Pahadi: Mountain memoirs

Written for #1000reviewersclub by @IndicaBooks

A fusion of a travelogue and a biography, 16 year old to-be-mountaineer and avid trekker Arjun Ganesh pens down five experiences he holds close to his heart as memories that speak to his passion for the sport and lessons derived from the experiences. Associated with Guardian Giripremi Institute Of Mountaineering Pune (GGIM) , he dreams of a clean, green and eco-positive means of pursuing climbing. Very aware of the degradation of the environment caused by careless climbers, the institute and the author work towards popularising and respecting the element that provides the surreal experience by bringing in a sense of duty and compassion in their actions. Despite being a boy at heart, he embodies the sensibilities of an adult which is refreshing, inspiring and encouraging to see.

In addition to coolly relating his experiences on the climb, the author provides information about the area from a historical or natural point of view. A short read, the writing is simple and to the point and reflects the age and enthusiasm of the author – can very confidently say I'm looking forward to more books detailing challenging trips from an older and experienced mountaineer.

The book is littered with (monochrome) pictures of the different peaks he has conquered and offers a wonderful visual sight which only complements the prose. Chapter 5, detailing his experiences trekking through Goecha valley is by far the most eventful and nerve-wracking entry among all present. A chapter very well detailed and most fascinating.

The goal of the book was to inspire people to pursue trekking as a hobby, and while I can't do so immediately, the author has inspired the need for more such immersive travel-books that dive into the experiences of the climb or trek, history, fauna-flora and beautiful geography of the many diverse places from dense forests and swampy marshes to the highs and lows of mountains and oceans.


PS: Do not use 8-year old shoes!