Corporate climbers are scaling new heights, literally

New Delhi: Decades after learning the ropes under Tenzing Norgay, Captain Swadesh Kumar now finds himself guiding a different set of adventurers—working professionals in their 20s to 40s who are swapping laptops for ice axes. “Indians don’t just want to trek anymore; they want to summit,” said the founder of adventure tour company Shikhar Group, which acts as a sherpa for first-time climbers exploring untrodden Himalayan peaks.

Fuelled by hybrid work models, fitness culture and the “bucket list” mindset, these aspirants are flocking to 6,000-metre and higher peaks, achievable in 10-14 days, such as Kang Yatse II in Ladakh, Nun Kun in Jammu and Kashmir and Friendship Peak in Himachal Pradesh. Nepal’s Mera and Island peaks are also rising in popularity, offering a fresher, less crowded alternative to Mount Everest.

According to Kumar, the biggest surge is from Indians making the leap from trekking to summiting, with many progressing from Kang Yatse II to tougher challenges like Nun Kun. Corporate groups are also embracing climbs as team-building exercises. “A 6,000-metre climb offers a real sense of achievement without the massive cost of Everest,” he said, pointing to improved roads, organised base camps and structured itineraries that make such climbs possible for working professionals.

Although package rates vary significantly, a 10-day guided Everest Base Camp trek costs about Rs 1,25,000 per person on average, including accommodation, meals and guide services. Besides being a more doable and tranquil experience, summiting lesser-known, more achievable peaks is 30-40% more pocket-friendly as well, say experts.

The trend is evident across South Asia. Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of Pickyourtrail, said bookings for offbeat expeditions have increased 17% in the past two years.

“We’re seeing millennials and Gen Z climbers with trekking experience levelling up, while first-timers are joining structured guided expeditions,” he said. Nepal’s Gaurishankar or Bhutan’s Gangkhar Puensum are some of the offbeat sites witnessing increased interest.

Infrastructure in Nepal and northern India is expanding the fastest, while untapped regions such as the Hindu Kush and Bhutan’s higher peaks still face regulatory hurdles. Seasonality remains critical: April-June and September-November are the main windows, but climate change is altering snowmelt and avalanche patterns, demanding flexible schedules and real-time weather tracking.

In a bid to increase its revenue share in this segment, Nepal recently waived the royalty it used to charge for 97 peaks in Karnali and Sudurpaschim for the next two years. The government hopes these mountains will draw tourists to areas with limited economic activity.

In India, too, attention is shifting from crowded trails to emerging peaks. “Mountaineering traffic is being redistributed,” said Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip.

Destinations such as Nanda Devi, Shivalinga, Kang Yatse and Nun Kun are drawing domestic and international climbers with their challenges and cultural lore, while permit waivers and affordable packages add to the appeal. A mix of international tourists, ambitious first-timers and young adventurers—such as a Pune team attempting Sangyal, Dawa and Meru—is reshaping the mountaineering scene into something more inclusive and sustainable, said Pittie.

Technological shifts are also transforming the experience. Climbers now rely on satellite communication, GPS navigation and advanced gear, while eco-tourism initiatives in Ladakh and Uttarakhand are balancing conservation with community livelihoods. “Inclusivity is another encouraging trend,” Pittie added, citing the rise of women and differently abled climbers supported by adaptive technologies.

Manjari Singhal, chief growth and business officer at Cleartrip, said the momentum is also powered by social media. “Alongside the diverse and inclusive purist community, more people are transitioning from casual trekking to summit pursuits. This shift is driven by social media discussions and influencer content igniting curiosity about these previously overlooked trails and summits,” she said, adding that with governments improving access and infrastructure, the focus is shifting from just “leaving no trace” to ensuring mountaineering uplifts local communities.