Keeping The Faith In The Mountains

A pilgrimage up Mount Girnar is silent though not solitary, finds Hashim Badani

- Hashim Badani

Seven thousand steps to go. It’s 2am, and I’m about to ascend Mount Girnar in Gujarat, cutting through the rocky and shrub-laden landscape of Gir Forest—home to the endangered Asiatic lion.

I’ve chosen to begin my journey at this odd hour to avoid the unforgiving heat of a long summer day. Historically, people have mostly climbed in an attempt to conquer. But this is no worldly journey; it is the kind of climb where you attempt to turn the gaze inward.