him. And there was no clear trail! We shouted, ‘Tek, where are you?’ only to find him waving happily from the top of the slope and echoed, ‘I am here’!

When he was not smiling, he looked a stern and serious guide, and seemed to be a man of few words, but when he did, he is a different person all together.

Ram, the cook

Originally from Nepal but now feels very much at home in India.

He always woke up at the break of dawn before everyone else, to prepare breakfast and lunch for us. The many varieties and delicious dishes he churned out everyday added much flavour to our memorable trek.





Sangy, the assistant cook

A fine young man who was always with a smiling face, and forever so polite and courteous.

I recalled the particular time when we were crossing the snow. Much as he wanted to offer help, his hands were tight, literally – he was carrying two trays of raw eggs – our breakfast and lunch!

Jhaba Ram, the horseman

JUST MARRIED!

After helping out with some common chores, he would be seen busy taking the horses grazing.

During the five days on the trek, I knew him as a shy, reserved, quiet man. On hindsight, he could be missing his new wife and longing to be home soon.

Me

A city girl who discovered the thrill and chill of trekking rather late in life. She draws her inspiration from great mountaineers such as George Mallory, Sir Edmund Hillary and many others. She could not possibly emulate them. She can only read about them and share their tears and triumph in mind and spirit.

Our 'Porters'

Our faithful horses seen here having their last meal before heading for 'home'. Without them, there would be no tents, camping gears, food, luggage, and etc. – which means, no trekking and no camping!

Mother and Son

When I was told that the baby was on the trip so that he could be close to the mother, I realised then that the bond among the family members of the animal kingdom could be as strong, if not stronger, than that of the human being.