While trekking is a passion that many adventure enthusiasts follow religiously, for the 63 year old Ratan Lal Biswas, trekking is a way of life. The year 2017 is quite special for Mr. Biswas as he has achieved the milestone of completing his 100^th trek this year. Some might consider this to be the perfect end for his incredible journey that started 46 years back in 1972. However, whether this veteran Bengali trekker thinks the same or plans to achieve yet higher milestones in the future, remains to be seen. Meanwhile, let us take a glimpse into a life full of great excitement and thrill that Mr. Biswas has been leading for the past more than four decades.

As mentioned before, Mr. Biswas’s tryst with the mountains started in 1972, when he went on a formal trek to Alpathra Lake and Sandakphu. The next year he followed it up by trekking high up in the Gangotri and the Pindari Glacier, along with his newly found acquaintance, Toni Da. As the years progressed, Mr. Biswas continued his exploration of the high altitude treks within the Himalayas, both within India and Nepal. Accompanying him in his incredible journey’s was Mr Kanailal Gosh, another avid trekker whom he had met only a few years into his trekking journey.

The year 1982, proved to be of great significance for Mr. Biswas, as it was in this year that he started exploring the fun of costal trekking. This opened a whole new world of adventure for the decorated trekker as he was now seeking trekking opportunities across jungles, deserts and even Rivers. The more he explores the more he became obsessed with the adventure and thrill that the activity offered. He also travelled across some of the highest passes and the most challenging terrains during his incredible and wonderful trekking journey which is also totally unique and unparalleled in its own way.

Most people might be amazed to learn that that Mr. Biswas has participated in no less than 61 high altitude treks besides taking part in more than 34 coastal and other trekking programs. He has travelled a distance of more than 18000km on foot during his trekking expeditions, and has crossed more than 130 high altitude passes. He has carried out high altitude treks in Ladakh, ashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Gharwal, Kumaon, Nepal and Sikkim. His coastal trekking destinations include West Bengal, Orrisa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Goa to name a few. With so many achievements to his credit it is not surprising that he has won various awards and felicitations in Bengal and across India.

Having conquered some of the biggest trekking challenges through his sheer will and passion for adventure, Mr. Ratan Lal Biswas has become an inspirational figure for the current generation of trekkers. In addition to being a passionate trekker, Mr. Biswas is also a great mountaineering enthusiast. In addition he has also been an avid writer and has published several books and articles related to trekking and travelling. He is also an expert photographer and has been won an All Bengal and All India awards in the field.

(1972 – 2017 and continue)

No. of Trek – 100

Total Passes Crossed – 134

Total Trek Days – 1206

#1. Tangmarg- Gulmarg- Khilanmarg – Alpathra Lake Trek

Alpathra Lake Trek 1972 @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 1972 October
• Region – Kashmir
• Trek Days – 1
• Passes Crossed – 0

#2. Manebhanjyang – Tonglu Trek

Manebhanjyang to Tonglu Trek 1973 @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 1973 October
• Region – Darjeeling
• Trek Days – 2
• Passes Crossed – 0

Two Unique And Enthralling Treks Near Mumbai To Be Enjoyed By All Adventure Lovers

#3. Manebhanjyang – Sandakphu – Phalut Trek

• Year – 1974 October
• Region – Darjeeling
• Trek Days – 5
• Passes Crossed – 0

#4. Lanka – Gangotri – Gomukh Trek

• Year – 1975 August
• Region – Garhwal
• Trek Days – 4
• Passes Crossed – 0

The Adventure Of Rishikesh Rafting – A Fun Filled Escapade Amidst The Majestic Himalayan Foothills

#5. Pindari Zero Point – Kafni Glacier Trek

• Year – 1976 October
• Region – Kumaon
• Trek Days – 8
• Passes Crossed – 1

#6. Maneybhanjyang – Tonglu Trek

Photo Courtesy : Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 1977 May
• Region – Darjeeling
• Trek Days – 2
• Passes Crossed – 0

#7. Bharari – Sundardhunga – Bhanoti Trek

• Year – 1977 September
• Region – Kumaon
• Trek Days – 12
• Passes Crossed – 1

#8. Kharamukh – Manimahesh – Kugti Village – Kharamukh Trek and Trela – Such Pass – Kilar – Atholi – Galahar Trek

• Year – 1978 June
• Region – Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir
• Trek Days – 15
• Passes Crossed – 1

