A 10-member IAF mountaineering team led by Wg Cdr SK Kutty set off on an alpine style mountaineering expedition to Mt. Rudugaira (5885M) from the Gangotri region today. The expedition is aimed to take on the challenge of climbing high mountains without the help of any external agency or porters.
The IAF is developing a nucleus of trained and experienced mountaineers capable of planning and leading an expedition on their own. Since the climb has moderate difficulty levels, both physically and technically, Mt Rudugaira Peak is best suited as stepping stone for higher levels in future.
Seven IAF mountaineers including three women officers recently scaled the Mt Everest at 8848M, in a span of five days from May 21-25. The Everest was first called by IAF mountaineers in 2005.
The IAF mountaineers have already scaled six highest mountain peaks of different continents. With preparations on to scale Mt Vinson in Antartica, the IAF is all set to be the first Defence organization in the world to scale all seven summits of the seven continents.