The Team
Chewang Motup

Chewang Motup’s love of the mountains of Ladakh and the Himalaya is surpassed only by his drive to innovate and ensure Rimo Expeditions remains India’s leading and most trusted adventure travel company.

Back in 1985 as a 19-year-old Motup boldly piggy backed an Indian army expedition to Mt. Everest, hoping to climb the mountain behind the soldiers. He soon befriended the expedition and crossed the Khumbu ice fall 48 times while helping the expedition. The expedition, however, ended in tragedy with five deaths and Motup found himself involved in rescue operations .

There was no looking back after Everest and a year later in 1986 Motup guided the first traverse of the Siachen Glacier along the India-Pakistan border with a team of Americans and reached Indira Col & Turkestan La.

Motup has since been involved in numerous treks and expeditions including trekking peaks in Nepal, Mount McKinley in Alaska, Mt. Gya in Himachal Pradesh and an Indo-Japanese expedition that traversed the Shyok River valley in Ladakh that reached the Teram Shehr ice plateau - one of the highest and most remote plateaus in the world. He has also led trips across India, Bhutan and Tibet and was part of a select team that entered the fabled Nanda Devi Sanctuary in 2001 to evaluate its closure since 1982 for the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. During that expedition Motup reached Sunderdhunga Col, only the second time the feat had been achieved since an expedition by legendary Himalayan explorers Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman in 1934.

Trekking came naturally to Motup who was born in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh. It was a three day walk over the Khardunga La (pass) to Leh where he would catch a bus to go to school in Srinigar, Jammu and Kashmir. Motup caught the mountaineering bug at school and climbed several peaks in the Kashmir Valley including his first mountain Harmukh at age 13.

Motup’s knowledge of the Indian Himalaya and Karakoram is extensive and he is frequently consulted by leading mountaineers from around the world. He is also an experienced white-water rafting guide.

Motup’s community involvement includes his company’s support of an ice hockey team in Leh. He has been instrumental in promoting ice hockey in Ladakh as a recreational sport to pass away the long, cold winters. The sport got a huge boost when he got in touch the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) who very generously donated over 150 pairs of Ice skates and Ice hockey gear to Ladakh .

Motup also started the Ladakh Marathon in 2012 to tell the world that Ladakh is up and running after the devastating flashfloods of 2010. Motup believes and sees the potential of Ladakhis doing well in long distance races and to encourage the youth to take up running as a sport he has ensured that there is maximum participation of young Ladakhi runners in the Ladakh Marathon, the 6th Edition of which is being held on Sun 10th Sept 2017. The Ladakh Marathon is now an Internationally recognized marathon and become a “ must run” marathon for runners ( www.ladakhmarathon.com)

Motup is a member of the Jammu and Kashmir State Tourism Advisory Committee . He is also actively involved in lobbying for policy changes at the central, state and local levels to ensure the growth of adventure travel and tourism. He is a member of the Alpine Club in the United Kingdom and an honorary member of the Yorkshire Ramblers’ Club.

Yangdu Goba

Yangdu is the linchpin of Rimo Expedition and famous for her encyclopaedic knowledge of every detail of a Rimo journey. Combined with her passion for handling complex logistical operation and multi-tasking the end result is usually a trip is as perfect as perfect can be.

Current and prospective clients from around the world routinely turn to Yangdu peppering her with endless questions about trips that she patiently and always promptly answers. She actually enjoys doing it!

Yangdu is also the one who handles staff relations and details that only Yangdu can do, such as giving the camp staff cooking lessons and advice on how best to accommodate the diverse palates and needs on each one of our treks and expeditions.

Born in Darjeeling, India, Yangdu was educated at Loreto Convent, did her B.A. (Hons.) from North Point College and comes from a mountaineering family. Her father was the late Nawang Gombu Sherpa, the first man to climb Mount Everest twice (with the Americans in 1963 and then the Indians in 1965.) He was the Director of Field Training at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (H.M.I.) India’s oldest and most respected climbing school. From an early age, Yangdu was surrounded by trekking and mountaineering history and her father took her on trekking and climbing trips along the Singalila range in Darjeeling and the H.M.I. base camp near Dzongri in West Sikkim. She was also an instructor for the adventure course at the H.M.I.

