Soliloquy of a Wandering Pilgrim

  In recent years, the culture of trekking and mountaineering has shifted from introspective exploration to externally validated accomplishment. This short essay critically examines the rise of certificate-oriented treks and the commodification of high-altitude experiences, drawing on personal reflection and broader trends in adventure tourism. From summit selfies to laminated certificates, it explores how social media, bucket-list marketing, and consumer expectations have transformed sacred and solitary landscapes into stages of performance. Juxtaposing this trend with traditional values of humility, transformation, and reverence, the essay asks: what is lost when the journey becomes a product? Through examples from Kilimanjaro, Everest, Annapurna, and beyond, it advocates a return to a slower, deeper, more meaningful engagement with the mountains—one not stamped or shared, but quietly carried within. Summits for Show: On the Commodification of Trekking In the summer of 2005, I ...

  # In the wood-panelled head office of Mountains Make Us Human —an old and respected institution whose walls bore the stories of decades past—tea was being served with biscuits of admirable durability. The society had its share of seasoned climbers, armchair philosophers, and earnest enthusiasts, all bound together by a love for the mountains. Its guiding belief, inscribed on a wooden plaque near the entrance, read: “Mountains teach us humility, patience, and perspective—qualities needed in valleys too.” Rahul, steeped in the quiet confidence of one who had lived most of his life among mountains, sat in the corner, sipping silently. He was known among a few for his favourite line, quietly offered in moments of tension or pride: "Let the mountains judge, for they never lie." He had recently taken it upon himself to ensure that the world-renowned "Curtains and Crags" Mountain Theatre Festival came to Kalibagan, so that the townspeople would not miss the chance to wi...

The sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting a pale orange glow on the untouched expanse of snow. In the shadow of towering peaks, an unnamed mountain stood tall, its summit a whisper among the giants. Arjun had been climbing for hours, his breath steady and his resolve unwavering. This was not just another ascent; this was to be his final climb. Arjun's life had been a tapestry of high-altitude adventures, each thread woven with memories of triumph and loss. The mountains had always been his sanctuary, a place where the noise of the world fell away, leaving only the rhythm of his breath and the crunch of snow beneath his boots. Today, however, he sought more than the summit's solitude; he sought an end. The climb was arduous, the air thinning with each step. Yet, Arjun moved with a grace born of experience, his mind focused on the path ahead. The peak loomed closer, its jagged edges silhouetted against the morning sky. He reached the summit just as the first rays of sunligh...

Helena Roerich, a visionary philosopher and writer, spent her last years in the serene hills of Kalimpong, where her journey on earth came to a peaceful end. Last week, I had the privilege of visiting her grave, located next to the sacred Durpin Gompa, a site as tranquil and inspiring as her teachings. Her epitaph, a simple yet profound tribute to her life's work, echoes the spiritual depth and intellectual legacy she left behind. Reflecting on her final years in this secluded retreat, one can truly appreciate the profound impact of her wisdom and the tranquillity she sought through her deep connections with the mysteries of the East.

In the heart of North Sikkim, the picturesque town of Lachen is currently facing unprecedented challenges after the catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) from the South Lhonak Glacier Lake on October 4, 2023. As a result of this natural disaster, the vital road connecting Munshithang and Phiring near Chungthang remains impassable, isolating the local community and forcing residents to carve their own trail through the rugged terrain. In a display of sheer resilience and determination, the community members have come together to create a makeshift path, defying the odds imposed by nature. Recently while trying to reach Lachen from Chungthang, I captured a series of video clips vividly showcasing this trail. The trail, weaving through the breathtaking landscapes tells a powerful story of human spirit, adaptation, and survival strategies in the face of adversity. This footage not only captures the challenges faced by the locals but also highlights the indomitable spirit that thr...

The old adventurer sat in his study, surrounded by worn maps, faded photographs, and dusty artifacts from distant lands. The weight of time bore heavily upon his weary shoulders as he stared out the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon that seemed forever out of reach.  The Retired Adventurer, Image courtesy: dndspeak.com  Once, he had roamed the vast wide-open wilderness, a free spirit in search of the unknown. He had traversed deserts, scaled mountains, and sailed across treacherous seas. Every step brought a new adventure, a new story etched into his weathered skin. But now, his body had grown frail, his legs weakened by the relentless march of time. His wanderlust had been confined to the fading memories that flickered like distant stars in the recesses of his mind. Each day, as the sun rose and set, the question echoed in his thoughts: when will he travel again? It haunted him, an ever-present ghost that whispered in his ear, reminding him of his limitations. T...