For these young and dynamic soldiers, disability is not a curse. Moreover, they wanted to prove that handicapped people need encouragement and cooperation but not pity and mercy. They have suffered these disabilities during operations in Kargil, Sri Lanka and prevailing counter insurgency environment in the northern and eastern part of India.

Mount Gangstang is a majestic peak across Rohtang Pass in Lahaul Valley at the height of 6162 m above main sea level. This peak is also known as ‘Deity of Snow’ amongst locals of the area. Technically it is a difficult peak where the adventurer's skills and mental grit is tested before he sets foot on the top of the peak. Handicapped people, though in the past had joined various expeditions with others, they have not undertaken any expedition on their own. It is for the first time in the known history of mountaineering that 11 Indian Army handicapped soldiers undertook this challenging venture as a team. Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony, Lt Gen RK Sawhney said that it was a honour to the Indian Army that the handicapped soldiers had accepted to undertake this noble adventure.

Talking to Sainik Samachar, the team leader Maj Som Prakash Sharma of the Sikh Regiment whose brain child was this expedition said that, he embarked upon this project after watching an handicapped person on television, who said that he was trying to scale a mountain. Maj Sharma immediately approached the Headquarters Army Adventure Wing. Seeing his strong will, the Army Adventure Wing asked him to go ahead with his plans. Around 19 handicapped soldiers came forward for this expedition. 11 persons were selected on the basis of their physical conditions. Special artificial limbs had to be made for the limb amputees. A four-member rescue team was also travelling with the team to help in case of any exigencies.