About The Book
There are mountains, particularly in some ranges of the Indian Himalayas, that have grown taller in our minds. Many of them are made taller, tougher, and almost legendary by an intricate veil of mythology and mystery around them. Add a rich legacy of heroic explorations, epic ascents, tragic accidents, and a generous dash of romanticism to that and you have Nanda Devi. For reasons known yet unexplained -plutonium or pollution, political or practical - since 1983, Nanda Devi and its sanctum sanctorum remain out of bounds.
This is a narrative of mountain travel and exploration set in the backdrop of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary that offers a vigorous description of men as much as the mountains. The intertwined narrative of this book attempts to take you on a voyage into the forbidden Inner sanctuary, back to those good old days, reflecting on the prior explorations, mythology, wildlife, and the native hill tribe culture.
My Thoughts
I am probably the most non-sporty person you will ever know. I am lazy. Trekking and hiking are definitely not my kind of activities. Hence, I usually don’t read books about such experiences.
A few days ago, I had a terrible day and decided to go out for coffee with Nanda Devi in my hand. For the next few hours, all I had was a flat white and a picture painted with words.
What a book it is. So informative, yet not at all boring. How author Sandeep Madadi penned his experience of the Nanda Devi expedition simply gave me goosebumps.
I have never been to the Himalayas. After reading this book, I am tempted to venture into the Himalayas - trekking or no trekking!
Such an amazing and unique read for me, and a refreshing break from my thrillers.
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About the Author
Sandeep Madadi is a wannabe but a never-been mountaineer because he was never good enough to be one. Like a bad workman who always blames his tools, he attributes it to his terrible sense of direction. At best, he would have become a hill walker which he did, eventually.
But that’s not bad at all for someone who was always the last to be picked for his school’s soccer team where he lived up to the reputation as he went on to score his only goal for the other team. History and the Himalayas are his two obsessive interests. When not working on his desk job, he is daydreaming about his next remote trek in the Himalayas. Climbing may not be his forte, but writing certainly is.
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