Yangdu has also trekked extensively in Nepal, Zanskar and Ladakh and was a trek leader in Nepal for California-based Mountain Travel*Sobek and conducted field research on children’s health in rural Nepal for the World Health Organization.

Yangdu’s other passions include a love of cooking that goes beyond the ordinary. An invite to a Yangdu dinner is coveted and not easily forgotten.

Alka Deb

Alka is a key part of the Rimo Expeditions success story and the in-house organizational wizard. She graduated with Mathematics (Hons.) from Jesus and Mary College in New Delhi but decided to instead use her numerical skills to pursue a career in travel and tourism.

Always cool, calm and collected, Alka joined Rimo Expeditions in 1997 and has since serenely navigated her way through the Indian subcontinent’s often turbulent world of hotel reservations, airline ticketing, flight tour and other travel challenges.

She is a familiar voice and name to anyone who has booked a trip with Rimo Expeditions and developed a reputation for solving any travel challenge you may face during a trip with us or if you plan to add on a trip extension afterwards or organize a tour anywhere in India – Alka , the perfectionist that she is, is always there to give you the trip of a lifetime.

Uden Sherpa

Born and brought up Darjeeling, Uden went to the prestigious North Point School a Jesuit institution where he was introduced to the outdoors – part of their syllabus.There was no looking back. He went on to do his mountaineering courses and worked as a freelancing guide. It was during one of these trips that he met a Rimo group and decided to join the team. A very responsible and dedicated person with a pleasant temperament, Uden speaks fluent English, is knowledgeable about the local culture and environment and has been receiving rave reviews for his leadership from the groups he has been leading across Sikkim, Ladakh, Nepal, Bhutan, Garhwal, Rajasthan,. South India.

Over the years and after travelling with varied groups, Uden has developed a keen interest in birdwatching. His other interest is photography – which he gets plenty to take

With his 12 years experience across India and the Himalaya, Uden is amongst our most popular guides and well regarded by the entire team.

Skalzang Rigzin

Rigzin joined Rimo as a trekking help in 1997. Born in the village of Tingmosgang in Ladakh, Rigzin with his strong determination and hard work rose quickly to become a trekking guide. He underwent English speaking lessons in Delhi and completed his basic and advance mountaineering courses and then went on to do course in Method of Instruction, Search and Rescue. Rigzin has also participated in several mountaineering expeditions in the eastern Karakorams - Arganglas with Sir Chris Bonington, Rimo IV, Padmanabh including Siachen Glacier and has proved himself to becoming a great mountaineer after having climbed extensively in Ladakh and East Karakoram. Rigzin spent 4 years at the prestigious Bryanston School in England as an outward bound instructor where he has given training and instructions on outdoor related activities to the students and organizing and supervising the DoFe Expeditions. Rigzin also worked as a fire officer while in Bryanston and completed 2 leadership courses at the prestigious Plas y brenin School in Wales, UK. Rigzin’s love for the outdoors made him do his basic and advance course in Ski ing from Gulmarg, Kashmir.

Fun loving and very straight forward Rigzin has great leadership qualities. With his vast experience Rigzin continues to be a very popular leader.

Skalzang Lhondup

Skalzang hails from the famed Hundar village in the Nubra valley in Ladakh. He opted to join Rimo Expeditions in 1999 instead of a career in the Indian Army. Skalzang manages all reservations and trek logistics in Ladakh and has also handled complex logistics in the North East India. A very sincere and reliable person, Skalzang besides managing the office , Skalzang also leads treks in Ladakh and gets excellent reviews for his knowledge and experience in both the office and field over the years

PEMBA SHERPA

Born and brought up in Darjeeling, Pemba completed his basic and advance mountaineering courses as well as his Method of Instruction and Mountain rescue courses from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling where he also worked an Instructor before joining Rimo Expeditions in 2002. Pemba also spent 2 years at Bryanston School as an outward bound instructor and passed his leadership training programs and map reading successfully. Very pleasant natured and with a great sense of humor , Pemba has been guiding in Ladakh, Sikkim and Bhutan and with his vast experience and pleasant nature, Pemba is another extremely capable leader getting excellent reviews.

