The 63 Cavalry, an elite armoured regiment of the Indian Army, successfully completed a trekking expedition to Chushul in Zanskar ranges of Ladakh region recently. The team had the twin objectives-adventure and a re-dedication to the glorious role of valiant soldiers of the Regiment in this remote region during Sino-Indian conflict of 1962.

Led by Maj Salil Sharma, the team comprising 3 officers, 4 JCOs and 20 Other Ranks completed this tough but exciting expedition in 5 days covering a distance of more than 300 km in the inhospitable high altitude region of Ladakh. The trekking team also built a memorial in the memory of Sowar Mangal Chand who laid down his life during 1962 operation. A marble commemoration stone has also been installed at the main Chushul War Memorial which records the saga of bravery of all participants of the operation.

The expedition coincided with the culmination of Sindhu Darshan festival at Ladakh wherein the team members experienced the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful region of our country. They also had interactions with locals as well as various organisations like Ladakh Scouts, Borders Roads Organisation and ITBP.

The Commandant of the Regiment, Col KJ Singh joined the trekking team during the last leg of the trek and flagged them in at Leh. He congratulated the team members for their josh, high state of morale and the spirit of camaraderie. The team performed this adventurous feat in the true spirit of its regimental motto: Parakram hi dharma hai.

Earlier, the veteran of 1962 operation, Brig (Retd) GS Grewal flagged off the expedition at a function presided over by Brig JM Singh, Commander, 43 Armoured Brigade. Maj Gen PPO Bhandari, GOC, 1 Armoured Division was also present on the occasion.