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     All these thoughts led me to question myself as to why people climb mountains. It is not easy to answer the question. The simplest answer would be, as others have said, “Because it is there.” It presents great difficulties. Man takes delight in overcoming obstacles. The obstacles in climbing a mountain are physical. A climb to a summit means endurance, persistence and will power. The demonstration of these physical qualities is no doubt exhilarating, as it was for me also.

     I have a more personal answer to the question. From my childhood I have been attracted by mountains. I had been miserable, lost, when away from mountains, in the plains. Mountains are nature at its best. Their beauty and majesty pose a great challenge, and like many, I believe that mountains are a means of communion with God.
Explanation:
 
While contemplating the difficulties or problems encountered while climbing mountains, the narrator’s mind led him to question why people climb mountains. It wasn’t easy to come up with answers to such questions. He also mentioned the most basic responses given by other climbers: “Because it is there.” The statement implies that climbing a mountain presented great difficulties, and the climbers took delight in overcoming obstacles.

Then the narrator stated that climbing the mountain involved numerous challenges, and we all knew how satisfying it would be for the climbers to conquer them all. He also mentioned that climbing the mountain offered physical hurdles. It implies that while climbing mountains the climbers would encounter bodily harm. Whenever these difficulties occur, they would face them with tolerance, willpower, and firm decision because the climbers’ main intention was to reach the destination. As a result, they would manage and overcome all obstacles till they reach the summit.
 
According to the narrator, the three essential physical qualities a climber need to have while climbing was strength to face the problems, the firm decision not to give up in between and the continuous effort. He agreed that all these three qualities would make the climb more thrilling. The exhibition of these physical qualities and one’s awareness towards them, on the other hand, was exciting, and the same was the case for the narrator.

In contrast to the responses of others, the narrator indicated that he had a more personal answer for the question of why he had climbed the mountains. The narrator shared his interest in rock climbing with his readers. He said he had a deep love for mountains since he was a child. He used to feel lonely and melancholy in the plains when he was away from the mountains.
 
The narrator climbed the mountains because he had a great passion for mountains. He believed that mountains were the best embodiment of nature's beauty and that nature was in its purest form. The mountains were not only gorgeous but also grand in aspect. Although their magnificence and beauty posed a significant barrier, the narrator, like many others, believed that the mountains provided a platform for directly communicating with God.
 
mountains-1244132_1920.jpg
The narrator believed that mountains are the best embodiment of nature's beauty
 
Meanings of the difficult words:
 
S.No
Words
Meanings
1
ObstacleA thing that blocks one's way or prevents or hinders progress
2
EnduranceThe fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way
3
Persistence Firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition
4
Will powerControl exerted to do something or restrain impulses
5
Communion The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level
6
PlainA large area of flat land
Reference:
National Council of Educational Research and Training (2008). Honeydew. The Summit Within- H P S Ahluwalia (pp.75-82). Published at the Publication Division by the Secretary, National Council of Educational Research and Training, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi.