SHILLONG, Dec 5 (PTI) - A group of 22 mountaineers from the north east, including five girls, plans to climb Mount Everest next year.
The mountaineers, selected by the Darjeeling-based Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) during a camp held in September-October, will participate in the North East Everest Expedition-2011, according to Northeast Adventure Foundation, the organisers.
"The approach to the 8848m high peak will be made from the north side, which is technically very challenging and requires endurance of the highest order. Before this major expedition, a pre-expedition to Mt Satopath is being proposed," the organisers said.
Nasim Akhtar of the foundation will lead the expedition, while Col Neeraj Rana of HMI will assist him in this expedition, which will be flagged off in March.
The North East Adventure Foundation has estimated the budget for the expedition as Rs 2.32 crore and have sought help from the governments of the north east states.
