36 Young Mountaineers From Uttarakhand Set Out to Scale Three Himalayan Peaks
Three 12-member teams, including an all-women team, have begun expeditions to Mount Bhagirathi-II, Panchachuli-I and Swargarohini-I under a state adventure-tourism push.
Current Summary
According to a September 28 Pioneer Edge report, 36 young mountaineers from Uttarakhand set out on Monday to scale three Himalayan peaks as part of the state Tourism department's push to promote adventure tourism. Tourism minister Satpal Maharaj flagged off three 12-member expeditions, organised jointly by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) and the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), from the Himalayan Culture Centre in Dehradun. The teams will attempt Mount Bhagirathi-II (6,512 metres), led by Dashrath Singh Rawat; Mount Panchachuli-I (6,355 metres), led by Vijay Singh Rautela; and Mount Swargarohini-I (6,252 metres). The Swargarohini-I expedition is an all-women team led by mountaineer Lata Bisht, drawing members from Nainital, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Pauri, Rudraprayag and Tehri districts. IMF President Colonel Vijay Singh attended the launch alongside tourism secretary and UTDB CEO Dhiraaj Singh Garbyal. Maharaj said the effort aims to build trained mountaineers, guides and adventure professionals and create new livelihood opportunities. Garbyal said the expeditions are part of a wider plan to position Uttarakhand as a leading adventure tourism destination, and that GPS mapping of 100 trekking routes is underway to improve safety and build a digital navigation app.
What We Know
- Three 12-member teams began expeditions to Bhagirathi-II, Panchachuli-I and Swargarohini-I on Monday.
- The Swargarohini-I team is an all-women group led by mountaineer Lata Bisht, with members from eight districts.
- The expeditions are organised jointly by UTDB and the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
- GPS mapping of 100 trekking routes is underway to improve safety and build a navigation app.
- The Mount Bhagirathi-II team is led by Dashrath Singh Rawat.
- The Mount Panchachuli-I team is led by Vijay Singh Rautela.
- Indian Mountaineering Foundation President Colonel Vijay Singh attended the Dehradun launch.
What Is Still Unclear
- Expected duration or completion date of the three expeditions.
- Safety and rescue arrangements specific to these expeditions.
What Changed
- 29 Sept, 11:41 pmAdditional reporting names the team leaders: the Mount Bhagirathi-II expedition is led by Dashrath Singh Rawat and the Mount Panchachuli-I expedition by Vijay Singh Rautela. Indian Mountaineering Foundation President Colonel Vijay Singh was also present at the Dehradun launch alongside tourism secretary Dhiraj Garbyal.
- 29 Sept, 11:02 pmSignal detected: 36 Young Mountaineers From Uttarakhand Set Out to Scale Three Himalayan Peaks
Background
The initiative follows the state's broader adventure tourism strategy, which also includes the upcoming Adi Kailash Parikrama, per tourism officials.