Mountaineer Subhash Takale dead during an expedition

A renowned architect and mountaineer Subhash Takale suffered to death during Mount Nun Kun Expedition due to high altitude sickness.

Takale, along with Jitendra Gaware from Pune, Nitin Pande from New Delhi and Gulzar Ahmed from Jammu & Kashmir went to Mount Nun Kun (7135 meters) Expedition in Kargil region in mid-July.

New Delhi based AlpineWanders had organized the expedition, according to Pune-based Giripremi, a mountaineering and adventure organisation.

On Saturday, during summit attempt, when the team of four climbers and four Sherpas reached around 7000-meter height, Subhash Takale had started feeling exhausted due to high altitude climbing. He decided to stay back as he could not move while the remaining team went to attempt the summit.

Meanwhile, Takale’s health worsened. When the team arrived at the spot where Takale was resting, the team realized the situation had become worse and immediate rescue was needed to save his life.

The team took Takale to Camp 3 and provided him food and water to rehydrate and regain energy. In the interim, Jitendra Gaware had decided to reach base camp for further help.

On Sunday morning, he contacted Giripremi office in Pune for rescue and went to visit nearby Indian Army base in Panikher for assistance. In the meantime, Giripremi took reins of the rescue operation and sent the team consisting Dr Sumit Mandale and Takale’s colleague Sandeep Bamb to Leh.

Another Giripremi climber- Dinesh Kotkar was already in Leh for another expedition. He too joined the team for ground rescue.

Giripremi’s agency in Leh- White Magic Adventures’ 10 Sherpas helped Giripremi team for ground rescue. Considering the situation, the helicopter rescue was needed.  Giripremi contacted Union Minister Prakash Javadekar for the help. He swiftly arranged helicopter for the rescue. All the Army officials from Leh and Kargil acted speedily in this respect. Unfortunately, till the helicopter rescue team reached camp 3, Subhash Takale had lost the life battle.

"Takale was associated with Giripremi club and his sudden demise is a big shock for entire Giripremi family," said Giripremi founder Umesh Zirpe.