Adventure beckoned... and Swadesh Kumar responded... And continues to do so even today.

For the past thirty-five years, he’s traveled extensively to different parts of the world and given lectures at many Alpine Clubs, especially in Japan.

His untiring efforts contributed significantly to the growth and development of the business of international mountaineering expeditions. He is one of its undisputed pioneers.

From the very beginning of his career, (1974 - 79) he promoted and pioneered many routes and trails. One striking example of his breaking new ground, is the fact that he was the first person to promote Camel Safaris for foreign tourists in the Thar deserts of Rajasthan.

Swadesh Kumar's interest In Trekking and Climbing Expeditions started in 1969 when he joined the Delhi Mountaineering Association (DMA) as a member. He was elected its Life Member in 1971.

His first encounter with the Indian Himalayas was in 1970 when he joined the expedition organised by the Delhi Mountaineering Association from Bharmarr to Darcha via Kugti Pass in Himachal Pradesh. This was the start of a special bond and relationship with the Himalayas that’s sustained till today. Quite simply, he became a prodigy of the mountains.

In 1973 he was a member of the successful Indian School Boys' Expedition to Black Peak - he was quarter master of the expedition - organised by the Delhi Mountaineering Association. This expedition was guided by very eminent personalities like the late Mr. Jack Gibe (Head Master of Doon School), Mr, Shomi Dass, and famous Educationist and Mountaineer Mr. Hari Dang.

In 1974, he did a Basic Mountaineering Course in Darjeeling under the guidance of the Late Shri Tenzingh Norgay, and had the distinction of becoming a summiter on Vidhan Chand Peak. He was also the quarter-master and completed the course with an 'A' grade.

He was the Administrative Officer of the ‘All India women's expedition’ to Makarbay in Himachal Pradesh organised by the Delhi Mountaineering Association in 1975. And in 1977 he climbed Mt. Trishul in Garhwal , organised by DAV Summit Club, Germany.

In 1977, he had the distinction of single-handedly handling 17 Climbing Expeditions from different parts of the world, most of them to Nanda Devi Sanctuary.

In 1978 he led the Delhi Mountaineering Association's expedition to Mt. 48 & Mt. 49 In Himachal Pradesh.

The year 1979 was a landmark one in Swadesh Kumar’s life as he founded Shikhar Travels, with the idea of promoting adventure tourism, especially mountaineering and trekking. Today, Shikhar Travels is a name to reckon with in the field of professional adventure tourism, and ranks among the very top and most respected Indian adventure tour companies for organizing climbing and trekking expeditions to the Indian Himalayas. Swadesh Kumar has organized and guided over 250 climbing expeditions to the Indian Himalayas. The company’s had the privilege of close association with world-renowned mountaineers such as Sir Edmund Hillary, Reinhold Messner, Jjunko Tabei,