Captain Swadesh Kumar
As A Passionate Traveler, I Have Traveled Extensively Within India And Abroad. Capt. Kumar Had The Distinction Of Alone Managing 17 Climbing Expeditions From Different Parts Of The World, Most Of Them To The Nanda Devi Sanctuary.
Forging Paths in the Himalayas
Capt. Swadesh Kumar is the Founder of Shikhar Group of Companies, India (1979). Professionally a Pilot, Mountaineer, Environmentalist, and Explorer, he is a man with a multiple personality. As the Founder of Shikhar Travels, he established a leading Destination Management Company and pioneered Adventure Tourism with an experience of over 45 years.
In 1974, Capt. Kumar joined Cox & King, a travel company based in the UK at their local office in Delhi. At that time, adventure tourism was little known in the sector. He traveled extensively to Japan and Europe, lecturing at various alpine clubs. As a result, mountaineering expeditions to India saw a commendable increase.
He explored and pioneered many new trekking routes, trails for Camel Safaris in Rajasthan, sailing on the Ganges from Allahabad to Varanasi, and new routes for bicycle tours. Today, these are major adventure activities in the country.
In 1979, he founded Shikhar Travels, emerging as one of the biggest adventure tour companies for organizing climbing expeditions to the Indian Himalayas. He has organized and guided over 300 expeditions, handling renowned mountaineers like late Sir Edmund Hillary, Mr. Reinhold Messner, Mrs. Junko Tabei, and Mr. Carlos Buhler.
The Family Man
The lover of adventure is also a steadfast family man. Swadesh places great value on family support, believing one’s performance and success levels are largely determined by the backing from immediate family.
"He considers himself fortunate and states the high support level he’s received from his wife Mala, who has contributed greatly to his overall success as his true ‘partner’."
Ambika & Ramesh
Married in 2014Meenakshi & Vibhor
Married in 2010Legacy & Milestones
Education & Flight
A graduate in science from Punjab University and a qualified commercial pilot. Obtained his flying license in 1971, joined the Rajasthan Flying Club as a Flight Instructor, and worked as a Freelance Pilot until 1986.
Mountaineering Mastery
Completed his Basic Mountaineering Course in Darjeeling under the guidance of late Shri Tenzingh Norgay, achieving an 'A' grade and reaching the top of Vidhan Chand Peak. Managed 17 single-handed global expeditions to Nanda Devi by 1977.
Founding Shikhar Travels
Founded Shikhar Travels, emerging as one of the biggest adventure tour companies in the country for organizing climbing expeditions to the Indian Himalayas, winning the National Tourism Award in 2003.
Reach
Affiliations & Recognition
Recognized internationally as an authoritative voice and leader in global adventure tourism, holding key positions across worldwide organizations.
ATOAI: Founder President, served for six years.
ASTA: President of India Chapter & ICPC Chairman.
ICPB: Founder Member & Vice Chairman (2002-2006).
Rotary Int'l: Charter Member Dist 3010, Assistant Governor.
Royal Geo Society: Elected as Fellow (UK) in 1988.
UNDP/WTO: Consultant for Sustainable Tourism (Nagaland).
Memberships: Life Member of Himalayan Club, WWF, Delhi Mountaineering Assoc.
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