Rajeev Sharma
Rajeev Sharma is the first Indian to have successfully summited Mt. Aconcagua (22, 837 ft) in the Andes, the highest mountain outside Asia. He worked in the Western Himalayas Mountaineering Institute, Manali (currently called Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), since 1978 and retired as the Deputy Director recently.
Rajeev was the technical advisor for the 1993 Indian Expedition to Mt. Everest (29,028 ft) which he also scaled on May 16, 1993. An ace climber with many first ascents to his credit. Rajeev has successfully attempted peaks like Lhotse (27,940 ft) Kamet (25,447 ft) Abhi Gamin( 24,131 ft) Mamostong Kangri (also called K32) 24,700 ft), Reo Purgyal (22,400 ft), Kun Peak (23,400 ft), Mana (23889 ft) RIMO-I (24322 ft), Menthosa (21,140 ft), Gangotri (22,200 ft), Mulkila (21,380 ft), Deo Tibba (19687 ft), Hanuman Tibba(19450 ft), White Needle (21,800 ft) & many more. His climbing career spans several geographical locations such as Karakoram ranges, Nepal, Sikkim, Alps, Andes etc
Some of his notable climbing achievements include the first ascent of Mamostang Kangri (24,700 ft) in Eastern Karakoram, first ascent of Kabru Dome,(24,318 ft) Kamet 24,447 ft) from West Arete first winter ascent of Hanuman Tibba (19,450 ft), Gya (North) 21,900 ft. CB-53 (20,000 ft). Besides hardcore rock climbing and professional mountaineering, Rajeev also has an abundant skiing experience. He has skied down Rohtang Peak (14500 ft), Friendship peak (17353 ft), Shiti Dhar Peak (17,200 ft) in the Himalayas and also in French Alps.
He has been a very popular mountaineering instructor, and has guided several expeditions to scale peaks successfully. He is also a specialist in rescue operations and disaster management and has conducted several training programs for the Indian Armed Forces and multiple world organisations.
A man of multifaceted talent, he has also undertaken white water rafting & water sports in Indus river, Zanskar, Nubra, Beas, Shyok and Spiti to name a few.
Rajeev holds training certificates in mountaineering and skiing from Chamonix France (Ecole Miltirare De Haute Montage). He also holds a certificate from Union of International Alpanisim Association (UIAA).
Rajeev has received many awards and accolades for his adventurous climbing career. National Adventure Award in the year 1994, Himachal Pradesh Governor’s and Chief Ministers’ award, and several others. He has also received the commendation from the Chief of the Army Staff. In 2012, he was honoured by the J&K Chief Minister for his outstanding achievement in mountaineering and Adventure. In the year 2021, he was honoured with “Duggar Gaurav Adventure Award”.