Why Do I Love Mountains

BY ASHAR KHAN – 16 August, 2022

A beautiful view of Parvati Valley, Kullu. Image – Instagram

Beaches or mountains?

Indeed, I have often been asked this question that why do I love mountains? And I always told them that both have their own allure. Nevertheless, if I were to pick one then I will surely go for mountains because primarily they prompt me just how small and insignificant I am in the sketch of larger things and ultimately they seem to perceive my silence like nothing else. They always have an answer to my unease mind. Whenever I feel anxious and wanted to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily reality, I tend towards the mountains as an ultimate terminal.

A very great personality once shared his wisdom about people that we all look for the locus of control. Some have an internal locus of control while others have an outer locus of control. When asymmetry strikes their lives, some seek solitude and some look for a shoulder to lean on. And if I talk about myself, that locus of control seems to be found in mountains. They literally stabilise my unsteady mind.

I still remember when I was a kid and went on a family trip to Nainital for the first time. I must say that I was absolutely spellbound by the sheer beauty and magnanimity of the mountains and for quiet sometime, I watched them all around me without blinking my eyes. To be honest, I wanted to make that journey everlasting and craved to marvel at them as long as possible. That curiosity and contentment are still so vivid in my memory. In fact, every time I travel to mountains that feeling very often rekindles.

“Mountains teach that not everything in this world can be rationally explained.”

Besides being a source of splendour and bliss, these giant bodies prepare us for the struggles of the life. They not only challenge our physical stamina but mental endurance too. Sometimes they can direct us towards better existence. Those treacherous windings of treks, the struggle for basics in life, the sweet symphony of wind, the chirping of the birds, the steep dives of valleys, the moodiness of clouds, the dew like freshness of air that purifies even the impure spirits or that pin drop silence of the night which calms even the depressed mind, everything has a message for us. In that emptiness, we can completely discover a different version of ourselves. That’s why these small little breaks are so important for our survival. When the world and its selfishness gets too much to bear, then we must take shelter in mountains.

Whether you travel to heal yourself or just for pleasure isn’t important. The important thing is you should travel. Travel not to check box but to discover yourself.

And lastly, if you really want to know yourself – TRAVEL ALONE.

Ending this post with favourite quote from none other than Edmund Hillary: