Kumaon

New Delhi, Aug 31 (UNI) The intrepid climbers of the Kumaon and Naga Regiments today launched a mountaineering expedition to Nanda Devi East peak, according to reports received here from the Regimental Centre at Ranikhet.

The expedition is to commemorate the 13th Reunion of the Kumaon and 7th Reunion of the Naga Regiment, respectively, and the Tri-Services affiliation ceremony.

Climbing Nanda Devi East -- in the Kumaon Himalayas at a height of 7,434 Mtrs -- involves some very technical climbs that have attracted mountaineers from around the world.

Famous Mountaineer Tenzing Norgey was once asked which had been his most difficult climb ever -- with the questioner expecting him to say Mount Everest. Norgey surprised his mountaineer friends when he answered Nanda Devi.

The Nanda Devi East massif has been named amongst the most beautiful mountains in the world by some of the famous international climbers and explorers. It also enjoys the status of a revered deity as Goddess Nanda Devi amongst the people of Kumaon and Garhwal.

The Kumaon-Naga expedition, led by Major Shyamal Sinha, comprises 25 climbers from the Regiment and from affiliated units of the Para Regiment, Mechanised Infantry and INS Khanjar.

The team plans to complete the expedition in about 40 days.

The expedition was flagged off by Lt Gen Satyavir Yadav, Colonel of the Kumaon and Naga Regiments and the Kumaon Scouts.

UNI