Battling −10°C temperatures, low oxygen levels, and two feet of fresh snowfall, the expedition team reached the vicinity of Mount Deo Tibba’s summit before extreme weather and avalanche risks forced them to prioritize safety.
Pune-based mountaineer Nabilal Pathan recently undertook a challenging expedition to Mount Deo Tibba, a majestic Himalayan peak standing approximately 6,001 metres (19,688 feet) above sea level in Himachal Pradesh.
Beyond the spirit of adventure, the expedition carried an important environmental message: “Save the Himalayas, Save Nature, Fight Climate Change.”
The expedition was led by renowned Everester Lahu Ughade and experienced mountaineer Rajesh Giri. The team included Deepika (Indian Navy Officer), Manoj Nalgirkar (Maharashtra Police), Ranjit Koregaonkar, Ramya C., Mayur Nigade, Muskan Kalra, and Nabilal Pathan.
The 12-day expedition tested the team’s physical endurance, mental strength, determination, and ability to respond to unpredictable Himalayan weather conditions.
Battling Extreme Conditions at High Altitude
During the expedition, the team climbed to an altitude of approximately 4,500 metres, navigating challenging Himalayan terrain in freezing temperatures that dropped to −10°C.
At such altitudes, reduced oxygen availability makes every step physically demanding. Climbers must carefully manage their breathing, energy levels, and acclimatization while navigating steep, snow-covered mountain slopes.
Despite these challenges, the team continued its ascent with determination and teamwork.
However, after reaching the fourth camp, weather conditions deteriorated dramatically.
Heavy snowfall covered the mountain slopes, depositing approximately two feet of fresh snow and significantly increasing the difficulty of the climb.
The newly accumulated snow made the terrain unstable and increased concerns about possible avalanches. Every step required extreme caution, as the fresh snow concealed potential hazards beneath the surface.
The team made significant progress towards the summit, but the deteriorating conditions and avalanche risk made further climbing increasingly dangerous.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the expedition leaders placed the safety of the climbers above the ambition of reaching the summit.
A Powerful Message from the Himalayas: Climate Change Is a Global Concern
One of the most meaningful aspects of the expedition was Nabilal Pathan’s effort to raise awareness about climate change and the urgent need to protect the Himalayan ecosystem.
The Himalayas are among the world’s most environmentally sensitive mountain regions. Rising global temperatures are contributing to glacier retreat, changes in snow cover, and growing risks associated with unstable mountain environments.
Scientific research has highlighted the vulnerability of Himalayan glaciers and the potential consequences of climate change for water resources, mountain communities, biodiversity, and future generations.
The expedition team’s experience with rapidly changing weather reinforced the importance of understanding and respecting mountain environments.
Although individual snowfall events cannot automatically be attributed to climate change, long-term climatic changes are affecting the Himalayan region and creating new challenges for mountain ecosystems.
Through his environmental awareness photograph taken during the expedition, Pathan sought to communicate a powerful message:
“The Himalayas are not just mountains to conquer; they are natural treasures that we must protect. Climate change is not only a concern for future generations—it is a challenge that demands action today.”
“Reaching the Summit Is a Dream, but Protecting Nature Is Our Responsibility” — Nabilal Pathan
Reflecting on the expedition, Nabilal Pathan shared a message inspired by his experience:
“Mountaineering is not just about reaching the highest point of a mountain. It is about understanding nature, respecting its power, and learning to survive in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.”
He further explained:
“During our Mount Deo Tibba expedition, we experienced temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius, reduced oxygen levels, and sudden heavy snowfall that deposited nearly two feet of snow. The possibility of avalanches made every step extremely challenging.”
“We were determined to reach the summit, but the mountain reminded us that nature is always more powerful than human ambition. No summit is worth risking human lives.”
Emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation, he added:
“The Himalayas are a precious part of our planet’s natural heritage. If we fail to protect our environment today, future generations may not experience these magnificent mountains in the same way. Through this expedition, I wanted to spread awareness about climate change and encourage people, especially youngsters, to take responsibility for protecting nature.”
An Experienced Mountaineer with Over 10 Himalayan Expeditions
Nabilal Pathan has extensive mountaineering and trekking experience.
He has participated in expeditions involving more than 10 Himalayan mountains, including several peaks above 20,000 feet.
In addition, he has completed over 80 forts and mountain treks across Maharashtra’s Sahyadri ranges.
His mountaineering journey reflects his passion for adventure, physical fitness, endurance, and exploring some of India’s most challenging mountain landscapes.
Through his expeditions, Pathan hopes to encourage young people to embrace mountaineering, adventure sports, physical fitness, and environmental responsibility.
Inspiring Youngsters Through Adventure and Environmental Awareness
The Mount Deo Tibba expedition demonstrated the importance of teamwork, discipline, leadership, resilience, and responsible decision-making in high-altitude mountaineering.
Despite facing extreme temperatures, reduced oxygen levels, unpredictable snowfall, and avalanche threats, the team showed determination and mutual support throughout the journey.
For Nabilal Pathan, the expedition was not simply about attempting a Himalayan summit. It was also an opportunity to highlight the importance of protecting the environment.
His message to the younger generation is clear:
“Explore the mountains, challenge your limits, stay physically fit, but never forget your responsibility towards nature. Every small step towards environmental protection can help preserve our planet for future generations.”
SAVE HIMALAYAS | SAVE NATURE | FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE
“Mountains may challenge our strength, but climate change challenges our future. Protecting the Himalayas is not just a responsibility—it is a necessity.”
The Mount Deo Tibba expedition stands as a reminder that true mountaineering achievement is not measured only by reaching a summit, but also by the courage to make responsible decisions and the commitment to protect the natural world.
