The most memorable trip I had was going to the Himalayas for a 21-day introductory mountaineering course at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering way back in 1996. This trip wouldn’t have been possible without my elder sister – my lifeline being on my side. All credits go to her.
We did river rafting, mountain climbing, hiking, camping, and various other activities like cooking with limited resources during the course. To date, I am so fascinated with that trip that I feel like I just have come from it last week, though it’s been 22 years now. Memories are so engraved in mind and heart. That was my first trip without my parents or relatives.
I made so many friends from different places in India later who all became my pen friends. Even today, when I close my eyes, I can feel the cool breeze of mountains. The melodious sound of a river flowing. Various waterfalls. Sunrises and sunsets are entirely different in the Himalayan mountain ranges. What more could one ask.
My secret wish is to go on a hiking and mountaineering course with my 10-year old daughter someday.
Lamiya Siraj: Stories & Beyond 
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