EVEREST

I love nature and everything associated with it. Nature is rough, hostile, comforting, serene and above all a living being. The best quality of nature is the humility it brings in a person. The greatest and truest bonds are formed up in the mountains. We are no more than a spec in the giant scheme of things – a point emphasized when we are up there in the mountains. Everest for me is the epitome of the natural world. There is nothing greater and more insurmountable than the top of Everest. Only around 4000 people have scaled the great one and countless many have failed. Some failed up in the mountain whereas some failed sitting at their home.

I have never been on anything even close to the height of Everest. Everest is over 29000 ft above sea level. The most I have been up to is 16000 ft and the scenery was enough to get me pledged for life. Everest is the true test of human nature and grit. No amount of money can put you on top of Everest. Every individual who has climbed Everest had to go through the same routes, same hard work and the same conditions. To summit Everest you have to give your everything and some more. Everest is a Spiritual mother to the Sherpas and the mountaineering fraternity. Sherpas are the true heroes as without their help it is not possible to climb Everest. They lay the lines, ladders and carry the heavy loads. A sherpas body functions better in higher altitude because of their genetic make up. The Sherpas respect the Everest and consider it a pilgrimage and their spiritual duty to carry and guide their teams up and down the mountain safely. Everest can never be conquered, she can only be climbed and only if she wants you to. She can take it all away in a moment without any notice or opportunity.

Though Everest is still a distant dream, it is going to be reality someday. For now I will have to content myself with the lesser mountains. I will have to be ready to answer her call when she feels fit. Up till then the only thing I can say is – Everest has completely taken over me.