Looking at the mountains and saying, “Oh, it’s so beautiful!” is definitely not enough for the adventure breed. The Himalayas are so vast and massive that no human being, in a single lifetime, could ever explore all their corners, summits, valleys, passes, and plateaus. And there’s even more: the villages, the people, their daily life, their sacred culture, and countless other wonders.
Coming from a struggling middle-class family that valued education and a stable job, I followed the path of becoming a Computer Science Engineer and working as a Software Developer. But having spent my childhood amid the freedom of the Himalayan foothills of Bhutan and Bengal, how could I remain confined within the artificially air-conditioned rooms of corporate life? Everything about it felt artificial! Yes, it earned me enough money to go on my first ever high-altitude trek—the Roopkund Ronti Saddle Trek. And that was it… that was all my soul needed. That trek brought me back into my own skin and reunited me with my true self. Life in the corporate world never felt interesting again, no matter the money or comfort.
From then till now, countless sacrifices in what people call “normal life” have gifted me the best experiences of my lifetime—moments no one can ever take away from me. After college, while my friends were busy accumulating possessions they would one day leave behind, I focused on collecting memories and experiences I will carry with me to my deathbed. To my parents, though, it was disheartening.
For me, the Himalayas are my daily dose of pure intoxication—a high that’s impossible to describe. Each trek, each summit—even repeating the same trek multiple times—feels distinct. Of course, different seasons and weather bring different views, but it’s the feeling that each trek leaves you with that makes it special. The Himalayas are like a mirror—not merely reflecting your physical self, but revealing your inner soul: your strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, and deepest dreams. They help you discover “The You.” Every encounter in the Himalayas, whether with living beings or the mountains themselves, has been a milestone moment in my life.
Not Just Trekking!
Beyond climbing mountains, appreciating their beauty, reaching summits, and feeling the crisp mountain air, it’s also a joy to know the people of the Himalayas—to understand their culture, their way of life, and to build bonds not just with the land but also with its people.
The mighty Himalayas not only give you pleasure but also heal you. They make you stronger and become your lifelong friend. Many times, they’ve helped me make important life decisions with surprising ease. While working as a trek leader for one of India’s biggest trekking companies, I witnessed the ignorance of ecosystems, reluctance to enforce safety measures, and a profit-first mindset that often compromised comfort and safety. I’ve endured the constant mantra that “Good Food Is the Key to an Excellent Trek.” Sometimes I led groups of 32 trekkers—and when you add porters and staff, the number easily exceeded 50. While managing such massive groups honed my skills, I also had to tolerate negligence leading to fatalities and irresponsible behavior resulting in inhumane consequences. It gave me deep insight into how the beautiful sport of trekking is often manipulated by commercial interests purely for profit. It was intolerable.
But above all, the Himalayas are so powerful and divine that once you’re in their lap, everything else fades away. Life blossoms, and the mountains effortlessly lift your spirits. Their mere presence inspires everyone.
The mighty Himalayas call for silence, humility, surrender to the wind’s sway, and freedom. They teach you to love deeply and stay grounded. When I stand still, watching clouds dance around the peaks, I feel emotions that words cannot express. Rain, snowfall, wind, hail—I feel like my childhood playground has returned, a place where I can play without any burden on my mind. People say childhood, once gone, never returns. But I’ve found my way back to it—and I’d be a fool to give it up!
This Life for the Himalayas