Adventure Travel & Outdoor Blog

Col Balwant graduated from the Indian Military Academy in 1957 and joined the Mahar Machine Gun Regiment. Transitioning to the Parachute Regiment in 1962, he served with distinction, commanding the 6th Battalion from 1971 to 1975.  Colonel Balwant Sandhu wasn't just a climber; he was a Himalayan lifer. For a span of over 50 years, he explored remote regions, led prestigious institutes, and earned the respect of mountaineering communities worldwide. His achievements are numerous but the highlights include: ·         First ascent of Changabang (1974) alongside Chris Bonington ·         First solo ascent of North Peak of Bamba Dhura (1962) ·         Principal of Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (1980-85) ·         President of the Himalayan Club (1983-84) ·         Numerous other challenging first ascents across the Himalayas Balwant excelled in technical, alpine-style ascents of uncharted mountains. His notable achievements include the first ascents of Changabang in

  Entering the Indian Army as a cadet in 1950 at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, he was commissioned in the Kumaon Rifles by 1954. His unwavering resilience in the face of challenge rightfully earned him this nickname, shaping his trajectory in both military and mountaineering endeavors. In the late 1970s, while leading the Indian Army's mountain warfare school, Col. Kumar stumbled upon a critical detail. A German explorer's American map showed the Line of Control far east of its known location, potentially ceding vital territory to Pakistan. Alarmed, Col. Kumar bypassed red tape by framing a reconnaissance mission as a "training session" for students. He led them into the uncharted heart of the Siachen Glacier, the world's largest, braving treacherous terrain and temperatures of -50°C. An exceptionally honored soldier, he was bestowed with the Param Visisht Seva Medal, a distinction typically reserved for Generals, making him the sole colonel ever to rec

  This Padma Bhushan and Arjuna award-winning legend led India's historic first Everest summit in 1965 and successfully placed nine men on the summit of Everest, setting a world record that endured for 17 years. But Capt. Kohli's story takes a surprising turn: he was also part of a covert RAW-CIA mission in the same year!   Under the guise of a regular mountaineering expedition, Capt. Kohli and his team embarked on a secret plan to place a surveillance device on Nanda Devi to monitor China. Talk about a thrilling double life! This daring mission, revealed in his book "Spies in the Himalayas" co-authored with Kenneth Conboy, adds another layer of intrigue to Capt. Kohli's remarkable life.    His tenure of 14 years at the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, serving as Vice-President and later President from 1989 to 1993, witnessed significant milestones in mountaineering.   Since retiring in 1990, Capt. Kohli has been fervently engaged in fostering the comprehensive d

Major Narendra Dhar Jayal, a name synonymous with Indian mountaineering, was a force of nature himself. Nicknamed "Marco Polo," he wasn't just a climber; he was a pioneer. Jayal's passion for mountains ignited at Doon School, where his unruly spirit found an outlet in climbing. At the age of just 15, he accompanied his teachers along with two other boys to the Arwa Valley glaciers above Badrinath and camped at 19,000 ft. His thirst for adventure didn't stop there. He trained in Switzerland, becoming a certified ski teacher - a rare feat at the time. Back in India, Jayal spearheaded the "Sappers Expedition" to Bandarpunch in 1950, a turning point for Indian mountaineering. As a young captain, he explored the Garhwal Himalayas, paving the way for future expeditions. He even served as the Indian liaison officer for the French Nanda Devi expedition in 1951. But Jayal's vision extended beyond personal summits. In 1954, thanks to the generous support f

Gazing upon the vast expanse of space, a breathtaking spectacle unfolds the Himalayan Mountains, standing as stoic guardians of age-old wisdom and natural grandeur. Adorned with blankets of snow and ice, these towering behemoths emerge in all their majestic glory, captivating observers with their sheer enormity and profound beauty.  Astronaut's Eye View: Photo taken from Expedition-30 on the International Space Station over India, capturing the view beyond the Himalayas into Nepal and Tibet. This highlights the challenge of spotting such landmarks from space and underscores the vastness of the landscape visible from the ISS. The Cosmic Perspective: The beauty of alpenglow is observed from space near the Hindu Kush mountain range in Central and South Asia. The phenomenon's allure transcends earthly boundaries, showcasing its universal magic and the stunning interplay of light and landscape across different perspectives. From the cosmic vantage point, the Himalayas unveil their g

  Imagine being amidst the wilderness, when suddenly, the sky opens up, unleashing a deluge. Or nearing the summit, a biting wind threatens to chill you to the bone. In moments like these, a reliable waterproof jacket becomes your steadfast ally. With a plethora of options available, navigating the world of waterproof jackets can feel akin to traversing a blizzard blindfolded. Fear not, fellow adventurers! This guide arms you with the knowledge needed to conquer the elements and select the perfect waterproof jacket for your next epic adventure. From Ancient Practices to Modern Marvels: The journey of waterproof fabrics dates back through time. In days of yore, people relied on oils and waxes to coat their garments, providing temporary protection. Today, thin, waterproof membranes crafted from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyurethane (PU) offer remarkable properties, keeping water out while allowing sweat vapor to escape. The Craft of Transformation: Fabric into Shield: Waterproof