KUNCHOK THINLES

Hailing from the small village of Chilling in Ladakh, Kunchok joined Rimo Expeditions as a helper in 1998. An extremely strong man, Kunchok has worked very hard In working his way to become one of the best mountain guides. He has completed all his mountaineering courses as well as Method of Instruction and Search and Rescue. Having participated in expeditions with renowned Chamonix guides, Kunchok was able to learn new techniques . With his vast field experience and participation in numerous mountaineering expeditions in Ladakh , East Karakoram and Garhwal , Kunchok has come a long way and respected by his team mates for his experience and sound technical skills on the mountains. When he is there, the team always feel safe.

THINLES DORJAY

Thinles is whom you all will get to meet in Leh. Hailing from the remote Phokar village of Ladakh, Thinles has literally grown up in Rimo Expeditions as he joined us as a young lad of 24 years, 20 years ago . He now handles the office logistics, transport arrangements in Leh, meets all clients, is there at the airport to meet you and see you off. Quick thinking , hard working & good at multi tasking, Thinles has leads treks in Kumaon, Himachal, Ladakh and all clients have been very happy with the ease he handles all situations. Besides trekking, Thinles is a keen &excellent mountain biker and leads our mountain biking trips in Sikkim and Ladakh. Thinles also won the North West Biking Challenge in Ladakh in Sept 2016. With Thinles around, you can be sure that everything will be resolved.

BHIM LAMA

From Nepal, Bhim’s association with Rimo began 20 years ago. While working , Bhim pursued his graduation in world history and Tourism Development and then completed his Masters in History in 2001. In these past 20 years, Bhim has gained immense experience in guiding trips in Nepal, Sikkim, Ladakh, Zanskar, Himachal, Garhwal . Soft spoken and gentle , Bhim is able to give an excellent insight into the history and culture of any area that he travels too. During his free time, he also pursues his passion of Thangka painting as well as helping with an NGO , ICN (International Children Network) out of Kathmandu.

UJJWAL GIRI

Ujjwal Giri was born and brought up in the beautiful hills of Darjeeling, India. He completed his education from the same town and has also successfully completed the Adventure, Basic, Advance and MOI courses in mountaineering from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling. He has also represented India in the SAARC Adventure camp. He joined Rimo Expedition in the year 2010 and ever since he has been proving his worth in every task he undertakes. He presently handles the transport operations and is a tour escort and the face that greets you at the airport. He is also versatile in other office works. Ujjwal , has since the past 3 years starting leading trip in Darjeeling and Sikkim - his backyard in which he is comfortable in . Ujjwal is also key person in the logistics of the Ladakh Marathon , an annual event held in Sept every year.

He is a charming person to know and befriend. He likes to indulge in Adventure and outdoor activities. He loves nature and ironically dies for any animated movie!!!

RAJ KUMAR RAI

Raj has been with Rimo Expeditions since 1993 . Hailing from the Solu region of Nepal, Raj started of working as assistant cook and is now amongst our senior most cooks. A very strong and dependable person, Raj has is Sir Chris Bonnington’s man and had to accompany him on all his trips. With his vast experience of trekking and going on expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Ladakh, Garhwal, Kumaon and Himachal, Raj is a totally “ In Control” person on all his trips and has now starting guiding trips . He is looked up to by the trek crew and all clients who trek with him just love him as he is a hands on person with a Himalayan Experience of 20+ years.

Niri Tamang

Niri has been with Rimo for the past 25 years. Starting off a kitchen help, he is now a Master Chef producing gourmet meals on treks. Kind and very hardworking, Niri is able to cater to all kinds of dietary requirements. He has trained many aspiring cooks under him and his son who joined the Rimo team several years ago has now followed his father’s footsteps and is one of our Chefs too.

NAWANG TSERING

From Thiksey , Nawang Tsering joined the Rimo Team 4 years ago. Nawang is an enthusiastic mountain biker and is training to become a mountain bike leader.

