Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, July 14: As part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, 10th Battalion Brigade of the Guards, launched a 150 Km long “Path Finding Expedition” in the mighty Dhauladhar ranges. The expedition team comprising of two Officers, one Junior Commissioned Officer and 12 other Ranks, explored the remotest parts of Himachal Pradesh between Dharmshala and Manali for over 13 days, in a vast expanse of mountains rich in beauty.
Encountering two challenging passes, Thamsar and Kalihani, the trek passed through forests of Pine, Oak and Deodar, and valleys blooming with wild flowers.
The highlight of the trek was their interaction with Gaddis, as the trek afforded the team a peek into their little known lives and a rare privilege of visiting their oldest settlement, Bara Banghal – a village that seems to have been forgotten with time.
The expedition was flagged off by Commander Fleur-De-Lis Brigade, Brig KV Jauhar, on June 29, 2015.
It was flagged in today by Lt Gen Rajeev Tewari, General Officer Commanding, Rising Star Corps.
The team lead by Lt Col Nikhileshwar crossed the two snow clad passes, each 15000 feet above mean sea level, during the trek. The trekkers commenced their expedition from Bir-Billing, a world famous destination for Para Gliding, and culminated the trek in Manali Valley.
In addition to unraveling the mysteries of the mighty Dhauladhars, the trek was aimed at charting a safe and challenging route for future trekkers.
GOC, Rising Star Corps, while addressing the trekking team, complimented them on successful completion of the expedition, charting a virgin and hazardous route.
The General officer further stated that such expeditions must be undertaken as a routine to inculcate the spirit of adventure and foster greater espirit-de-corps amongst the participants.