India’s largest disability-inclusive group set for Everest Base Camp trek

In a historic leap for disability empowerment and inclusive adventure, the Tinkesh Ability Foundation (TAF) has announced India’s largest-ever inclusive expedition to Everest Base Camp (EBC).

Setting off from New Delhi this week, the group aims to redefine the boundaries of human resilience in one of the world’s most challenging terrains.

The expedition, scheduled from April 4 to 19, comprises a diverse team of disabled and non-disabled participants. For the first time in an Indian trek of this scale, the group includes wheelchair users alongside amputees and individuals with visual impairments.

The expedition is led by Tinkesh Kaushik, founder and director of TAF, a triple amputee and National Awardee, who became the world’s first triple amputee to complete the Everest Base Camp trek. He also holds records as an amputee for bungee jumping from 160 metres and for scuba diving in open waters.

Among those accompanying Kaushik are, Priyanka Agarwal, a Bengaluru-based product manager and visually impaired professional with 15 years of experience in the IT and banking sectors.

Dr Rupinder Kaur, a polio survivor and wheelchair user serving as an Ayurvedic Medical Officer in rural Punjab.

Sameer Deshmukh, a seasoned trekker returning to the mountains as a right-leg amputee following a tragic accident in 2024.

Sai Prasad Vishwanathan, a wheelchair user and educator who previously made history as the first disabled Indian to join a research expedition to Antarctica.

Dipendra Singh and Vikas Thakorbhai Patel, both amputees and endurance enthusiasts who have successfully summited peaks such as Annapurna Base Camp and Harihar Fort.

The mission of the Tinkesh Ability Foundation extends beyond the physical climb. By reaching EBC, the foundation seeks to challenge societal stereotypes and advocate for “reasonable accommodations” in extreme environments.

“The Everest Base Camp trek stands as a symbol of courage, collaboration, and the belief that inclusion is not charity — it is equality,” the foundation told the media.

This journey marks TAF’s second major Himalayan milestone, following a successful trek to Annapurna Base Camp in April 2025. The foundation hopes this latest initiative will inspire policy changes and encourage corporate participation in inclusive adventure tourism across India.

On October 9, 2024, two participants and two trek leaders sponsored by TAF completed an inclusive Everest Base Camp trek. The participants were Chhonzin Angmo, a blind woman, and Vinod Rawat, a unilateral above-knee amputee.

Upon completing the journey, Angmo became India’s first blind woman to finish the EBC trek and was later honoured with the Sarvshreshth Divyangjan Award.

The group departs for Kathmandu on April 4, with the official trek commencing the following day. Supported by partners including Advait Outdoors and ICICI Lombard, the team stands as a living testament to the idea that with the right mindset and support, even the Himalayas can be made accessible to all.