Hemkund Sahib: A Dream Deferred, A Dream Renewed

Some dreams refuse to fade. They linger in the background of your mind, whispering, “One day…”

For me, trekking to Hemkund Sahib was one such dream. Sitting high at 15,500 feet above sea level, surrounded by the serenity of the Himalayas, Hemkund Sahib holds immense spiritual significance. It’s a place where devotion meets endurance — where faith is tested as much as the body.

Two years ago, I came close. The plan was perfect — my family and I would visit the Valley of Flowers, Badrinath, Vasundhara Falls, and finally make the climb to Hemkund Sahib. But just before the final leg, I fell ill. Standing there, knowing the goal was within reach but out of grasp, was heartbreaking. We completed the other parts of the trip, but the mountain remained undefeated.

Lessons from Failure

At first, I told myself it was just bad luck. But over time, I understood that my setback wasn’t purely physical. There had been another barrier — my mind. I had underestimated how self-doubt and negativity can weigh you down. Even the strongest body struggles when the mind is against it.

The realization was humbling: you can train your legs to climb, but if you don’t train your thoughts to believe, the journey ends before it begins.

A Second Chance

Two years later, the dream still burned bright. This time, I promised myself I would go in with a different mindset — no negativity, no self-defeating thoughts. I focused on positive self-talk, on imagining myself standing at Hemkund Sahib, on feeling the satisfaction of conquering both the mountain and my own doubts.

We booked the trek through the Youth Hostel Association of India and began our preparations. Gear? Checked twice. Fitness? On track. Mental readiness? Stronger than ever.

On the 28th, at 00:45 hours, my wife, my daughter Sakhi, my sister Surekha, and I boarded the train to Haridwar. Excitement and purpose filled the air. This wasn’t just a family trip — it was a mission.

Why This Trek Matters

For me, Hemkund Sahib isn’t just a destination. It’s a reminder that some goals are worth chasing more than once. It’s about understanding that failure is not the opposite of success — it’s a step toward it.

The mountains don’t care about your timelines, your past failures, or your ego. They simply stand there, waiting. And when you return — stronger, humbler, more determined — they let you pass.

If there’s a dream you’ve left unfinished, remember: it’s still there, waiting for you. Sometimes, the second attempt isn’t just about reaching the goal — it’s about proving to yourself that you can rise again.