Surendra Saxena

My deep connection to nature and the hills stems from my upbringing in the Himalayan hill station of Nainital in Uttarakhand, India. The foundation of resilience and discipline, instilled during my schooling at St. Joseph's College in Nainital, has been a lasting source of strength throughout my personal and professional journey.

Amidst the hills and the embrace of nature, I discovered my own 'Jannat'—a paradise where the landscapes became sacred temples crafted by God.

Upon moving to the United States in the 38th summers of my life, I continued to nurture my love for travel and photography, balancing these passions with a demanding career. Yet, one destination remained my ultimate dream: the sacred Mount Kailash. It took 38 years before I could undertake the grueling yet spiritually profound Mount Kailash Parikrama, fulfilling a lifelong aspiration at last.

In the 69th summer of my life, I undertook a transformative pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, a journey of both endurance and deep spiritual resonance. My story serves as both a travel memoir and a reflection on resilience, reminding readers that some paths are meant to test and transform us, no matter our age or stage in life.