Bahrain-based mountaineer Madhu Sarda has added another feather to her decorated cap with her recent trek to the majestic Adi Kailash peak, during which she rediscovered the power of connecting with nature, camaraderie and her love for adventure.
The 47-year-old Nepalese expat embarked on the expedition alongside 20 others, including two of her long-time friends, which, she believes, further enriched her experience – most of her past travels have been with strangers she has met on the trip.
Together, they covered a total of 1,200km during the journey, which on most days involved up to 12 hours of travel.
Standing at 5,945 metres, Adi Kailash is part of the Himalayan mountain range in Uttarakhand, India and holds spiritual significance for Hindus.
“For many, the pilgrimage to Adi Kailash is a sacred spiritual journey steeped in faith and devotion. For me, it was both a profound inner calling and an exhilarating adventure,” the Barbar resident, who has called Bahrain home for the last decade, told the GDN.
Striking a yoga pose
Journey
“Our journey began in Mumbai, from where I took a flight to Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. After a brief stay in Rishikesh (which is about an hour and a half from Dehradun), we set out on a nine-day overland expedition.
“The road ahead was rugged and demanding – but immensely rewarding. We travelled between 150 to 200km each day, covering diverse landscapes–lush valleys, dense pine forests, winding mountain passes, and arid high-altitude terrain. Half our group rode powerful motorbikes, while the rest of us navigated the harsh roads in sturdy four-wheel drive SUVs.
“Along the route, we made several stops—Pithoragarh, Dharchula, Gunji, and finally Nabi Village, the base near Adi Kailash. Each halt offered a unique blend of culture and challenge,” the mother-of-two revealed.
After reaching the Adi Kailash base, Ms Sarda and her companions had to hike about two kilometres to reach the Adi Kailash Temple and, another two kilometres from there to Gauri Kund (Jolingkong Lake).
“Only five of us completed the full trek to Gauri Kund. Some chose to stop at the base for a distant darshan (view) of the mountain, while others, affected by the altitude, returned early to the hotel for rest. Having been to altitudes of 6,000m and above in previous climbs, I was comfortable and well-acclimatised,” she noted.
A pitstop to admire the surrounding nature
Ms Sarda recalled a memorable moment when she and her companions found themselves at the tri-junction of India, Nepal and China.
“We stepped into Nepal, crossing the Dharchula International Suspension Bridge, which connects the country with India. That short crossing stirred something deep and emotional within me. Born in Nepal, I felt a quiet pride and nostalgia as I set foot, however briefly, on my native soil.”
Another highlight of the journey, according to Ms Sarda, was being surrounded by the Himalayas, far removed from the chaos of everyday life.
“For three days, we were completely off the grid – no mobile signal, no digital distractions. And in that silence, something extraordinary happened: we connected. Not to the Internet, but to ourselves, to the mountains, and to nature in its purest form.
“Equally fulfilling was the company. Sharing stories, laughter, and the silence of the mountains created bonds that only such journeys can forge. Over the years, these expeditions have become more than just an adventure,” she added.
Ms Sarda’s mountaineering journey began seven years ago when she embarked on a charity expedition to the Everest Base Camp. This was followed by Mera Peak in Nepal at 6,476m, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania at 5,895m, and Mount Kosciuszko in Australia at 2,228m. She has also explored trails across the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
Always looking for new heights to scale, Ms Sarda is working on her fourth book, which is set to hit the shelves next month and will bring together powerful lessons and reflections from her mountaineering expeditions across continents.
“It’s not just about the climbs, but about the resilience, courage, and transformation that happens along the way. Mount Elbrus in Europe and Aconcagua in South America are next on my list. Both are formidable challenges, and I’m excited to embrace them with the same spirit of wonder and determination,” she added.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))