As, me and my group drove through the rugged road terrain of Pelela Pass’s old road, the crisp mountain air filled our hearts and our body literally getting to freez, and the serene landscape stretched out before us with welcoming Rhodendron flowers all round. Suddenly, a distinctive call echoed through the mountain, piercing the silence like a musical note in a symphony of nature. Intrigued, I scanned the horizon and spotted a lone male Satyr Tragopan perched above the debris of an old stone quarry site.

Expecting the bird to descend closer for a clearer view, we waited with bated breath. To my surprise, instead of descending, it moved horizontally, gracefully gliding to the other side of the old quarry. Mesmerized by its beauty and elusive nature, I followed its path, each step filled with anticipation and wonder. Though I didn’t get as close as I hoped, the encounter left an indelible mark on my soul, a fleeting moment of connection with the wild and untamed spirit of the mountains.