Where Courage Meets the Clouds: The New Generation of Himachali Climbers

The mountains of Himachal Pradesh are more than just stunning scenery. For a new generation, these peaks are a part of their soul—a place to discover their strength and answer a profound calling.

While the Himalayas draw thousands of adventurers, for young Himachalis like Dimple Negi from Old Manali, the mountains are home. “I am deeply connected with these mountains,” she shares. “Mountaineering gives me strength and a sense of purpose.” Despite the very real risks of avalanches and frostbite, this new wave of climbers is drawn not by thrill-seeking alone, but by a deep respect for nature and a test of their own spirit.

This passion is a shared language. Vishal, who recently summited Deo Tibba with the adventure group Ibex Himalaya, describes his expedition as “a thrilling and humbling experience.” He reflects, “Every step teaches patience and teamwork. The mountains test not just your stamina but your spirit.”

Dimple, who served as a guide on the same Deo Tibba expedition, knows this challenge intimately. She recalls how their lead guide, Rajat Thakur, focused on keeping the team safe while pushing for the summit. “What looks simple from afar is actually an intense mental and physical challenge,” she says. “But reaching the top together makes every hardship worth it.”

They are part of a growing community—including climbers like Aditi, Ishan, Jyotiraditya, and others—who are supporting each other and inspiring their peers. They see the mountains of the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and Zanskar ranges not as obstacles, but as teachers.

Institutions like the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Manali help nurture this spirit with professional training. But the lessons go beyond technical skill. These climbers are becoming guardians of the very environment that shapes them, advocating for eco-conscious expeditions and the “leave no trace” principle to protect the fragile peaks they love.

In the end, their stories remind us that the true summit isn’t always the highest point on the map. As these young climbers carve their paths upward, they find that courage is built step by step, and the greatest reward is the journey itself—a journey of unity, determination, and a profound love for the mountains they call their own.