Trekking popular in Himalayas

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32879, 30 March 1972, Page 12

Trekking popular in Himalayas

An Indian who has led 25 expeditions through the Himalafas in the last 15 years arrived in Christchurch on Tuesday to dispel the commonly-held myth that the region is only for the young, fit and strong—in other words, climbers. Commander M. S. Kohli, leader of the 1965 Everest expedition which put nine men on the summit—a record which remains—said

that provided people were in reasonably good health age did not preclude them from enjoying themselves in this region of unparalleled scenic beauty.

In fact, Commander Kohli’s Job, as a member of the staff of Air India in Bombay, is to encourage tourism in the Himalayas. He said that in the last 22 years all the Himalayan “giants” had been climbed amid tremendous world-wide publicity.

“The name ‘Himalayas’ has thus become something of a magic word that has attracted people from all walks of life in different countries to see the region. But the idea that it was only for the fit and the young has put them off,” he said. So Commander Kohli is now trying to interest people overseas to go trekking in the Himalayas—“something which can be enjoyed even by those in their 705," he said.

In the last two years these treks, each of which lasts about three weeks, have become very popular. Apart from the air fare between India and one’s home, trekking can be done for less than $lO a day—which includes food, accommodation and guides. While in New Zealand, Commander Kohli is also hoping to find five teen-age boys who would like to participate with Indian counterparts in a 21-day adventure course at Darjeeling next January. Places are being made

available for five New Zealanders and five Australians by the Indian Government, which founded the Himalayan Mountain Institute which runs the course. The course will be offered at a nominal cost of about $5O for 21 days. But there is the return air fare, which will cost about $BOO from New Zealand.

Arrangements for the scheme are being shared with the Wilderness Association, a non-profit association made up of returned Himalayan trekkers and wilderness enthusiasts. The leader of the group will be Major W. Deacock, who has taken part in expeditions in many parts of tiie world, and was the first warden of the Australian Outward Bound school.

New Zealand arrangements for the course will be handled by Auckland mountaineer Mr W. Romanes. Commander Kohli said the Himalayan Mountain Institute course introduced boys between 16 and 19 to the elements of travel in

mountain country, to an appreciation of flora and fauna, and to the art of living together. On Tuesday Commander Kohli spent the lunch hour with a number of local climbers who have had experience climbing in the Himalayas.

Photograph shows Commander Kohli (right) with, from left, Mrs Margaret Clark, Mr N. D. Hardie, Mr J. Wilson, and Major W. Deacock.