Varanasi: A 14-member mountaineering team from the University Mountaineering Centre of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was flagged off on Saturday for an expedition to Friendship Peak in the Pir Panjal range of Himachal Pradesh.The team was flagged off by BHU vice-chancellor Ajit Kumar Chaturvedi, who interacted with the students and enquired about their training, preparation and previous experience. He encouraged the participants to pursue their objective with dedication and discipline and wished them success and a safe return.Professor-in-Charge of the Mountaineering Centre, Anil Kumar Singh, said the expedition is being led by instructors Balram Yadav and Shivnarayan Yadav.The expedition will begin from Manali and proceed through Solang, Dhundi and Bakarthach before reaching Beas Kund, the source of the Beas River, situated at an altitude of about 12,772 feet.The team will then establish camps at higher elevations, including Lady Leg at approximately 15,500 feet and an Advanced Base Camp at around 14,900 feet. At the advanced camp, participants will undergo snowcraft and icecraft training before attempting the final ascent of the 17,352-foot Friendship Peak.Prof Singh said the students have undergone intensive physical and technical training over the past three months to prepare for the challenging expedition. The team is expected to complete the climb and return to Varanasi by June 30.
