Gujarat’s mountain girl

My journey into mountaineering began during my childhood in Junagadh, Gujarat. Growing up in proximity to Gujarat’s tallest mountain, Mount Girnar, fueled my early fascination with mountains. It all started with my father taking us on hikes, fostering a deep appreciation for the beauty of mountains and jungles. As I grew older, my interest in mountaineering led me to discover a mountaineering institute in Mount Abu.

At the age of 14, I embarked on my mountaineering journey by enrolling in a basic rock climbing course. This marked the beginning of my exploration into the technical aspects of climbing mountains.

Building on this foundation, I pursued an advanced course in rock climbing, eventually attaining the status of a rock climbing instructor. It was during these courses that I delved into the intricacies of snow and ice craft, gaining valuable insights into climbing snow-capped mountains. This phase of my training provided me with the expertise and confidence needed to navigate challenging terrains and ascend to greater altitudes. I’ve had the privilege of attempting several high Himalayan peaks, among them, Everest holds a special place as my favourite. In 2014, I embarked on the challenging journey to summit Everest.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t reach the summit, encountering the formidable challenge of snow blindness and making the difficult decision to turn back at 7400 meters. 

My eyes had been weak since childhood, with multiple refractive powers, and the onset of snow blindness posed a particularly daunting obstacle. Those 2-3 days battling snow blindness were emotionally draining. The physical strain on weakened eyesight, combined with the harsh conditions, made it an exceptionally tough experience. Initially, the disappointment of not reaching the top weighed heavily on me. However, as time passed and I reflected on the entire experience, I came to a profound realisation that life is not solely about achieving victories. Moreover, in the high mountains, crossing certain altitudes disrupts normal sleep patterns and affects appetite. Nights become restless, and meals become a struggle. Yet, with the next day’s climb looming, there was only one goal to keep in mind – to persevere and keep moving forward.

The contrast between the hustle-bustle of city life and the serene solitude of the mountains is striking. The mountains create an environment where one can detach from the demands of a busy life. This escape provides me with the opportunity to delve into my thoughts, reconnect with myself, and gain clarity on my aspirations and purpose. It seems like the mountains, with their grandeur and silence, become a catalyst for personal growth and a reminder of the significance of mindfulness and gratitude in the midst of life’s complexities.

My decision to take up paragliding was influenced by a desire for a different perspective on the mountains and a craving for the exhilaration that comes with flying. The idea of soaring above snow-capped peaks instead of climbing them adds a unique dimension to the experience. The thrill and adrenaline rush associated with paragliding, especially the heightened alertness and split-second decision-making, provide a distinct contrast to the more methodical and contemplative nature of mountaineering.