Women’s Trans – Himalayan Expedition 22 Flagged off

By Vaibhab Rohlian

Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, under the FIT India banner, flagged off a unique expedition titled FIT@50+ Women’s Trans Himalayan Expedition 22 in New Delhi early this month. For the first time, women aged 50 years and above from across the country will participate in this odyssey led by none other than Bacendri Pal. The idea struck her in 2019 when the central government’s Fit India Movement had become a talking point. “I was about to retire from Tata Steel, and I realised that I am 65 and still successfully leading expeditions and treks. So why not lead something for people who are in my age group under the Fit India movement? She asked herself.

What could be a better message about fitness when this age category which is usually dismissed as unfit decides to take on this ambitious trek? This is my dream project,” says Pal who has carefully selected her 14-member squad of seasoned mountaineers who are also mothers, grandmothers, homemakers. retired professionals, have “100 percent self-belief” and who are bonafide team players.

From Pangsau Pass in Arunachal Pradesh, the team will trek through Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim, Nepal, Kumaon, Gharwal, Himachal, Spiti, Leh Ladakh and conclude their journey at Tiger Hill in Kargil. In fact, Pal had conducted a similar all-women Trans-Himalayan expedition in 1997. But all her teammates were in their 30s and 40s then. The Covid-induced lockdown turned out to be a wonderful period of productivity, preparation and stamina-building for Pal who convinced her 77-year-old sister to go on long, rambling walks of up to 14km in her native village in Uttarakhand much to the amazement of locals. “The lockdown gave me a new lease of life. I just kept walking. Aap fit hai to hit hai,” says Pal.

The 14-member team, including the support crew, comprises retired professionals, mothers, grandmothers and homemakers from across India. The team also includes three women Everest summiteers. The five- month-long expedition involves traversing the Himalayas from East to West – from Arunachal to Ladakh- covering over 4,977 kilometers and crossing 37 mountain passes. The team members commence their journey of ultimate human endurance at Arunachal Pradesh and pass through Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim, Nepal, Kumaon, Garhwal, Himachal Pradesh, Spiti, Leh, and Ladakh, before concluding at Tiger Hill in Kargil at an altitude of 16,608 feet.

The expedition, being led by TSAF, promises to be an ultimate showcase of human endurance and the indomitable spirit of our participants. The Foundation, through its unique proposition and sustained endeavours, will continue to promote adventure sports in the country and inspire generations. Pal said: “I always believe that the biggest risk in life is not taking risks and this belief has given me the guts to take risks, lead many path- breaking expeditions, face numerous challenges and continue the journey. With the same belief, a team of 12 women will be undertaking a five-month-long Himalayan journey and the biggest challenge this time is the age factor.” According to her, this expedition is very different.

“The team members are aged 50 years and above, and the expedition’s duration coupled with multiple challenges like emotional, social, mental factors, fatigue and weather constraints make it unique. We intend to set up an example for all women and raise hope that it is possible to stay fit and healthy in old age,” she added. The expedition is also collaborating with the Indian Army and others for assistance all along the route across the Himalayas.

The team commenced a journey of ultimate human endurance starting from the misty mountains of Arunachal Pradesh from Pangsau Pass and then entered Bhairab Kunda in Assam. Further, the team will go to Jaigaon and reach Zuluk via Nagarkanda at the border of West Bengal and Sikkim. From there the expedition will traverse through Sikkim from Nathang Valley, Nathula pass to Gangtok and cover Chitrey, Kala Pokhari and Sandakphu (11,930 ft) in Singalia sanctuary. The team will then move into Nepal, where the route enters Dhaulagiri range and cover Salpa Pass, Lamajura Pass (11,500 ft), Deorali Pas (9,240 ft), Mali Pass (7,900 ft) and also cross Thorang la (17,769 ft) around Annapurna Massif.

From Western Nepal the trail goes from Jumla and enters Kumaon district in Uttarakhand through Darchula (Nepal). From there the expedition will pass through Kauri Kal (12,00 ft), cross Lamkhaga Pass (17,320 ft) one of the toughest passes, which connects Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh with Harshil of Uttarakhand.

The team will then traverse to Himachal. From there they will trek through Spiti, cover Bhabha (16,000 ft) to cross Kaza, Kibber and cross Pharang la (18,300 ft. The expedition will be concluded in Leh-Ladakh where the team will cross Namshang La (15,900 ft), move through Kargil and Drass through Hambutling La (13,209 ft), reach Tiger Hill base and will finish at Tiger Hill Top 16,608 ft, in the Drass-Kargil area of Ladakh. The highest pass covered by the team during the course will be Parang la, a high-altitude pass at 18,300 ft connecting the high desert of Spiti to that of Ladakh.

Looking back some 10 years ago, Bachendri Pal discovered she was having trouble with her knee. She consulted doctors who seemed certain these were early signs of arthritis. Pal could not, or refused to, believe her ears. “I was like, ‘nothing doing.’ I packed my rucksack and went off to the mountains. Karo ya maro (It’s either do or die).” remembers Pal. But she did not just rest on her Everest laurels. Instead, she went on to create more ‘Everesters’ and mountaineers in the profession. Especially among women. “Mountains do not distinguish between gender, money, caste, creed or religion,” she says.

Trans-Himalayan Trek is more rigorous as it lasts longer and covers a wider stretch of difficult terrain. It happens once every 10 years or so.

Source: Himalayan News Chronicle