16th September, 2015 - Gonmaru-la (5100m; Markha Valley, Ladakh). Probably the first difficult grade trek that I did together with Sheetal, my wife and friend. Her incredible will to move forward in the face of adversity (and we had a few very difficult days) gave me strength when I needed it the most myself on the last 2 days. This was supplemented by our Sirdar - Tashi. His constant humor and carefree banter was initially a bit irritating. After a few days, we realised that whether he is doing is consciously or unconsciously, its helping us get through the difficult patches. High performance teams are those that 'rope up' in a strong, tight loop such that a 'common energy' coarses through the loop, across each member's veins, and drives the group to the pass, to the peak. In my 18 years of corporate work experience, I have rarely seen any managers understand this basic fact or have the ability to work it.

Looking down from Gonmaru-la at the final stretch leading up to it.

Looking up at Gonmaru-la with 10m to go.

With Tashi, our indomitable guide with boundless energy. Walk in the park this was for him!

Just for the record. One reads a lot of material written by folks talking about 'conquest', 'attack', etc. I feel none of that when I finally get to the top of a peak or a pass. I feel only humble and thankful that I still have the will and a injury-free body to make it this far. You don't 'conquer' a mountain, or a pass, or a valley. You are just passing through and the mountain lets you. Develop a bit of ego and it will cost you. I have learnt to always listen to the mountain, your guide, and more experienced adventurers.