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My Journey of Discovery
Journey into the Himalayas
Having got disillusioned with life in mega cities teeming with millions, where utter poverty co-exists with the super rich, and faced with falsehood, cheating, lying, and a total lack of honesty, the author decides to leave all that behind and head into the Himalayas hoping to find truth, peace, contentment, compassion, and freedom from greed and lust for power.
The Path Through the Mountains
His journey takes him through the lush green cedar forests of Himachal Pradesh to the tribal belt of Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur with its raw, dry, barren, and rocky landscape bereft of vegetation. He meets and interacts with tribals living in the harshest conditions, learning about their origins, culture, and traditions.
Exploring Buddhist Heritage
His journey leads him to various Buddhist monasteries scattered across the region, some dating back centuries. His desire to learn and see more takes him to Ladakh, with its predominant Buddhist religion. Criss-crossing Ladakh, he ventures towards the Siachen Glacier, crossing the highest motorable road in the world, Khar Dung La, where he witnesses the harsh realities faced by Indian soldiers braving sub-zero temperatures at heights of 20-22,000 ft, guarding Indian borders.
Traversing the Cold Regions
Traveling continuously, he crosses Kargil and Drass, the second coldest inhabited regions in the world after Siberia, and moves onto Zanskar, the remotest part of the Himalayas with a distinct culture, almost frozen in time.
Visiting Kashmir
Finally, he enters Kashmir, a state torn by constant conflict, having suffered four wars since 1947, with the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus) who were forced to flee due to militancy and insurgency in 1989-90. He attempts to understand both sides of the story but is left shattered by the destruction of this Paradise on Earth. He also visits migrant camps where Pandit refugees live in squalid and unhygienic conditions. What he discovers leaves him with pain and horror.
Self-Discovery
His journey is one of self-discovery, marked by profound experiences and reflections on the human condition and the resilience of the human spirit.
