There's something truly exhilarating about the mountains. One that I discovered in my 35th year. Well, better late than never, as they say.
I've always been a beach bum. I love the sand, the sea and Goa! Who doesn't right? So when the penultimate holiday-planning sessions were on with my hubby, I finally gave in to the mighty mountains this time, albeit with incessant coaxing. And regret I not, because experiencing nature at its regal best is something I hadn't done for a while.
My father has always been a mountain-person. Literally so. Calm, peaceful, quiet, holding his ground with magnanimous humility and patience; and yet controlling and dictating almost subliminally. Me, on the other hand, is one who loves to make a noise or two, run around, chase, conquer, and restart to re-conquer. So chasing the waves always seemed like the thing to do. Until of course you learn how to chase (rather accept) the mountains (read: hiking, trekking, endless walking, painful back, thighs, calves et al!).
I have found new-found love for the cliffs and the peaks, notwithstanding anything, they stand like the pillar that supports, but can also annihilate at the blink of an eye. That's the power of the mighty Parvati.
My first reaction as I gave myself into the arms of the Parvati Valley was one of overwhelming peace. Like letting go of all your fears as you sit in your mother's lap. Nature has a healing effect and the mountains do so with prowess and bountiful elegance. The quietude, solitude, unsung songs of the valley greet you only if you welcome it with an open heart.
As I sat atop Kheerganga after a treacherous climb (I kid you not, the heart was in the mouth more than a couple of times!), there was a sense of fulfillment that words fall short to describe. Everest climber I'm not, but as I crossed ridges, waterfalls and creaky man-made bridges to cross-over rivers (yes you read it right!), I could feel the calmness laying its veil on me. Literally like I was one with nature; from being a bystander to really experiencing the silent tales of the mountains that stand since time immemorial, it's a cathartic experience. One where you let go of all your inhibitions, fears, worries as you witness yourself merge with the the trees, the rocks, the sky, the stars.
I'm not the person to let go easily (read: control freak). But as you surrender yourself in the hands of Parvati, you realize there's nothing more overpowering than what you behold in front of you--the grandness of nature undisputed letting you in with open arms. You only got to take the leap. And so I did.
PS: Next up, the mountain trail.
I've always been a beach bum. I love the sand, the sea and Goa! Who doesn't right? So when the penultimate holiday-planning sessions were on with my hubby, I finally gave in to the mighty mountains this time, albeit with incessant coaxing. And regret I not, because experiencing nature at its regal best is something I hadn't done for a while.
My father has always been a mountain-person. Literally so. Calm, peaceful, quiet, holding his ground with magnanimous humility and patience; and yet controlling and dictating almost subliminally. Me, on the other hand, is one who loves to make a noise or two, run around, chase, conquer, and restart to re-conquer. So chasing the waves always seemed like the thing to do. Until of course you learn how to chase (rather accept) the mountains (read: hiking, trekking, endless walking, painful back, thighs, calves et al!).
I have found new-found love for the cliffs and the peaks, notwithstanding anything, they stand like the pillar that supports, but can also annihilate at the blink of an eye. That's the power of the mighty Parvati.
My first reaction as I gave myself into the arms of the Parvati Valley was one of overwhelming peace. Like letting go of all your fears as you sit in your mother's lap. Nature has a healing effect and the mountains do so with prowess and bountiful elegance. The quietude, solitude, unsung songs of the valley greet you only if you welcome it with an open heart.
As I sat atop Kheerganga after a treacherous climb (I kid you not, the heart was in the mouth more than a couple of times!), there was a sense of fulfillment that words fall short to describe. Everest climber I'm not, but as I crossed ridges, waterfalls and creaky man-made bridges to cross-over rivers (yes you read it right!), I could feel the calmness laying its veil on me. Literally like I was one with nature; from being a bystander to really experiencing the silent tales of the mountains that stand since time immemorial, it's a cathartic experience. One where you let go of all your inhibitions, fears, worries as you witness yourself merge with the the trees, the rocks, the sky, the stars.
I'm not the person to let go easily (read: control freak). But as you surrender yourself in the hands of Parvati, you realize there's nothing more overpowering than what you behold in front of you--the grandness of nature undisputed letting you in with open arms. You only got to take the leap. And so I did.
PS: Next up, the mountain trail.
