In a testament to grit, resilience, and adventure, Shrey Punyani, a 39-year-old entrepreneur and mountaineer from Nagpur, undertook an arduous expedition to Kang Yatse I and II in the remote Markha Valley of Ladakh, marking the start of the 2025 climbing season. The expedition, which began on June 21, saw participation from elite mountaineering teams including the Army Adventure Wing and the Dogra Regiment, reflecting the challenging nature of the ascent. Although adverse conditions—specifically slushy snow, biting cold, and high-speed winds—made the climbing difficult, Shrey reached the Summit Camp of Kang Yatse I at 5,600 meters and pushed further to an altitude of 5,750 meters before making the difficult but wise decision to turn back in below-freezing nighttime conditions. Speaking after his return, Shrey said, “I always believe that summit is optional, but coming back safely is mandatory. This was a great learning experience and I hope to come back and finish the job in the future.

 

As an entrepreneur and mountaineer, I believe if you’re persistent and keep working at something, you’re bound to succeed.” If not, then it’s always a valuable learning. It was a humbling experience nonetheless, and I’m happy to return safely to heal and prepare for my next adventure soon.” Shrey Punyani is no stranger to high-altitude environments. A graduate of the prestigious Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling, he completed his Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC) there, summiting Mt Renok (5,000 meters) during training. Over the years, he has completed numerous challenging treks across the Indian Himalayas, steadily building his experience in mountaineering.