~ Bachendri Pal will lead the ten women representing various states across India for this adventure~

Tata Steel is supporting a 10 member Indian women's team for an expedition 'Snowman Trek' (SMT) in the Himalayas beginning 01st June, 2011 in Bhutan. The 10 member all women's team will be led by veteran mountaineer Bachendri Pal. SMT, scheduled to be one of the most most difficult treks in the world, will start at Paro – Drukgyel Dzong and conclude at Sephu, Bhutan.

The combination of distance, altitude, remoteness and weather makes this a tough journey. SMT traverses the remote Lunana district, covering 11 high mountain passes few of which are over 16500 ft and also one which is over 17800 ft with the maximum elevation being 5230 metres. This arduous adventure will cover some of the most isolated parts of Bhutan and will pass through areas like Linghshi, Shombuthang, Lhedi and Jichu Dramo in 25 days. Each day the All Women’s Team will trek for 6 hours on an average with just 2 stopovers at Laya and Thanza.

This trek as Ms Bachendri Pal, Chief, Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF), states, is another effort of Tata Steel to empower women in one of the most unconventional and unique ways.

On prior occasions Tata Steel has supported the adventurous ladies in several TSAF (Tata Steel Adventure Foundation) expeditions – In 1993 the Indo-Nepalese Indian Women’s Everest Expedition was organized – the first all woman expedition from India, the 10 member Indian Women’s Expedition to Mt. Imjatse (Island Peak) 20,300 ft in the Everest Region, The Indian Womens Thar Desert Safari’07 was a camel safari covering 2000 km along the International Border from Bhuj in Gujarat to Wagah Border in Punjab via the Rann-of-Kutch which got recognition from the Limca Book of Records. To commemorate 100 years of Tata Steel the first Indo-African All Women Expedition was organized to Mt. Killimanjaro 19335 ft in 2008. Recently, Premlata Agarwal a mother of two grown-up daughters, one of whom recently got married, is currently on an expedition to climb Mt. Everest and she is the first-ever candidate from the state of Jharkhand to take on this expedition.

About TSAF
The main objective of Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF) is to induct people from all walks of life to the thrills and wonders of adventure sports, thereby developing a healthy rapport with environment and nature. It emphasises the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in life and helps participants cultivate it through a multidisciplinary approach and a wide range of activities. Designed for all age groups, TSAF has special programmes for children, youth, corporate employees and senior citizens. It has evolved the concept of utilising benefits of adventure in everyday life to perfection and aids and encourages many forms of the sport like mountain trekking, parasailing and river rafting. In an effort to extend the benefits to the business world, TSAF has also incorporated the needs of corporate management (particularly team building) in many of its programmes. The Foundation’s core strength lies in its highly capable and motivated personnel (led by renowned mountaineer Ms. Bachendri Pal) who ensure a safe and supportive atmosphere for enthusiasts to willingly participate. They are presented with actual problems, real consequences and real constraints.