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The IMF Mountain Film Festival is a celebration of adventure, exploration, and storytelling, showcasing inspiring films on mountaineering, nature, culture, and human endurance. Organized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, the festival brings together filmmakers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts to experience breathtaking journeys from the Himalayas and beyond.
It is not just a film festival—it’s a tribute to the mountain spirit, encouraging appreciation for nature, adventure, and sustainable living.
The Himalayan Conclave 2025 – Everest Summit 3.0 is India’s premier gathering of adventurers, innovators, leaders, and changemakers — all converging to celebrate the spirit of the mountains and the lessons they teach us.
Set against the backdrop of resilience and exploration, this two-day summit in Ranchi will bring together over 25+ iconic mountaineers, corporate leaders, policymakers, and sustainability champions to spark powerful conversations around adventure, leadership, environment, and transformation.
Building on the legacy of its past editions, the 2025 conclave will spotlight the human stories behind summit triumphs — stories of grit, failure, and rising stronger. From survival in extreme conditions to applying mountaineering lessons in boardrooms and governance, the summit is a call to dream big and act boldly.
Whether you're a business leader looking for purpose-driven CSR insights, a policymaker exploring eco-tourism models, or a young adventurer seeking inspiration — The Himalayan Conclave 2025 is where your next journey begins.
This panel discussion of the event set a powerful tone with its focus on Climate Action. Moderated by mountaineer Anurag Malloo, the session brought together distinguished voices including Col. P.S. Chohan, Hemant Gupta, Anindya Mukherjee, and Jamling Tenzing. The panelists shared their firsthand experiences of witnessing the melting Himalayan glaciers, describing how rapidly snow is vanishing and landscapes are transforming under the impact of global warming. Their vivid accounts highlighted alarming shifts in snow patterns, emphasizing the urgent need for collective responsibility toward the environment. Special mention was given to the Indian Army’s eco-friendly mountaineering practices, which serve as an inspiring model for sustainable exploration. What resonated most was the panel’s unified message: true achievement lies not in summiting peaks, but in safeguarding nature for future generations. The session ignited a passionate dialogue, reminding everyone that protecting the mountains is a shared duty beyond individual conquest.
A thought-provoking panel on Cyber Security brought the spotlight to challenges of the digital age. Moderated by Lt. Col. Pooja Nautiyal, the discussion featured Satyarup Siddhanta, Sharad Kulkarni, Kamya Karthikeyan, Keval Kakka, Satyadeep Gupta, and Suresh Behera (CTO, CyberPeace). The speakers highlighted how the online world, while full of opportunities, also exposes individuals to risks such as cyberbullying, scams, and digital frauds. Drawing from their expertise and experiences, they stressed that online safety must be approached with the same level of planning and precaution as a mountaineering expedition—where awareness, preparedness, and vigilance can mean the difference between safety and harm. The conversation not only warned of rising threats but also encouraged building a culture of cyber awareness and responsible digital behavior. The key takeaway was clear: just as climbers respect the mountains, every digital user must respect and safeguard their presence in cyberspace.
A compelling discussion on Exploring the Indian Himalayas brought attention to the vast stretches of mountains that remain largely uncharted. Moderated by Col. P.S. Chohan, the panel featured voices like Bhushan Harshe, Debraj Dutta, Rudra Halder, Anindya Mukherjee, and Malay Mukherjee. The speakers emphasized that while India possesses some of the most spectacular Himalayan landscapes, many regions still await proper exploration and documentation. They stressed that such endeavors must be responsible and sustainable, with active participation of local communities to ensure cultural preservation and environmental protection. Beyond exploration, the need for enhanced research, mapping, and international promotion of these areas was highlighted as vital to putting the Indian Himalayas on the global stage. The conversation reflected a shared belief that discovery should go hand in hand with stewardship, making exploration not just about reaching new frontiers but about safeguarding them for the future.
The panel on Women in Adventure Sports stood out as one of the most inspiring moments of the conclave. Moderated by Anuja Vaidya, the discussion brought together trailblazers including Aditi Vaidya, Kaamya Karthikeyan, Reena Bhatti, Lt. Col. Pooja Nautiyal, and Jyoti Ratre. These remarkable women shared their journeys, speaking candidly about the challenges of navigating a male-dominated field and the perseverance required to push boundaries. They emphasized the importance of encouragement, sponsorship, and greater societal support to help more women pursue careers and passions in adventure sports. Through their personal stories of struggle and triumph, the panelists offered not only insight into the realities faced by women in the field but also a message of strength and determination. The session left the audience with a sense of admiration and hope, proving that courage and resilience can break barriers and inspire future generations.
A powerful discussion on Fitness, Safety, and Resilience brought the conclave to a fitting close. Moderated by Hemant Gupta, the panel featured Kewal Hiren Kakka, Bhushan Harse, Anmish Varma, and Satyadeep Gupta, who emphasized that fitness and mental toughness are essential life skills, not just qualities for mountaineers. Drawing on their own experiences, the speakers shared how physical preparedness, presence of mind, and resilience helped them navigate some of the toughest challenges in the mountains. They also highlighted the importance of safety and discipline during expeditions, noting that survival often depends on planning and adaptability. Beyond adventure sports, their insights resonated with everyday life, reinforcing the idea that health, organization, and inner strength are crucial for facing any challenge. The session concluded with a simple yet profound message: stay fit, stay prepared, and face every ascent—on the mountain or in life—with courage and determination.
We are grateful for the support of our amazing sponsors who make this event possible.
Chhonzin Angmo
Chhonzin Angmo is a trailblazing mountaineer who has created history as the first visually impaired Indian woman to successfully summit Mount Everest. On May 19, 2025, she reached the world’s highest peak at 8,848.86 meters, an achievement that stands as a symbol of courage, determination, and inspiration for millions. Her extraordinary accomplishment breaks barriers and proves that no obstacle is too great when driven by resilience and willpower. By conquering Everest, Chhonzin Angmo not only set a new milestone in Indian mountaineering but also became a beacon of hope and empowerment for people with disabilities across the globe.
P. Vishwanath Karthikey is a record-breaking young mountaineer from India, admired for his courage and determination on the world’s highest peaks. At just 16 years old, he became the youngest Indian to complete the prestigious Seven Summits Challenge, conquering the tallest mountain on each continent. His final climb came on 27 May 2025, when he successfully summited Mount Everest, marking a historic achievement in his journey. In December 2024, he also became the youngest Indian to scale Mt. Vinson in Antarctica, and earlier, he impressively climbed both the East and West peaks of Mt. Elbrus in Europe within just 24 hours.
P. Vishwanath Karthikey
Dawa Tashi Sherpa
Dawa Tashi Sherpa is a renowned mountaineer from Nepal, celebrated for his remarkable achievements and resilience in the world’s highest peaks. He has successfully climbed Mount Everest multiple times, showcasing extraordinary courage and skill in extreme conditions. He is also the sole survivor of the tragic 2014 Everest avalanche, an event that claimed many lives but highlighted his determination and will to live. Beyond his climbing feats, he holds the honor of being Nepal’s first internationally certified Mountain Leader. He is also the author of SHERPA – A Survivor’s Story: Everest Avalanche 2014, narrating his unforgettable journey.