The book "The Lost Golden City" follows the journey of Vijay, an IAS officer, and his companions Sushil and Vikram as they embark on a mission to assess the damage caused by heavy snowfall in a remote and historically rich area known as "The Abode of Gold." The narrative begins with Vijay waking up late for the journey, setting the tone for an adventure that is both urgent and significant.

Throughout their expedition, the trio encounters various challenges, including navigating treacherous terrain, dealing with the presence of dangerous spirits, and experiencing the profound isolation from modern life. They are guided by local wisdom, as well as military support, particularly from Colonel Bhardwaj and Brigadier Dhillon, who provide them with crucial information and resources.

As they delve deeper into the wilderness, the group's connection to the natural world grows, and they find joy in the simplicity of life on the trail. They are reminded of the fundamental pleasures of human existence, such as walking unburdened by constant connectivity and engaging in direct conversations.

The journey is not only a physical one but also a spiritual and historical exploration. Vijay, with his background in ancient history, feels a deep connection to the landscape and the stories shared by local figures like Gara. The group encounters mystical villages, engages with local customs, and learns about the legacy of the past, including the ancient temple of Bhoo and the once-thriving golden city of Himravart.

Throughout the book, the themes of adventure, cultural respect, camaraderie, and the intersection of the physical and spiritual worlds are prominent. The group's experiences range from the mundane chores of village life to surreal encounters with shadowy figures and celestial beings. They navigate the politics of the city, the strategies of survival, and the revelations of ancient civilizations.

"The Lost Golden City" is a tale of discovery, where the protagonists not only map the physical damages of a harsh winter but also uncover the rich tapestry of history, culture, and spirituality woven into the fabric of the Himalayan landscape. Their journey is transformative, leaving them with a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it.

About the Author: Sanjeev Rana is a member of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services and is currently serving as Secretary of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages. Prior to this, he held the positions of Deputy Secretary and Additional Secretary in the Higher Education Department. During his tenure there, he played pivotal role in implementing the National Education Policy, 2020 and in the introduction of digital and vocational initiatives in the colleges of Jammu and Kashmir. He is also pursuing a PhD in Biotechnology from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra.

Before embarking on his current administrative service, he was engaged in a research fellowship at the National Institute of Virology, Pune. To further his academic pursuits, he frequently delivers lectures to college and university students on a variety of subjects, ranging from virology to cognitive science. His area of research interest is molecular human genetics and cognitive neuroscience and has published in international journals like Springer Nature. He is an aficionado of the natural world, with a passion for immortalizing its gentle beauty through photography. To further the cause of nature conservation he founded a society, The Himalayan Ecological and Conservation Research Foundation, J&K. Sanjeev Rana is also vice president of University of Jammu alumni association and member of the board of studies in Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu, and Music and Fine Arts, Cluster University Srinagar.

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: White Falcon Publishing; 1 edition (June 2024)
• Author: Sanjeev Rana
• ISBN-13: 9798892223690
• Product Dimensions:  5 x 7 inch

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