TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 30, 2025: In an extraordinary achievement that has placed Chhattisgarh on India’s mountaineering map, a team of tribal youths from Jashpur district has successfully opened a new alpine route on the 5,340-metre Jagatsukh Peak in the Duhangan Valley near Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The route, named the “Vishnu Deo Route” in honour of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, was established in just 12 hours using the self-reliant alpine style — one of the most demanding forms of climbing.
The expedition, organized by the Jashpur District Administration in collaboration with Pahadi Bakra Adventure, was conducted in September 2025 with crucial support from the Hira Group and several national and international partners. What makes the achievement remarkable is that all five climbers were first-time Himalayan mountaineers trained locally at Deshdekha Climbing Area — India’s first natural outdoor training zone for adventure sports, developed by the Jashpur Administration.
Under the leadership of Bilaspur-based climber Swapnil Rachelwar, the team underwent intensive training designed by Indian and international experts, including Dave Gates (rock climbing coach, New York) and Sagar Dubey (Director, Runners XP). The program involved two months of conditioning and a 12-day pre-expedition climb to build physical endurance, technical proficiency, and mental resilience.
Despite adverse weather, low visibility, and dangerous glacier crossings, the climbers — Ravi Singh, Tejal Bhagat, Rusnath Bhagat, Sachin Kujur, and Prateek Nayak — reached the summit without the use of fixed ropes or external support. Their accomplishment in pure alpine style has been hailed globally as a rare feat for first-time Himalayan climbers.
Spanish mountaineer and former World Cup coach Toti Vells, part of the expedition’s technical core team, praised the achievement, saying: “These young climbers had never even seen snow before, yet they opened a new route in the Himalayas. This proves that with the right guidance and opportunity, they can perform at a world-class level.”
Alongside the Vishnu Deo Route, the team also opened seven additional routes across the Duhangan Valley, including the first ascent of a previously unclimbed 5,350-metre peak named “Chhupa Rustam Peak.” Its ascent route, “Curcuma” — the botanical name for turmeric — symbolizes strength and healing, reflecting India’s cultural roots.
The expedition’s success highlights the potential of grassroots training and youth empowerment in tribal regions. It showcases how programs like the Deshdekha Climbing Sector can nurture world-class talent, transforming rural India into a hub for adventure and eco-tourism.
Administrative guidance for the project came from Dr. Ravi Mittal (IAS), Rohit Vyas (IAS), Shashi Kumar (IFS), and Abhishek Kumar (IAS), while technical expertise was provided by international professionals Ernest Venturini, Marta Pedro (Spain), Kelsey (USA), and Oyvind Y. Boe (Norway). The expedition was documented by Ishan Gupta’s Coffee Media team.
Sponsors and institutional partners included Petzl, Allied Safety Equipment, Red Panda Outdoors, Rekki Outdoors, Advenam Adventures, Jai Jungle Pvt. Ltd., Adi Kailash Holistic Center, Golden Boulder, Crag Development Initiative, and Mystic Himalayan Trail.
Speaking on the achievement, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said, “India’s future can emerge from its villages — and ascend to the world’s highest summits.”
With this inspiring feat, Jashpur is rapidly emerging as a new centre for adventure and sustainable eco-tourism, proving that determination and opportunity can take India’s youth — quite literally — to the top of the world.
