Have you ever encountered a moment that defies explanation? Recently, I had such an experience that left me pondering long after it occurred. Back in January of this year, my friends and I embarked on the Chadar Trek, an adventure through the Zanskar Gorge.
This trek is renowned for its challenges, as it is undertaken during the frigid winter months of January and February when the Zanskar River turns into a frozen pathway. Walking over the ice-covered river to reach the valley is no small feat, given the extreme cold and treacherous conditions. Yet, for trekking enthusiasts, it’s an exhilarating journey, offering a unique blend of adrenaline and natural splendor.
Our group consisted of about 22 people, each with varying speeds and experience levels. While some trekked swiftly with confidence, others moved more slowly, resulting in our group splitting into smaller clusters of 3 or 4. In my subgroup, there were 3 of us. We had been instructed to maintain a single-file line due to the precarious nature of the ice – with a river flowing beneath, there was a risk of falling through if the ice was thin.
As we trudged along, I decided to take a break. When I resumed, I noticed that I had fallen behind. Determined to catch up, I hoisted my heavy backpack and resumed my trek. After a short while, I had an unsettling sensation, as though someone was following me. I glanced back but saw no one. I attributed the feeling to my backpack’s shifting weight.
Moments later, I experienced a sudden, intense pull from behind – a powerful yank that dragged me to the ground with a resounding thud. Simultaneously, a massive boulder tumbled from above, landing just inches from where I had been standing. Given that landslides are frequent in this area, had I not fallen, the boulder would have likely crushed me. Strangely, no one else was around.
The incident remains a mystery. Was it a guardian angel intervening, or a sharp instinct that saved me? It’s a haunting memory that still eludes rational explanation.