The Veer Ahir Gunners of 164 Field Regiment (Parbat Ali), had undertaken a trek to the snow clad and treacherous Zanskar mountain ranges of the Sugar sector. This land of fairy tales and fantasies has a spectacular terrain of lush green valleys, orchards, adorned by the colourful and hospitable population.

The trek was flagged off by Maj Gen Ashok Kapur, GOC, 15 Infantry Division with great fanfare. The trekking team consisting two officers, four JCOs and 35 ORs of the Parbat Ali Regiment and two signalmen of 15 Artillery Brigade Signal Coy proceeded from Amritsar to Puh along the picturesque vales, adjoining the turbulent waters of river Satluj.

The trekkers with their indomitable spirit were now on their mission to conquer the heights among the greater Himalayas. The trek consited of three sub treks in different valleys of the area. The first one was conducted in the Karchham area covered by the jungles of Runang at heights varying from 14000-15000 ft. This distance of 38 km along the mystifying 4573 meter high Mt Kinner Kailash by whose side is the seventynine feet vertical rock formation. The rock resembles a 'Shiva linga' and changes colour as the day passes at its backdrop.

As the team started from the hot and humid plains of Punjab, acclimatisation was being carried out alongwith trekking. The second trek was in the cold desert mountains in the Puh Valley for a daunting 42 km. The team, on their way visited the historic Chela temple which is 800 years old Buddhist shrine.

The third and final trek was in the virgin vales of Sangla Valley which was the most eagerly looked forward trek. This trek was flagged off by Brig SK Doval, Commander, 36 Sector. This part was the ultimate test of endurance of the team as it involved scaling the Charang Ghati at a height of 5200mts, thus achieving the pinnacle of glory.

Kinnaur is a home to some of the India's oldest traditions and legends. In the epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas are said to have spent several years of their exile in these tracts. Ancient texts have gone to the extent of placing the people of Kinnaur-the Kinner-as halfway between men and gods. The highland tribes here are simple, hard working, honest and affectionate towards the tourists.

The Parbat Ali trekkers returned to their sweet homes after completing all the treks successfully with a gleam in their eyes, a victorious smile on their faces and a sense of achievement in their hearts.