About Founder
Skalzang Rigzin, the visionary behind Guide The Himalaya, is one of Ladakh’s most accomplished and respected mountain guides. With over 30 years of hands-on experience in the Himalayas, his journey from a young porter to a world-class expedition leader reflects a lifetime of dedication, discipline, and deep connection with the mountains.
In 2024, Rigzin made history by summiting Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen or Sherpa support—a rare and elite achievement placing him among the finest high-altitude climbers in the world. He is the first Indian civilian to accomplish this feat, earning admiration both nationally and internationally. His record-setting 16-day ascent without supplemental oxygen or Sherpa support stands as a testament to his skill and endurance.
His expedition record includes successful climbs of Mt. Lhotse (8,516m) and Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m)—two of the world’s highest and most technically demanding peaks—alongside countless ascents across the Indian and Nepal Himalayas.
Professional Certifications
- Basic & Advanced Mountaineering – Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Nehru Institute of Mountaineering
- Intermediate Mountaineering Course (2022 & 2023) – IFMGA via NNMGA
- Search & Rescue Certification – Nehru Institute of Mountaineering
- Avalanche & Emergency Aid Training – Bergrettung Lech, Austria
- UIAA Trek Leader Certification – Ladakh & Uttarakhand
- Climbing & Leadership Training – Plas y Brenin, UK
- Skiing (Basic to Advanced) – Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports
Career Highlights
- Rimo Expeditions (1997–2019): Senior expedition leader, guiding treks and mountaineering teams across remote Himalayan regions, pioneering routes, and organizing cultural journeys.
- Boots & Crampons (2019–Present): Leads technical expeditions and high-altitude climbing programs across Ladakh.
- Bryanston School, UK (2004–2006 & 2008–2010): Outdoor education assistant, overseeing climbing programs and youth adventure activities.
Currently, Rigzin serves as the President of the Ladakh Mountain Guide Association (LMGA), where he promotes responsible tourism, eco-friendly practices, and high safety standards while mentoring the next generation of local mountain guides.
Through Guide The Himalaya, Rigzin channels his lifetime of expertise into creating safe, authentic adventures—ranging from technical mountaineering and trekking to rock climbing and alpine expeditions across Ladakh and the greater Himalayan region.
His legacy is not just about the summits he has reached, but the lives he has inspired—with clients, students, and fellow guides who admire his humility, knowledge, and unshakable passion for the mountains.
Skalzang Rigzin - Major Climbing Expeditions Timeline
Early and Mid Career Expeditions
- 1999: Indo French joint expedition of Peak Rimo IV (7300m) led by Jeff Tripard and Harish Kapadia.
- 2001: Indo British joint Expedition for Arganglas (6789m) led by Sir Chris Bonington and Harish Kapadia.
- 2003: Indo Japanese joint Expedition of Mt Padmanabh (7040m) in East Karakoram led by Mr. H. Sakia and Harish Kapadia.
- 2006: Led British group to Kalandi Khal Pass (KE).
- 2010: Deo Tibba (6001m) summit with French Group; Led BEBS expedition in Thanglasgo climbing 3 virgin peaks.
- 2011: Indian Leader for Indo French Argan Expedition (unsuccessful due to poor weather).
- 2012: Indian Leader for Indo French Saser Kangri IV (7416m) (unsuccessful due to poor weather; reached above 7100m).
- 2013: Indian Air Force expedition in Rongdo Valley, East Karakoram, climbed 7 virgin peaks and set a record.
- 2014: Indian Air Force expedition in Shukpa Kungzang, East Karakoram, climbed 3 virgin peaks.
Frequent Summits and Expeditions (2015-2019)
- Stok Kangri (6030m) summit; led international groups many times.
- Lungsger Kangri (6600m), Mentok Kangri (6000m), Samgyal and Dawa Kangri (6000m) summits; multiple school and expedition groups led.
- Kang Yatse I and II, and Dzojongo East and West climbed multiple times with clients.
Recent Expeditions (2020 to Present)
- 2020: Mount Trishul (7120m) climbed with Everest Massif expedition; Kun (7077m) climbed with Ladakh Mountain Guide Association.
- 2021: Kun summit again with Boots & Crampons.
- 2023: Nun Expedition and Mount Elbrus.
- 2024: Mount Denali.
8000 Metre Peaks
- 2022 Apr 28: Climbed Annapurna (8091m) without supplementary oxygen (first Indian to do so without Sherpa help).
- 2022 May 14: Climbed Lhotse (8516m) without supplementary oxygen and Sherpa help; completed Annapurna to Lhotse peak-to-peak in 16 days.
- 2024 May 23: Climbed Mount Everest (8848m) without supplementary oxygen and Sherpa help (first Indian civilian).