Fit at 50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition 2022

Bailey's Trail - A historic and offbeat trek passing through virgin temperate and rhododendron forests, in the jaw dropping backdrop of the Eastern Himalayan peaks of Gorichen and Kangto. Bailey's Trail is a popular and a very coveted trekking route in Arunachal Pradesh, India, known for its challenging terrain and breathtaking landscapes. This trail is named after Lt. Col. John Henry Bailey, who was instrumental in building this route during World War II.

We are excited as we embark on a journey to the enchanting Northeast region of India with 'Summits & Steering Wheels', where we'll explore the Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh, often referred to as 'Paradise on Earth.'

The expedition begins from Dirang where the team will congregate for Flag off on the 12th of Oct. The very first highlight is Camping Under the Stars at the tranquil ambiance of Sangti Valley followed by the most important pillar of the expedition, the highly unexplored, yet breathtakingly enchanting – Bailey’s Trail where the team is expected to do high altitude trekking of nearly 15000 ft against the backdrop of Mt. Gorichen. After that, it’s the onset of off-roading, an experience not undertaken by the team earlier, where we will head towards Zemithang via Tse La Pass and onwards to Gorsam, exploring battlefield of Namka Chu, Nelya, Log Bridge and then towards Bum La, doing a full circuit via KM 6 and Khrimu and finally reaching Tawang.

Our Expedition Lead for Summits & Steering Wheels - Ms. Bachendri Pal, a trailblazing figure in the world of mountaineering and the pride of India. Born in Uttarakhand, she is the first Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest in the year 1984, marking a historic moment for the nation. Her remarkable achievement paved the way for aspiring mountaineers from India showing that dedication, hard work, and perseverance can take you to any heights. Honouring her remarkable achievements she has been conferred with the fourth highest civilian award in India, Padma Shri in 1984, and the third highest civilian award Padma Bhushan in 2019 along with numerous other awards and accolades. She was the first Director of the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation which has nurtured countless young talent, encouraging them to explore their potential in mountaineering and beyond. Her life and her story have been inspirational to many and she still inspires with her spirit of adventure.

The Fit@50 team is embarking on a thrilling new adventure, and this time, it's not just about conquering mountain peaks; it's about mastering the untamed trails of offroading. With a passion for fitness and a zest for life that defies age, this group of seasoned adventurers is ready to embrace a whole new challenge. Armed with determination, camaraderie, and a spirit of exploration, they are setting out to conquer rugged terrains, navigating their way through rocky obstacles, dense forests, and challenging landscapes. It's a journey that transcends boundaries, proving that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one's passions. The Fit@50 team is rewriting the rules and redefining what it means to live life to the fullest, inspiring us all to push our limits and chase our dreams, no matter our age.

Women Pushing Extremes! Tata Steel Adventure Foundation in collaboration with Indian Army, proudly announces the "Fit@50+ Summits and Steering Wheels. Unleashing the Spirit of Adventure by Breaking Barriers, Defying Age & Gender Norms -Team of FIT@50+ is on a 21-day Himalayan odyssey as fearless women aged 50+ embark on an epic journey across Arunachal Pradesh and push extremes.

In the second expedition of Fit@50+, the team of Fit@50+ is all set to push extremes by combining two strenuous adventure activities - Trekking & Offroading.

Led by Ms. Bachendri Pal, who's successful ascent of Mount Everest not only brought her personal recognition but also inspired countless women in India and around the world to pursue mountaineering and outdoor adventures. Summits & Steering Wheels is all set to shatter stereotypes and ignite the trail of empowerment!

140 days of continuous trekking, 12 courageous & inspiring women - all above 50 years of age, about 35 mountain passes, covering almost 4500+ km.

A journey that started from Arunachal Pradesh, through Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim, Nepal, Kumaon, Gharwal, Himachal, Spiti, Leh Ladakh and concluded at Kargil War Memorial.

TSAF salutes the determination and endurance of the team for this monumental success, led by Bachendri pal, and we cannot thank her enough for bringing everyone together to make this dream a reality and for ensuring completion of this expedition.

The team and TSAF extend their sincere gratitude to the Adventure Wing of the Indian Army for their unstinted and unconditional support at all times, the Army for their unequivocal support day in and day out, and to every single person along the expedition that helped the team in making their journey easy and comfortable.

TSAF also wants to congratulate all the guest trekkers that joined the expedition at various stages and wishes them good luck in their future endeavors.

A big shout out to all the sponsors for their love and support.


2022

Meet the Team of Fit @50+ "SHAMALA PADMANABHAN"

SHAMALA PADMANABHAN

Last but not least, she is part of a unique expedition- Fit@50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition'22. A daunting journey of a team of Indian women, aged 50+ who are traversing the Himalayas from East-West, covering 4,977 km.

The expedition is organised by the Fit India Movement of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and is dedicated to celebrate Azadi Ka .



Fit at 50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition 2022
Tata Steel Adventure Foundation

Meet the Team of Fit @50+ "Annapurna. L"

ANNAPURNA. L

She is an expeditioner of the Fit@50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition'22 which is a unique journey of a team of extraordinary Indian women, aged 50+.

The team is traversing the Himalayas from East-West, covering 4,977 km.



Fit India Movement
Tata Steel Adventure Foundation
Fit at 50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition 2022
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India

MAJ. KRISHNA DUBEY

An expeditioner of the Fit@50+Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition'22.

It is a unique journey of a team of extraordinary Indian women, aged 50+, traversing the Himalayas from East-West covering, 4,977 km.

The expedition is organised by Fit India Movement of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and is dedicated to mark the celebration of Azadi Ka . 🇮🇳



Fit at 50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition 2022
Tata Steel Adventure Foundation

VASUMATHI SRINIVASAN

She is an expeditioner of the Fit@50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition'22 which is a unique journey of a team of extraordinary Indian women, aged 50+.

The team is traversing the Himalayas from East-West, covering 4,977 km.

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
Fit India Movement
Tata Steel Adventure Foundation
Fit at 50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition 2022

Meet the Team of Fit @50+ "Bimla Deoskar"

BIMLA DEOSKAR

She is an expeditioner of the Fit@50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition'22 which is a unique journey of a team of extraordinary Indian women, aged 50+.

They are traversing the Himalayas from East-West, covering 4,977 km.



Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India

Fit India Movement

Tata Steel Adventure Foundation

Fit at 50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition 2022

Meet the Team of Fit @50+

SAVITA DHAPWAL

An expeditioner of the first-of-its-kind Fit@50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition'22.

She is part of a unique journey of 12 extraordinary Indian women, traversing the Himalayas from East-West covering 4,977 km.



Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India
Fit India Movement
Fit at 50+ Women's Trans Himalayan Expedition 2022
Tata Steel Adventure Foundation