BANGALORE: The 18th expedition of Adventure Sports Association of India (ASAI) to Stok Kangri, a high altitude peak which is 30 kilometres away from Leh, was a success. The team started their expedition on September 8 and made their return on October 7. The team comprised of participants from across the country.“There were about 40 participants from Tamil Nadu, Andra Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, West Bengal, all put together. However, the maximum participants were from Karnataka,” said Babu T Raghu, secretary of ASAI who was also the team leader during the expedition.A total of 17 participants reached the summit successfully. After 15 days of trekking, the team reached the peak which is at an altitude of 20,135 feet above sea level. There was no particular requirement that was set by ASAI.People were chosen from colleges and schools and also by informing other interested associations.“Anyone can apply and accompany us irrespective of their age, gender, religion or caste. It is not just good physical health, but also the mental state that is a major requirement to climb such high altitudes,” explained Babu.The 40 climbers were given special training for three months at the ASAI premises that included technicality of climbing, physical conditioning and group integration.Apart from the Indian trekkers, there were others who were from Australia, Italy and Germany. Babu believes that having people from different walks of life will build national integration.“It is difficult to climb high altitude peaks. Participants facing difficulties such as language, religion and nationality bear no importance. Amidst the nature, tribes in Himalayas and their culture, they get to look at things with a new perspective,” he informed.The team also got to see exotic animals like the marmots, lynx and snow leopards and it proved to be as one of their rare experiences.Anoop Sagar, a graduate said that he misses the beauty of the mountains, the monasteries and the Leh, Ladakh fest they visited during the course of their trek.“I am a photography enthusiast and this trek was an out-of-the-world experience for me. What also appealed to me the most was the Buddhist culture of the Tibetans,” he added.“Youngsters have to be adventurous. Such expeditions help in building character and also makes them a good citizen. But, it is a sad fact that more than Indians climbing the Himalayas, it is the foreign tourists who are more enthusiastic about it,” Babu elaborated.Apart from being sponsored, the trekkers were also provided with trekking equipment. According to Babu, the association usually hosts such expeditions during the month of October.
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