I was really happy that at the beginning of my last year at MPA there was finally another trip organized to Hemkunt Sahib. The trip was a great experience for me in a number of ways: I pushed myself to the limit, I became aware of new possibilities for friendship and I let go of issues that had been bothering me for a long time.
The trip from school to Gobind Gat was lengthy and at times unbearably hot. It took us three days by train and bus to get to Gobind Gat, a little town at the bottom of the road leading to Hemkunt. We arrived at Gobind Gat earlier than expected, so we decided to begin the hike on that day. The original schedule had us resting for a day and then starting the next morning, so we were already one step ahead.
My goal from the beginning was to overcome my limits and give everything I’ve got, so I started to hike up with the first and fastest group. We started out with a group of twenty, then slowly but surely our party became smaller and smaller until at the end only Hargobind and I were left. We were going at a fairly quick pace, almost jogging up the mountain on the path, which was at times partially passable and at other times almost nonexistent. After we had walked for two and a half hours and put eleven kilometers behind us we took a rest. As we continued I felt how much less energy I had left, so I had to walk at a slower speed while Hargobind continued with the original pace.
The exhaustion as well as the altitude were wearing on me a lot. I had to force myself to put one foot in front of the other and not just collapse at the side of the path. I did not know how much longer I could keep up. One hour had passed since I last saw Hargobind. This thirteen-kilometer hike took me a total of three and a half hours, after which I was truly thankful for the food that was waiting for me there at the end of this leg of the journey!
The next day I started off with the first group once more, though we decided to hike at a relaxed pace. It took us two hours, a couple of rests and a lot of turns until we reached the lake. During those two hours I realized that, even though most of my best friends had graduated from MPA last year, the people with whom I hiked those last six kilometers could become just as good friends, if I let them.
As I reached the top there was a great view and a really high energy, but best of all there was hot chai. It was cold at the top, but the lake was even colder. I had planned to let go of all my issues, to let it all be washed away by the lake. As I went into the freezing water it took my breath away and I could not think clearly anymore. I dipped all the way into the water eleven times. When I came out I felt like a new person. I felt cleaned and clear. I had accomplished what I came all the way up the mountain for.
This trip up to the beautiful lake of Hemkunt Sahib was on of the best experiences I have ever had. When I look back at that journey now, even though it only took me a total of five and a half hours, it seems to me like a big part of my life. I overcame myself, learned to appreciate the friends I have and let go of many a thought that had harassed me for a long time. The journey was a beautiful gift to myself.
Oct 26, 2009