
Bhupesh Kumar
Bhupesh – Alpine Mountaineer | Outdoor Adventure Expert | Survival Instructor
Bhupesh is a highly accomplished athlete and seasoned alpine climber with over 26 high-altitude ascents, including both solo and team expeditions across the northern Indian Himalayas. His mountaineering journey began in 2006 at the age of 21, and since then, he has remained unwavering in his pursuit of some of the world’s most challenging peaks. Born on July 30, 1985, Bhupesh was inspired from a young age by a deep passion for adventure and a desire to explore the wild and untamed landscapes of the Himalayas—terrain where he has spent over fifteen years honing his expertise.
Over the last eight years, Bhupesh has expanded his impact in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, where he has played a pivotal role in the development and launch of numerous outdoor and mountain recreational projects. His work includes key positions with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, and other prestigious organizations. At Bear Grylls Camp, he led multiple survival expeditions and outdoor training programs, deepening his leadership experience and enhancing his skills in wilderness survival and guest engagement.
An elite rock climber, Bhupesh is regarded as a master in his field, having cultivated his skills through years of intensive training and technical ascents in rugged environments. His climbing grade includes an on-sight of 6A+ and a redpoint of 6B+. His highest solo climb is Mount Bhagirathi II (6512m), and his most notable group ascents include Mt. Kun (7036m) and Mt. Gangotri III (6577m).
Certifications & Qualifications
Bhupesh holds a comprehensive set of professional certifications from globally recognized mountaineering, safety, and training institutions:
• Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA) – Aerie Backcountry Medicine (2023)
• FAA Level 3 Awards – Outdoor First Aid, Safeguarding & Protection (RQF)
• ERCA Certified – Generic Rescue, Zipline, Top Rope, Abseil & Rope Course Instructor
• Fire Safety Awareness – Level 1
• Adventure & Survival Instructor – Bear Grylls Explorers Camp (2020–21)
• Emergency Protocol & SOP Awareness – Toroverde UAE (2019)
• Customer Service & Skills Training – RAKTDA, UAE (2018)
• Technical Rope Rescue Operational Level – Traks Pro, UAE (2016)
• Via Ferrata Rescue Training – Traks Pro, UAE (2016)
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) – NOLS, India (initial in 2010, recertified 3x)
• Mountain Expedition Medicine – Certified by IMF & UIAA MEDCOM (2016)
• Basic & Advanced Mountaineering – DMAS, Manali (2008, 2009)
• Method of Instruction Course – DMAS, Manali (2010)
• Search & Rescue Training – NIM, Uttarakhand under Mr. Norbu (2010)
• Mountain Expedition Medicine Leader Certificate – IMF
• Site-Specific Instructor & Rescuer – Van Riswick Pro, Netherlands (2022)
• Bachelor of Arts – India
• CPR/AED/First Aid – Ellis Education (Valid until 2021)
Key Climbing Experience
• Highest Solo Climb: Mount Bhagirathi II (6512m), India – 2014
• Highest Team Climb: Mt. Gangotri III (6577m), Joint IMF & ITBP Expedition – 2017
• Highest Peak Climbed: Mt. Kun (7036m), Kargil – 2016
• Mt. Shivling (6543m): Multiple expeditions, including as Expedition Leader – 2011, 2015
• Mt. Trishul (7136m): Everest Pre-Expedition Team – 2019
• Mt. Kalam (6180m): First ascent of a virgin peak with Arjun Vajpai – 2015
• Mt. Khangciring (6258m): Northeast Ridge ascent – 2013
• Mt. Changabang (6864m): Liaison Officer, British Expedition – May 2025
• International Collaborations: L.O. for British team with Simon Yates and Ueli Steck (multiple expeditions)
Notable Treks & Expeditions
Bhupesh has participated in and led a wide range of treks and technical climbs across India, including:
• Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Kafni Col & Nanda Bhanar Trek, Thamsar Pass, Tapovan, Chandra Tal, Singula Pass, and more
• Unnamed peak expeditions in Spiti, Zanskar, and Kishtwar regions
• Technical climbs of, Mt. Nanda Bhanar, Mt. Sulitop, Mt. White Safi, Mt. Menthosa, and others
• Indo-Spanish Kayaking Expedition – Allahabad to Ganga Sagar via Varanasi (2012)
Professional Outdoor Experience
Adventure Expert/Coordinator | HPS Play, Dubai
Feb 2023 – Dec 2024
Led adventure project execution across the Middle East, collaborating with engineering, technical, and design teams.
Adventure Park Operations Supervisor | EBDA Adventure Park, KSA
Nov 2021 – Dec 2022
Oversaw daily operations, guest safety, and maintenance of park systems.
Senior Instructor | Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, UAE
Aug 2020 – Nov 2021
Delivered survival training, rock climbing, ziplining, and guided expeditions.
Via Ferrata Instructor & Zipline Guide | RAKTDA, UAE
2017 – 2019
Conducted via ferrata and zipline activities at Jebel Jais, ensuring safety and customer experience.
Mountain Guide | RAKTDA, UAE
2016 – 2017
Led high-altitude tours and assisted in route development.
Camp Coordinator | Eco Adventure Camp, India
2012 – 2016
Planned and operated outdoor camps and mountaineering courses.
CPR & First Aid Trainer | Rocksport, India
2011
Delivered certified first aid training across adventure camps.
Outdoor Activity Instructor | Camp Damdama, India
2009 – 2010
Managed technical rope activities, rock climbing, and team challenges.
Other Accomplishments
• Led numerous hikes and treks across India and the UAE as both full-time and freelance instructor
• Associate Member of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF)
• Rope course installer for camps and resorts across India and internationally
• 17+ years of experience in outdoor education, mountain safety, and recreational tourism
• Contributed significantly to RAKTDA’s sustainable tourism vision, participating in the development of multiple outdoor adventure assets in the UAE.