#9. Goaldam – Roopkund – Sutal – Ghat Trek

• Year – 1978 October
• Region – Garhwal
• Trek Days – 8
• Passes Crossed – 0

#10. Panch Kedar Trek

• Year – 1979 May
• Region – Garhwal
• Trek Days – 14
• Passes Crossed – 1

#11. Jumla – Rara Lake – Jumla

• Year – 1979 October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 5
• Passes Crossed – 1

#12. Manebhanjyang – Sandakphu Trek

• Year – 1979 December
• Region – Darjeeling
• Trek Days – 4
• Passes Crossed – 0

#13. Dumre – Manang – Thorang La – Muktinath – Pokhara Trek

• Year – 1980 June
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 15
• Passes Crossed – 1

#14. Peling – Yaksam – Dzongri Trek

• Year – 1981 April
• Region – Sikkim
• Trek Days – 6
• Passes Crossed – 0

#15. Moorang – Charang Pass – Sangla – Rupin Ghatri – Naitwar Trek

Charang Pass, Himachal, June, 1981 @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 1981 June
• Region – Himachal Pradesh
• Trek Days – 11
• Passes Crossed – 2

#16. Trishuli Bazar – Langtang Valley – Ganja La – Helembu – Lamodara Trek

• Year – 1981 October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 13
• Passes Crossed – 1

#17. Konark – Puri – Chilka Trek

• Year – 1982 January
• Region – Odisha
• Trek Days – 4
• Passes Crossed – 0

#18. Lukla – Chukung – Everest BC – Kalapathar – Phortse – Gokyo Trek

• Year – 1982 October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 17
• Passes Crossed – 0

#19. Chatrapur – Gopalpur on Sea – Kalingapattinum Trek

• Year – 1983 January
• Region – Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
• Trek Days – 8
• Passes Crossed – 0

#20. Tumlingter – Barun La – Makalu BC – Hile Trek

• Year – 1983 October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 18
• Passes Crossed – 1

#21. Sandakphu – Phalut – Singalila – Uttarey Trek

• Year – 1983 December
• Region – Darjeeling
• Trek Days – 4
• Passes Crossed – 1

#22. Srikakulam – Konada – Visakhapatnam Trek

Konada and Bhimunipattinum during coastal trek in A.P. @ Photo Courtest: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 1984 January
• Region – Andhra Pradesh
• Trek Days – 5
• Passes Crossed – 0

#23. Bharari – Sundardhunga Valley – Debi Kund – Nagkund – Kanakata Pass Trek and Wacham – Baidakot – Balan – Baidini – Debal Trek

• Year – 1984 June
• Region – Kumaon and Garhwal
• Trek Days – 16
• Passes Crossed – 3

#24. Gorkha – Rupina Bhanjyang – Burhi Gandaki Valley – Gorkha Trek

Barpak village on way to Rupina Bhanjyang, Nepal, 1984 @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 1984 October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 17
• Passes Crossed – 1

#25. Konarak – Paradwip Trek and the Chandbali – Chandipur Trek

• Year – 1985 January
• Region – Odisha
• Trek Days – 7
• Passes Crossed – 0

#26. Gangotri – Basuki Glacier Trek, the Gangotri – Kedar Tal Trek and the Bhatwari – Belak Khal – Buddakedar Trek

• Year – 1985 October
• Region – Garhwal
• Trek Days – 13
• Passes Crossed – 1

#27. Visakhapatnam – Kankinada Trek

• Year – 1986 January
• Region – Andhra Pradesh
• Trek Days – 8
• Passes Crossed – 0

#28. Darcha – Padum – Umashi La Trek (abandoned due to accident)

• Year – 1986 June
• Region – Lahaul and Ladakh
• Trek Days – 1
• Passes Crossed – 0

#29. Sonprayag – Kedarnath – Sonprayag – Panwali Kantha – Ghuttu Trek

• Year – 1986 October
• Region – Garhwal
• Trek Days – 9
• Passes Crossed – 1

#30. Alleeppey – Quilon – Kanniyakumari Trek

Alleppey (Alapuzha) beach during coastal trek, 1987 @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 1987 January
• Region – Kerala and Tamil Nadu
• Trek Days – 8
• Passes Crossed – 0

#31. Dhunche – Pansang La – Burhi Gandaki – Dhading Trek

• Year – 1987 August
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 12
• Passes Crossed – 3

#32. Trissor – Cannanore – Mangalore (Ullal) Trek

• Year – 1988 January
• Region – Kerala and Karnataka
• Trek Days – 11
• Passes Crossed – 0

#33. Darcha – Singo La – Padum Trek, the Unsuccessful Umashi La Trek and the Lehinwan – Margan Pass – Patimahala Trek

