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The Army Chief Gen JJ Singh flagged off Garhwal Rifles Regiment Mountaineering cum Ski Expedition to Mt Trisul (7120 mtrs) here today. To add more thrill and adventure to this expedition a new dimension of skiing down from the summit has been added to it. This is for the first time in the history of Indian Army that after successfully scaling the peak any expedition team will be attempting to ski down from the peak. Colonel of the Regiment of Garhwal and Kumaon scouts Lt Gen MC Bhandari, DGNCC was the brain behind the expedition.
According to Indian Mythology Mt Trisul 7120 M (23,360 Ft) is Lord Shiva’s abode in Garhwal Himalayas. It lies in the inner core of the periphery of the Nanda Devi Biospheree reserve. The peak derives its name from the Trident of Lord Shiva. The region receives 60 to 100 feet of snow in the winter. The approach to peak is over crevasses prone glaciated terrain, steep rock fall region and along steep pinnacle type features. The successful climb on the peak requires meticulous planning, excellent climbing skill to include rock craft and ice craft. In addition, high standard of physical fitness and team work is a must.
The expedition team is being led by Col Sunil Kotnala Commanding Officer Garhwal Scouts. The expedition team consists of three officers, three JCOs and thirty other members. The summit leader for the expedition is Major Ajay Kothiyal, a highly decorated and experienced Mountaineer who successfully climbed Everest in the year 2001. The expedition team will be leaving Delhi on 21st of this month and will be reaching base camp on 06 June, Camp I on 11 June, Camp II on 13 June and Camp III on 14 June 2005. It will attempt to scale the peak between 15th and 21st June 2005.
The main purpose of this expedition is to inculcate a spirit of adventure, exploration and inquisitiveness amongst the troops and to develop stamina, endurance, self confidence and espirit-de-corps. In order to maintain pristine beauty and ecological balance of the route to Mt Trisul the team will also clear waste material enroute.
The DGNCC Lt Gen MC Bhandari and many senior service and retired Army officers were present on the occasion.
SKS/PS
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