Dehradun: In a significant boost to adventure tourism in the state, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj flagged off three mountaineering expeditions involving 36 young climbers from Uttarakhand. The teams will attempt to scale three prominent Himalayan peaks under the joint aegis of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), New Delhi. The ceremonial send-off took place at the Himalayan Culture Centre in Dehradun, where the Minister waved the green flag to mark the beginning of the ambitious climbs.
Just ten days after teams were dispatched for the GPS mapping of 100 trekking routes across the state, the focus has shifted to high-altitude mountaineering. The 36 young mountaineers, carefully selected by a committee from various districts of Uttarakhand, have been divided into three teams of 12 members each. They will attempt Mount Bhagirathi-II (6,512 metres) under the leadership of Shri Dashrath Singh Rawat, Mount Panchachuli-I (6,355 metres) led by Shri Vijay Singh Rautela, and Mount Swargarohini-I (6,252 metres) under the leadership of Smt. Lata Bisht.
The most inspiring aspect of the initiative is the all-women team heading to Mount Swargarohini-I. Led by experienced mountaineer Smt. Lata Bisht, the 12 women climbers hail from Nainital, Pithoragarh, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Dehradun, Pauri, Rudraprayag and Tehri. Their participation underscores a growing shift in the mountaineering landscape of the state, where women from the hills are increasingly taking on leadership roles and challenging the highest altitudes of the Himalayas. Officials present at the event described the women’s expedition as a powerful symbol of courage and progress, reflecting the determination of Uttarakhand’s daughters to claim their place on the state’s most formidable peaks.
The expeditions form part of a larger, carefully planned strategy by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board to establish the state as a leading adventure tourism destination in the country. The Board is simultaneously advancing multiple initiatives aimed at creating a safe, sustainable and professionally managed ecosystem for adventure sports. One of the key components is the ongoing GPS mapping of 100 trekking routes—50 in Garhwal and 50 in Kumaon—which began on September 18. The project will generate accurate digital data of these trails for the first time, support the development of a mobile trekking navigation application, and culminate in the publication of a coffee-table book titled “The Treks of Uttarakhand.”
Looking ahead, the Board has lined up a series of high-profile events in the coming months. The Adi Kailash Parikrama 2.0 is scheduled for October 24 to 26 in Pithoragarh district. The fifth edition of the Ultimate Uttarakhand MTB Challenge will be held from November 20 to 26, covering a challenging route of approximately 700 kilometres from Mukteshwar to Mussoorie. In parallel, the Himalayan Car Rally is set for November 19 to 21, marking the first step towards the revival of the legendary Ultimate Himalayan Car Rally that was popular in the 1980s and 1990s. Together, the scientific mapping of trails, the training of young mountaineers and the organisation of national-level adventure events are expected to create a robust and responsible framework for adventure tourism in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj emphasised that mountaineering is far more than the mere act of reaching a summit. “It is a test of discipline, patience and leadership,” he said. “Our effort is to ensure that the youth of the state do not merely gaze at the Himalayas from a distance, but become trained mountaineers, guides and adventure professionals who can create new livelihood opportunities in their own regions.” He particularly praised the all-women team, describing it as an inspiring example of the courage and capability of the state’s daughters.
Secretary of Tourism and Chief Executive Officer of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board, Dhiraj Garbyal, highlighted the complementary nature of the various initiatives. “Through GPS mapping we are making the routes safer, and through these expeditions we are preparing trained youth who will walk those routes,” he said. “In the months ahead, the Adi Kailash Parikrama, the MTB Challenge and the Himalayan Car Rally will carry this journey forward.” He urged all three teams to adhere strictly to the principles of Safety First and Leave No Trace throughout their expeditions.
Colonel Vijay Singh, VSM, President of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, lauded the collaborative effort between the state government and the national mountaineering body. He expressed confidence that, with the support of the state administration, the young climbers of Uttarakhand would carve a distinct identity for themselves on the national mountaineering stage. Extending his best wishes, he hoped for a safe and successful ascent for every member of the three teams.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Tourism Department and the Tourism Development Board, members of the expedition teams, and their families. The atmosphere reflected both pride and anticipation as the young mountaineers prepared to leave for the high mountains. For many of them, the expeditions represent not only a personal challenge but also an opportunity to contribute to the growing reputation of Uttarakhand as a cradle of Himalayan adventure.
With these three simultaneous climbs, the state continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing a new generation of skilled mountaineers while systematically developing the infrastructure and professional ecosystem required for sustainable adventure tourism. The coming weeks will see the climbers test their skills against some of the most demanding peaks in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions, carrying with them the hopes and expectations of a state that increasingly looks to its mountains not only as symbols of natural beauty but as sources of opportunity, identity and livelihood.