• Year – 1988 August
• Region – Lahaul, Ladakh and Kashmir
• Trek Days – 15
• Passes Crossed – 0

#34. Point Calimore – Pompahar – Cuddalore Trek

• Year – 1989 January
• Region – Tamil Nadu
• Trek Days – 7
• Passes Crossed – 0

#35. Lamayuru – Padum Trek and the Padum – Umashi La – Galahar Trek

• Year – 1989 August
• Region – Ladakh
• Trek Days – 16
• Passes Crossed – 7

#36. Udupi – Bellekari – Karwar – Agonda Trek

• Year – 1990 January
• Region – Karnataka and Goa
• Trek Days – 11
• Passes Crossed – 0

#37. Kiber – Borogen Trek and the Udaipur – Mayer Valley – Tarse Lamu – Darcha Trek

• Year – 1990 July – August
• Region – Lahaul
• Trek Days – 12
• Passes Crossed – 1

#38. Aguada Fort – Vijaydurg – Harnai Fort Trek

• Year – 1991 January
• Region – Goa and Maharashtra
• Trek Days – 16
• Passes Crossed – 0

#39. Phidim – Taplejung – Kanchenjunga BC (NW) – Labsang La – Kanchenjunga BC (SW) – Yaksam Trek

• Year – 1991 October – November
• Region – Nepal and Sikkim
• Trek Days – 40
• Passes Crossed – 2

#40. Godavari Delta (Yanam) – Macchilipattinum – Krishna Delta Trek

• Year – 1992 January
• Region – Andhra Pradesh
• Trek Days – 12
• Passes Crossed – 0

#41. Kedarnath – Madmaheshwar – Deoria Tal – Tunganath Trek

• Year – 1992 May
• Region – Garhwal
• Trek Days – 11
• Passes Crossed – 0

#42. Kiber – Parang La – Rupshu Valley – Leh and Nubra Valley

• Year – 1992 July – August
• Region – Spiti and Ladakh
• Trek Days – 16
• Passes Crossed – 2

#43. Rameshwaram – Kanniyakumari Trek

• Year – 1992 December
• Region – Tamil Nadu
• Trek Days – 13
• Passes Crossed – 0

#44. Jumla – Kangmara La – Phoksumdo Lake and the Bagha La – Inner Dolpa Valley – Juphal Trek

• Year – 1993 September – October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 29
• Passes Crossed – 7

#45. Dugrajpattinum – Ullapallam Trek

• Year – 1994 January
• Region – Andhra Pradesh
• Trek Days – 11
• Passes Crossed – 0

#46. Beni – Dhaulagiri BC – Hidden Valley – Jomsom Trek, the Jomsom – Thorang La – Dharapani Trek, the Dharapani – Larkye La – Gorkha Trek

• Year – 1994 September – October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 30
• Passes Crossed – 4

#47. Narmada Trek (Amarkantak – Gorakhpur, Chara – Dharundi, Kotrai – Jabalpur)

At Dhabri Kund, during trek along Narmada river, M.P @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 1995 February
• Region – Madhya Pradesh
• Trek Days – 13
• Passes Crossed – 0

#48. Pangu – Gunji – Kuti Valley – Pangu Trek

• Year – 1995 April
• Region – Kumaon
• Trek Days – 11
• Passes Crossed – 2

#49. Tangtse – Pangong – Spangmik Trek, the Durbuk – Nebuk La – Khalsar (Nubra Valley) and Mahe – around Tso Moriri Korzok – Tso Kar-Pang Trek

Near Sumdo village, Rupshu Valley, Ladakh, 1995 @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 1995 July – August
• Region – Ladakh
• Trek Days – 16
• Passes Crossed – 6

#50. Melghat Tiger Reserve Trek and the Bori Wild Life Sanctuary Trek

• Year – 1995 November
• Region – Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
• Trek Days – 8
• Passes Crossed – 0

#51. Taluka – Borashu Pass – Chitkul Trek

• Year – 1996 June
• Region – Garhwal and Himachal
• Trek Days – 7
• Passes Crossed – 1

#52. Simikot – Rara – Gamghari Trek and the Gamghari – Mugu Valley Trek

• Year – 1996 October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 23
• Passes Crossed – 4

#53. Narmada Trek (Omkareshwar – Narmadanagar and Debgram – Malpur)

• Year – 1997 January
• Region – Madhya Pradesh
• Trek Days – 10
• Passes Crossed – 0

#54. Badrinath – Rishiganga Valley Trek, the Kalpeshwar – Madmaheshwar – Yangbok Col- Bishali Col – Mahapanth Col – Kedarnath Trek

• Year – 1997 June
• Region – Garhwal
• Trek Days – 17
• Passes Crossed – 8

#55. Rameswaram – Point Calimore Trek

• Year – 1998 January
• Region – Tamil Nadu
• Trek Days – 10
• Passes Crossed – 0

#56. Beni – Jaljala – Dharpatam – Tarakot – Dolpa Valley – Jomsom – Beni Trek

• Year – 1998 August – September
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 27
• Passes Crossed – 5

#57. Vasco – Gokarna Trek

• Year – 1999 January
• Region – Goa and Karnataka
• Trek Days – 10
• Passes Crossed – 0

#58. Sandakphu – Phalut – Gorkhe – Ribdi Trek

• Year – 1999 April
• Region – Darjeeling
• Trek Days – 3
• Passes Crossed – 0

#59. Rolwaling Valley – Tashi Lapcha – Khunjung Trek and the Gokyo – Everest BC – Lukla Trek

On Tashi Lapcha, Nepal, 1999, one of the toughest pass in the Himalaya @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 1999 September – October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 25
• Passes Crossed – 1

#60. Konada – Vishakapatnam – KC Pallipeta Trek

• Year – 2000 January
• Region – Andhra Pradesh
• Trek Days – 9
• Passes Crossed – 0

#61. Mayer Valley – Kang La – Padum Trek and the Padum – Markha – Leh Trek

A tough walk along a gorge towards Rubrang La, Ladakh @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 2000 August
• Region – Lahaul and Ladakh
• Trek Days – 20
• Passes Crossed – 4

#62. Cox’s Bazaar – Mankhali and around St. Martin Island Trek

Mankhali and around St. Martin Island Trek @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 2001 February
• Region – Bangladesh
• Trek Days – 3
• Passes Crossed – 0

#63. Barshani – Sara Umga – Chatru – Sanasha – Kugti Pass – Hadsar – Nayagaon – Kalihani – Manali Trek

• Year – 2001 September
• Region – Himachal
• Trek Days – 25
• Passes Crossed – 3

#64. Trek along Narmada Omkareshwar to Narmadanagar

• Year – 2001 December
• Region – Madhya Pradesh
• Trek Days – 4
• Passes Crossed – 0

#65. Calangute – Ganopatipule Trek

During coastal trekking towards Ratnagiri, Maharashtra @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 2002 February
• Region – Goa and Maharashtra
• Trek Days – 11
• Passes Crossed – 0

#66. Uttarey – Danphebir Pass – Kang La – Chaurikiang Trek

Laxman Pokhari and Kanchenjungha massif near Daphebir Pass, West Sikkim. @ Photo Courtesy: Ratan Lal Biswas

• Year – 2002 October
• Region – Sikkim and Nepal
• Trek Days – 11
• Passes Crossed – 2

#67. Paradwip – Sagardwip Trek

• Year – 2003 January
• Region – Odisha and West Bengal
• Trek Days – 11
• Passes Crossed – 0

#68. Beni – Jomsom – Lo Mantang – Damodar Kund – Muktinath Trek

• Year – 2003 October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 21
• Passes Crossed – 9

#69. Colombo – Galle – Hambantoda Trek

• Year – 2004 February
• Region – Sri Lanka
• Trek Days – 8
• Passes Crossed – 0

#70. Hemis – Jalung – Karpo La – Marang La – Jugtha Trek, the Baralacha – Chandra Tal and the Chatru – Hamta – Manali Trek

• Year – 2004 August to September
• Region – Ladakh
• Trek Days – 17
• Passes Crossed – 6

#71. Beni – Thulobugin Kharka Trek and the Lava – Rachela – Renak Trek

• Year – 2004 October
• Region – Nepal and West Bengal
• Trek Days – 11
• Passes Crossed – 1

#72. Ganapatipule – Kashid Trek

• Year – 2005 February
• Region – Maharashtra
• Trek Days – 10
• Passes Crossed – 0

#73. Munshiyari – Panchu Glacier Trek

• Year – 2005 May
• Region – Kumaon
• Trek Days – 9
• Passes Crossed – 0

#74. Sarchu – Phirtse La – Phuktal – Tongde La – Zangla – Ningra La – Gautung La – Nya La – Jugtha Trek

• Year – 2005 August – September
• Region – Ladakh
• Trek Days – 21
• Passes Crossed – 8

#75. The Nizamapattinum – Ullapalem Trek and Chatrapur – Puri Trek

• Year – 2006 January
• Region – Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
• Trek Days – 12
• Passes Crossed – 0

