by Shuvam Sthitapragyan
PureTravel Writing Competition 2023
The sun was just beginning to rise as I made my way up the winding mountain trail. I had set out early that morning, determined to catch the first rays of sunlight painting the sky in hues of gold and pink. My destination was a remote and relatively unknown peak in the Himalayas, known for offering one of the most breathtaking sunrise experiences in the region.
The air was crisp and the silence was profound, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. The higher I climbed, the more the world seemed to unfold below me. The valley lay cocooned in a blanket of mist, like a dream waiting to be revealed. It was a challenging hike, but the anticipation of what lay ahead fueled my determination.
As the sky gradually transformed from dark blue to a faint orange glow, my heart pounded with excitement. I quickened my pace, not wanting to miss a single moment of this enchanting spectacle. Finally, I reached the summit, and just as I caught my breath, the sun made its grand appearance. The horizon ignited with colors I had never seen before – a symphony of purples, pinks, and oranges danced across the sky, creating an awe-inspiring canvas. I stood there, humbled by the beauty before me, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being able to witness such a natural wonder.
But the magic of the moment didn’t end there. As I sat down to take in the breathtaking view, I noticed movement in the distance. A group of majestic Himalayan ibex appeared, gracefully descending a nearby ridge. Their long, curved horns and distinctive coats made them appear like mythical creatures from a folklore tale. They moved with such grace and harmony, perfectly complementing the majestic scenery around them. I felt like I had stumbled into a secret world, far removed from the bustle of everyday life.
Lost in the moment, I barely noticed the time passing. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, its warmth washed over me, dispelling the morning chill. I felt a profound connection with nature and a deep sense of peace. In that serene setting, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty of the world we live in and the vastness of the universe we are part of.
As I made my way back down the mountain, the memories of that morning etched themselves into my heart. The encounter with the ibex felt like a gift from the mountains, a reminder that there is magic in unexpected moments and that nature has the power to leave us in awe. I carried that experience with me, knowing that no matter where life took me, I would always cherish that breathtaking travel moment in the Himalayas.
Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash
