In 2018, when I was far from fit, I began weekend treks near Indore. Encouraged by friends, I started doing daily exercise and climbed Rala Mandal Hill, which is 700 metres high, every Sunday, which sparked my love for trekking.

In 2019, I joined my first Himalayan expedition, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek in Sikkim. It was a gruelling nine-day, 90 km journey through rain-soaked forests and steep climbs. A tragic moment came when a fellow trekker suffered a fatal heart attack near the base at 16,873 ft. The experience left a deep mark, and I vowed never to trek again.

Yet the mountains called once more. In 2022, I trekked with my family at the Gaj Pass near Dharamshala, followed by the mesmerising Kashmir Great Lakes Trek, a 75 km, nine-day journey that crossed alpine passes and shimmering lakes, culminating in the 14,000 ft Gadsar Pass.

In 2023, I began the Everest Base Camp Trek and reached 4,700 meters, but had to return midway after my mother fell critically ill. Before leaving, I reached Everest Base by helicopter—a humbling and emotional moment etched in memory.

In 2025, I conquered Ladakh’s Markha Valley Trek, climbing to 17,409 ft at Kongmaru La Pass. Despite exhaustion and storms, the beauty and serenity of the Himalayas were unforgettable.

Each trek taught me resilience, humility, and gratitude — lessons only the mountains can teach.