Monk Business

About The Monk Who Didn’t Sell His Fezza.

- Paranjay Dutt

If you have ever had the pleasure of walking through the self-help section in any bookstore, I’m certain Robin Sharma is a not a name you’d be unfamiliar with. One of his most successful books, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari talks about someone who’s quite made it in life — but seeks wisdom. And before you know it he sells his Ferrari and heads to the Himalayas for some spiritual awakening. Or something like that. To my dismay it didn’t delve into details — surprisingly there was no mention of sonorous V12s, or even the winding roads of Himalayas. Fast forward to about fifteen years later, I wanted to don the monk’s tunic and experience it all first hand. Without having to have made it in life — and in a car that’s more adept at tackling the Himalayas. So you know if I ever wrote a book it wouldn’t talk about selling my prized possession. Ever.

Eclipsed by the tourist-laden destinations like Shimla and Manali, Tirthan Valley is one of the lesser-known spots in Himachal Pradesh. It is a paradise for trekkers, and is also one of the entry points to the Great Himalayan National Park. The Tirthan river which slithers through the valley not only lends it the name, but is also instrumental in making the valley such a hot spot among angling enthusiasts. Its presence is also beneficial when all you want to do is hear the sound of flowing water for hours without being disturbed by any stray noise.