The first ascent of Kangchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak, was a major event in the history of mountaineering. Even after decades this historic event, and the history of the peak is always recalled. There are many people involved with the peak; many people and institutions have flourished under its shadow. The traditions, folk-lore, Sherpas, Gorkhas, history and politics of Sikkim –are all under the watchful eyes of the peak. It is worshipped by the Sikkimese and it blesses hundreds of tourists who throng to get a glimpse. It towers so high that it forces men to rise to view it and fight shadows in the mind.

No sooner Sikkim joined as part of India, two of us went on a 450 km trek in the forbidden but beautiful North Sikkim. As we approached a small bridge slopes on both sides were covered with four colours of rhododendrons. I opened my camera to photograph it. But my companion Zerksis Boga, prevented me saying ‘such beauty belongs to memory and heart, not on a photograph’. As a result this is one scene both of us remember more vividly than a photo – and it will not fade.