14 August 2001, I was in New Delhi to participate in the High Altitude Mountaineering Expedition in the Himachal Pradesh.
Participants were selected from all over India. We all had our individual mountaineering kit in a rucksack. Additional items were procured centrally. We were a team of martially artists whose goal was not only to scale a mountain but to practice martial arts set up at a height where even slow walk for more than 10 minutes is a big thing!
However, our bus consisting of 35 members reached Solannala(H.P.) comfortably. Some of us even sang songs at the top of the strength that the driver had to request after some 15 minutes of this process to minimize our volume. We obliged him.
That day we used for acclimatization and ration distribution to all the individuals as we were not allowed to use porters - not to save money but to give our mind and body for that `kick` for which we all had volunteered.
I was also theTent leader for 6 participants. I had the maximum load which I took to motivate less rugged participants.
The team was moving at a constant pace, but as the oxygen in the air started depleting ,we started having effect on us. But we all were expecting this. After some 4 hours of continuous trek my team took rest. We were all tired, even more tired thinking about next three more hours of trek ahead for the day! I munched a full packet of Cadbury Eclairs toffee to have instant energy!
After next four hours almost all reached for camping at 15,500 feet of height. We set up our camp at the earliest as it was fast getting dark. Next day, one team was sent for route mapping and rest rested for that day.
Next day was D day for us. The ration was left with the weakest members ( two had suffered severe problems and needed more rest). We all carried our mountaineering equipments and started for attempting the peak( 21,000 feet).
It was getting tougher and tougher. At 18,000 feet, I vowed not to attempt mountaineering any more, in fact I was cursing myself for this attempt.But avoided that feeling to come on my face as I was ablack beltfrom one of the toughest martial arts institute of India where even a six months practitioner( Green belt) is confident of challenging black belt of other institute.
But, I was convinced with more and more hardships that ANY OTHER HARDSHIP IS SMALLER ON THE GROUNDSas compared to the suffering I had.
Fortunately, I was among ten participants who successfully conquered the peak. My tears were coming out continuously. I had a distinctive feeling which can not be expressed in words.