TSEWANG

Tsewang joined the Rimo Team over 5 years ago as a helper and has trekked all across Ladakh, Zanskar, Garhwal. Born and brought up in the little village of Hundar Dok in Nubra Valley, Tsewang now works as assistant guide and undergoing training to become a mountain guide .

SAMGYAL SHERPA

Born in a small village called Walung, in the Makalu region of Eastern Nepal, Samgyal migrated to Darjeeling as a young boy with his family looking for work. He worked as a kitchen help at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and then learnt the ropes of mountaineering while working. Samgyal joined Rimo 20 years ago and underwent formal mountaineering training. He gained experience climbing with European mountain guides and besides having summited Everest 3 times, Samgyal has been on several expeditions in Garhwal, East Karakoram, Ladakh and Nepal and is amongst our most experienced Climbing Guides. Soft spoken and always smiling, he is respected by everyone at Rimo and regarded highly by all our clients.

MINGTEMBA SHERPA

Born in a small village of Angloa in the Makalu region of Eastern Nepal , Ming Temba migrated to Darjeeling with his family at the age of 13 . Like his older brother Samgyal, he worked in the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and learned his basic mountaineering skills while accompanying the mountaineering courses. He joined Rimo 12 years ago and been a lead climber in various expeditions in Garhwal, East Karakoram and Ladakh as well as having climbe Everest in 2013. Ming Temba is a quick learner and with experience in various expeditions with well known European guides, Ming Temba is now a technically sound and very good lead climber. He loves watching English action movies.

TENJEE SHERPA

A graduate from North Bengal University, Tenjee Sherpa had been leading treks since 2001 as one of our leading mountain guides. Prior to joining the tourism Industry Tenjee had been a mountaineering Instructor in the reputed Himalayan Mountaineering School of Darjeeling for 5 years. Tenjee has been on several Himalayan Expeditions and has climbed Kedar Dome (6648m), Kun (7077m) besides many trekking peaks in Ladakh and Sikkim. Tenjee has been guiding our treks and expeditions in Darjeeling, Sikkim, Garhwal and Kumaon, Ladakh and Bhutan and was invited by clients to be their guide on a climb to Mt. McKinley in Alaska in 2007.

Due to an injury, Tenjee is unable to trek . However he does go on tours in Darjeeling and Sikkim and with his vast climbing experience he now manages the operational logistics & stores of Darjeeling, Sikkim well as Ladakh.

DORJEE RINZING

From Darjeeling, Dorjee did his schooling from the Tibetan Central School and then his graduation from Hans Raj College, Delhi University. Dorjee handles hotel bookings and transport logistics as well as coordinating all staff movement. Very efficient and dependable and with great PR, Dorjee does an excellent job in managing the office logistics. Dorjee has been with Rimo since 2008.

MUKESH BHANDARI

Born and brought up in foothills of Garhwal Himalaya , Mukesh is a a graduate from Chaudhary Charan Singh University . He joined the Rimo Team in 2015. He is involved in the coordination and promotion of Ladakh Marathon. Apart from coordination for Ladakh Marathon, he also handles airport transfers in Delhi. He is an avid traveler and photographer and enthusiastic mountain biker.

KUNZANG DOLMA & JIGMET DOLMA

Kunzang and Jigmet are both from Leh and have been with Rimo for the past 3 years .They look after the accounts department in Leh.

PRAKASH MUKHIA

Prakash joined Rimo 12 years ago as storekeeper . He now manages and coordinates the stores and purchases as well as handles the airport transfers out of the Delhi office.

VIVEK RAI

20 years old, Vivek is the youngest member on board the Rimo Team. He joined us in the summer of 2016 and is the face of Rimo on arrival at the airport.

KAMALIKA DE

A graduate in electronic & computer engineering, Kamalika found her calling in the outdoors. She went on to do her MBA from the Indian Institute of Travel & Tourism Management. With a keen interest in adventure activities, Kamalika completed her mountaineering courses and has trekked in the Sikkim, Himachal and Garhwal Himalayan regions. Kamalika is part of the office team .