Sandakphu memories

 

Every year, I find immense joy in exploring the beauty of the Himalayas, discovering its charm from different regions of India and Nepal. I chose this trek for two reasons: it began in the culturally rich state of West Bengal, and I was eager to witness the Sleeping Buddha.

To me, life feels like music, and having read countless stories about R.D. Burman and the inspiration he drew from sunsets for his timeless compositions, I was especially excited to experience the sunset from Sandakphu. It was a moment that felt both poetic and magical.

The beauty of traveling solo revealed itself once again. I felt the best of both worlds—immersed in a group when I wanted to connect, yet perfectly content in my solitude when I needed space. I had a few long, enriching conversations with Yash (my trek buddy), Lock, Naveen, and Rucha. Their journey of self-discovery, taking intentional breaks from the corporate grind to better understand themselves, was truly inspiring.

The mountains echoed a sentiment I deeply resonated with: Leave only footprints, take only memories. No photo could ever capture the depth of the bond we shared, built on meaningful conversations and shared experiences. It’s a connection that lingers, far beyond the trek.

Watching the Sleeping Buddha from Phalut top felt like meditating with open eyes—a moment of pure bliss. There’s something magical about standing before a few majestic mountains, feeling an effortless smile spread across your face. It’s a priceless experience, one that I cherish deeply. What made the trek even more special was the continuous presence of the Sleeping Buddha throughout the trail, not just at designated photo stops.

The story of Buddha, a prince who renounced his royal life in pursuit of inner peace and true happiness, is a powerful reminder. While such a complete renunciation may not be possible for everyone, it’s up to us to decide how much we engage in the corporate rat race. Finding balance is key—choosing moments to pause, reflect, and immerse ourselves in what truly brings joy and peace.

During this trek, I learned to play Mafia, and it quickly became a favorite. By the end, I had reached a point where I could handle almost any scenario the game threw at me. A big thanks to Sarthak, Ajay, Sreelaxmi, Prekshita, Anurag, Aahan and, of course, my good friend Lord (Zeeshan) for patiently tolerating my blunders and quirky logic along the way.

Writing letters to loved ones is an activity that never fails to make my eyes moist. I cherished the serene setting where this heartfelt exchange took place. I deeply value the 3-4 thoughts that emerge during such moments, embracing them without judgment or labels. I thank my trek leader prince from Indiahikes for this one.

Before joining the trek at NJP, I spent time exploring the holy cities of Ayodhya and Prayagraj, thoroughly enjoying 10 days of solo travel. I am deeply grateful to my wife, Purva, who has been giving me this space for the past 15 years.I firmly believe that everyone should dedicate at least 5% of their year to solo time—moments for self-reflection and personal growth. Interestingly, global statistics suggest the average is 7%, roughly 25 days, which feels like a valuable benchmark to strive for.

Finally, I am reminded of the profound words of Osho: “I live my life based on two principles. First, I live as if today were my last day on Earth. Second, I live as if I am going to live forever.” These words resonate deeply, offering a perfect balance between embracing the present moment and cherishing the infinite possibilities of life. I wish all my cotrekkers , leaders all the best for their future treks. I do have a strong intuition that we will trek again sometime. Till then, goodbye . Cheers to friendship !