#76. Peldo – Kiu Valley – Chumur – Unti La – Phirse Phu – Pang Trek and the Pin – Parvati Pass Trek

• Year – 2006 August – September
• Region – Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh
• Trek Days – 22
• Passes Crossed – 6

#77. Serang – Varsey Chuabhanjang – Uttarey Trek

• Year – 2006 October
• Region – Sikkim
• Trek Days – 5
• Passes Crossed – 0

#78. Trek in the Andaman Islands

• Year – 2007 February
• Region – Andaman
• Trek Days – 14
• Passes Crossed – 0

#79. Lamkhaga – Borashu – Dhumdhar Pass Trek

• Year – 2007 August to September
• Region – Garhwal and Himachal
• Trek Days – 20
• Passes Crossed – 2

#80. Dzongri – Goecha La Trek

• Year – 2007 October
• Region – Sikkim
• Trek Days – 8
• Passes Crossed – 0

#81. Trek along the River Kaveri

• Year – 2008 February
• Region – Karnataka
• Trek Days – 9
• Passes Crossed – 0

#82. Badrinath – Kedarnath and Maoli Pass

• Year – 2008 May – June
• Region – Uttarakhand
• Trek Days – 23
• Passes Crossed – 7

#83. Phalung and Tholung Valley Trek

• Year – 2008 October
• Region – Sikkim
• Trek Days – 4
• Passes Crossed – 1

#84. Neil – Havlock – Baratang – Great Nicobar Islands Trek

• Year – 2009 January – February
• Region – Andaman
• Trek Days – 8
• Passes Crossed – 0

#85. Lete- Thulobugin Pass – Annapurna BC (North) Trek and the Nayapul – ABC (South) Trek

• Year – 2009 October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 15
• Passes Crossed – 1

#86. Sam – Baliya ki Basti – Gajua ki Basti – Koriya – Hatar – Daneli – Sam Trek

• Year – 2010 February
• Region – Rajasthan
• Trek Days – 9
• Passes Crossed – 0

#87. Nar Phu Valley – Kang La – Marshyandi Valley Trek

• Year – 2011 October
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 14
• Passes Crossed – 1

#88. Leh – Chiling – Lingshet – Chiling – Leh (Chadar)

• Year – 2012 Jan – Feb
• Region – Ladakh
• Trek Days – 10
• Passes Crossed – 0

#89. Aksho – Hansu La – Paddar – Dharlong Valley – Poat La – Padum Trek

• Year – 2012 July
• Region – Ladakh and Kashmir
• Trek Days – 15
• Passes Crossed – 2

#90. Khuri – Dhanauli – Jaisalmer Trek

• Year – 2013 January
• Region – Rajasthan
• Trek Days – 7
• Passes Crossed – 0

#91. Taplejung – Oalungchung Gola – Hans Pokhari Top – Kanchenjungha BC – Taplejung Trek

• Year – 2013 October – November
• Region – Nepal
• Trek Days – 19
• Passes Crossed – 1

#92. Chiling – Padum – Chiling Trek

• Year – 2014 February
• Region – Ladakh
• Trek Days – 9
• Passes Crossed – 0

#93. Mane – Manirang – Ropa and Manali – Gilani Pass – Kisari Trek

• Year – 2014 August – September
• Region – Himachal
• Trek Days – 13
• Passes Crossed – 2

#94. Nelabali – Trincomalee – Argumbay Trek

• Year – 2015 January
• Region – Sri Lanka
• Trek Days – 8
• Passes Crossed – 0

#95. Bagini Glaciers and the Nandikund Khal Trek

• Year – 2015 May
• Region – Garhwal
• Trek Days – 7
• Passes Crossed – 2

#96. Tsrap Chu Valley

• Year – 2015 August – September
• Region – Ladakh
• Trek Days – 12
• Passes Covered – 0

#97. Winter Trek in Ladakh

• Year – 2016 February
• Region – Ladakh
• Trek Days – 5
• Passes Covered – 0

#98. Gangotri – Gangotri Glaciers – Sachand Glacier Trek and the Dodi Tal – Daroa Top Trek

• Year – 2016 May – June
• Region – Garhwal
• Trek Days – 15
• Passes Covered – 0

#99. Pang – Toze La – Korzok Trek

• Year – 2016 August
• Region – Ladakh
• Trek Days – 8
• Passes Covered – 1

#100. Ralam Valley – Birjganga Dhura – Milam Valley Trek

• Year – 2017 May – June
• Region – Kumaon
• Trek Days – 11
• Passes Covered – 1

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