The Climb

Kala Pattar, Nepal
By Charles Beauzay

There is a place in Nepal called Kala Pattar. Where life barely exists, and death is never too far. A cold, desolate hill of black rock, at over 18,000 feet, it’s where the trekkers all flock. The mighty Everest looms, seemingly at arms length, but to get to the top takes a lot of courage and strength. For now, this small hill will have to suffice, free of snow, avalanches, and ice. At the top there are flags of all colors, sending up prayers to God, Buddha, and others. The climb is long and tough, and not all succeed. But for those who do, we are lucky indeed! Sunrise over Everest is a glorious sight. Melting the frost from a long, cold night. It tries to give life to this barren land, but here there is only ice, rock, and sand. The vastness of the mountains has a beauty next to none, the rugged peaks glowing in the rays of the sun. Closer to the top your spirits begin to lift, one step at a time, breathing seems like a gift. The climb is a challenge of mind, body, and soul. One small mistake will certainly take its toll. You look down at the glaciers below, and your thoughts begin to flow; of family and friends and the whole of mankind, you are but a speck in the universe’s mind. Here, where race, religion, and wars do not exist, there is a peacefulness that surrounds like a rising mist. Cleansing your mind and purifying your breath, here there is no life and there is no death. For a moment you are alone, the circle of life has been broken, but then you realize that God has spoken. The dead yak at the base, starved and frozen, reminds those who made it that they have been chosen. Allowed by the mountain to reach its peak, granting us the chance to find that which we seek. To be closer to nature, to God, to yourself, and to life. To be farther from evil, death, arrogance, and strife. To find within ourselves the ability to forgive, to find the strength to be humble, and the courage to live.