"People say that one is 'called' by the Almighty to the sacred places."
I always wondered how a person can be 'called'. Was not sure, if such a message comes through in a 'dream' or is communicated through a chain of events! Sitting today at 3800 meters above sea level, I now understand that it was the latter than the former, at least with us. 22nd August 2008 – It was planned to be a casual meeting of old Drishtee colleagues at a restaurant in Bhopal to reminisce the days gone by. Drinks and memories flowed freely as the gathering swelled. It was only once the dinner started did the future crop up. Emotions ran high as everyone wanted to continue and grow the bonhomie which the small gathering had provided. A trip to a 'different' location was suggested. Out of almost nowhere (except for a chance recollection of a meeting with someone who had traveled recently) that I mentioned a trip, on that cue, to the Mount Kailash. Everyone had heard of the destination but hardly anyone was aware about the details. High in spirits and emotions, it was 'ayed' by one and all. I took the responsibility of getting back with more details.
'Yamdwaar' : leading the Way to Mansarovar and Kailash
Work pressure overpowered emotions and spirits from the very next day. The proposed trip and the details were put on the back burner, if not forgotten for at least 4 months. The next 'signal' came in suddenly when the work pressure eased marginally with a stroke of luck. I was reminded of my responsibility to seek more details and I started 'googling' for information. Within a couple of hours, I had all that I needed : a proposed itinerary, costs involved and the likely travel operators in the fray. I wrote a mail with broad highlights to the group to fulfill my commitment knowing well that sparing 16 days and nearly INR 75,000 would be the spoiler for the young professionals. Regrets started trickling in while a few brave ones confirmed, though a bit reluctantly. The list kept on getting shorter by the day. Finally a very close group of 6 friends including me could book for the tour. As destiny would have it, sudden work related emergencies forced two couples to opt out. Finally it was left to me and my ever adventurous mother to take the plunge.
A river flowing at Sub Zero temperatures
We are at Nyalam, a small sleepy town in Tibet, 30 kms away from Nepal. The weather is cold and we have been left idle in a lodge to acclimatize in the high altitude. My mother and I form a great team in difficult situations. Today, we are pulling up our socks for another such challenge. While we do that, I am reminded of 'the chain of events' which took us to the 'Roof of the World'. It may take just a hint for some but for us it took a lot for the God to invite us to His beautiful home - Kailash.
To be continued.....
Satyan Mishra
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