Most of our lives, the streams of Fantasy and Reality run parallel to each other. When these streams decide to branch out and blend at some places, dreams happen. Dreams, which we desire to live and experience with complete satisfaction, without any complaints.
I happened upon one such dream when I became an On-Field Writer for Adventure Trekking at Bikat Adventures. And yes, the experience was as fancy as the job title. It was more than just documenting the marvels of a place and its people.
Now, let me take you through some of the best parts about being an On-Field-Writer in the
Himalayas.
1. Meeting new people never gets old
Your experience matters when you go to a good place. That experience becomes great when you meet some people there. In this job, I met unique individuals from different states of India. Each person had interesting stories and amazing experiences to share. Listening to these stories under wide open skies surrounded by mountains everywhere gave me the space to connect with them, indulge in their narrative and write about them. It always felt like a journey within a journey.
2. My kind of a Checklist
Forget your fancy attires and flashy boots. There will be a small diary that is compact enough for any Himalayan story. There will be a cool camera to capture the moments. Just like Johnny Walker, you will carry a stylish hiking pole. Most of all, you will have the license to ask questions and document anything.
3. Moments to myself
Everyone can sense. Everyone can taste. That is what makes us human and it is a common trait in all of us. But it is also this very trait that makes us different from each other. In my treks, when I visit some special place like a glacial lake or a vast meadow, I develop a mystical connection with myself. A sense of serenity takes me back and forth with my memories. I have never, ever had such fulfilling experiences before this job.
4. Appreciate the smaller things in life
After experiencing extreme conditions like temperatures that dip to -30 degrees, walking/trekking 20 km a day, and sleeping inside a sleeping bag every night, even a small cup of tea begins to feel like a big luxury to celebrate. After spending some time in the mountains, I have begun noticing many more things. The joy of simple living comes back as a sweet realization. Every discomfort becomes a pleasure to relish.
5. Larger than life experiences
We all have many unanswered questions about life. They are the mysterious secrets of nature that a human brain cannot comprehend. When you are on the field, especially on a Himalayan trail, you will stumble upon marvels that will make you go blank. The sight of beauty cannot be described or humanized. All you can do is be a part of it and sync in with silence.
6. Whites of wisdom
Every experience will teach you something new. The same applies to the mountains. My learning from my treks was something special. Everything seemed to have a flow to it. The clouds, rivers, action, and even stillness flow with time and settle with space. Embracing this fact allowed me to flow with the flow of life.
7. A chance to be true to yourself
In any other job, an idea or a thought is always evaluated with a commercial perspective. By the time it gets delivered, it is corrupted and changed for selfish reasons. Here, you write what you see and you will always write what you feel. The space to show your individuality and style is one of the fascinating aspects of being an On-Field-Writer.
8. The Himalayan milestones
When you grow into the art of exploration, sheer willpower and mental strength will accompany your journeys. After experiencing extreme atmospheres and strenuous conditions, the rewards you get will never be enough. You will want to be more and do more in the industry. Every height you conquer will drive you to reach newer heights and uncover newer stories to the world.
9. A cool designation
Trust me!
In the end, when someone asks you about your job, they will end up raising their eyebrows in astonishment upon hearing your answer. This is the second-best high you will experience after a summit. You will be one of those personalities people will look up to. You will be the person who motivates others to follow their passion.
