New Delhi, March 30
According to an analysis done by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, a national-level organisation regulated to mountaineering and adventure sports activities in Indian mountains, Indian peaks attracted as many as 52 foreign expeditions during 2007.

The analysis reveals that climbers from Europe, especially from Germany, Britain, France and Spain, have particularly liked scaling Indian peaks.

While the Germans undertakook 12 expeditions in 2006 and 2007, British and French mountaineers have eight expeditions to their credit. Japan and Korea are not far behind, with four and three expeditions in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

The love for mountains, especially the Himalayas, brings thousands of climbers into the country and the number of expeditions has been rising every year. In the Himalayas, the climbing season starts in early May and closes by October. August is the most popular "climbing month", followed by September and July.

Stok Kangri (6153 m) in Ladakh attracted as many as 26 foreign expeditions in 2006 and 2007. In addition, 95 individuals have been granted permission in 2007 through the IMF Seasonal Office in Leh. This is much higher than the second and third most sought after peaks - Kun East (7077 m) in J&K & Kedardome (6830 m) in Garhwal - which attracted six and five foreign expeditions each in the same period. Stok Kangri was popular among Indian climbers as well, with as many four Indian expeditions to this peak in 2007.

Experts say that Stok Kangri is the perfect objective for fit trekkers without climbing experience that want to summit on their first Himalayan Peak. It is one of the main peaks of the Zansker range, situated in the fascinating region of Ladakh. This high and arid landscape has captured the imagination of travellers since it first opened to visitors in 1974. Although straightforward, the route is challenging and interesting, providing stunning views of the Karakoram Range.

The number of Indian expeditions increased to more than 60 in each year during the past five years that were partially funded by the IMF. Besides mountaineering, IMF is promoting trekking amongst the youth of the country and has granted approval to more than 600 trekking groups during the last five years.

“In its endeavour to encourage and induct the youth with disabilities into mountaineering and related adventure activities, since last year, adventure camps have also been organised for the disabled youth, who are generally neglected by the society for such activities,” says Col H.S. Chauhan, secretary, IMF.