BLOGS

In Transit


12/6/2014

Reaching Kothi after a long and tiring journey of 6hours, we were delighted to see that we were awaited by a hot and steaming lunch alongside our warm hostess in the lovely hillside cottage. On our journey that started off from the Great Himalayan National Park, one could see that the hills had their own equation, their own tune, to meddle with which would be catastrophic. The lovely chat with mountaineer Col. Prem Chand, who made history by climbing the Kanchenjunga twice, about his mountaineering experience and about his student Bachendri Pal, only ventured to reinstate the uniqueness of the mountain eco system, its fragility and tranquility only acting as veils of its ruggedness and cruelty.

Having absorbed the beautiful scenery and re-charged ourselves from a tiring journey, we were asked to adhere to a few rules. Mountains have their own aura. You have to follow the rules set by nature or else nature will sneak up behind you, taking you by surprise.

Here are a few mountain etiquettes that would be handy anywhere-

1. Never talk loudly and no loud music. There could be an avalanche.

2. Always wear sports shoes with good grip in the mountains. Slippers and filp-flops are a big No.

3. Walk in groups and never wander alone or without a local. You can get lost and never find your way back home.

4. No drinking and smoking. You could lose your balance and fall off.

5. Keep yourself warm

6. Don't litter. You wouldn't want to go to a dirty place would you?

We went out for a walk trying to follow these rules as much as we could, hoping to see some snow bears on our way and spent the evening collecting firewood. We were back in time for dinner and an exhausting day came to and end with an hour long bonfire and spooky stories.

By - Arunima Bhattacharya