The trainees are expected to return to the Manali campus of ABVIMAS on July 23. (Wikimedia Commons)In yet another milestone for the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, one of its trainers executed a first-ever free solo paragliding flight from the summit of Mount Shinkun East — a 6,080-metre-high peak located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.“This aero-land expedition was a part of an advanced mountaineering course that began at the ABVIMAS headquarters in Manali on June 30. The course included 58 trainees from across India, among them an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) from Punjab Police. The trainees first underwent advanced rock climbing and acclimatisation training in Manali to prepare for high-altitude conditions,” Avinash Negi, director, ABVIMAS Manali, said.He said that following this initial phase, the group was moved to the ABVIMAS Jispa Centre in Lahaul for intensive snow and ice craft training. The region, known for receiving relatively low rainfall, offers consistently favourable conditions for high-altitude training. A secondary objective of choosing this location, the director said, was to promote Himalayan peaks in Lahaul and Spiti among both Indian and international mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts.As part of their final training leg — the summit climb — a base camp was established near Shinkula Pass at an altitude of 4,200 metres. The summit expedition began at 1 am with all team members embarking on the ascent under the cover of night. By 8.35 am, the team had successfully summited Mount Shinkun East.Out of the total 58 trainees, 52 (including 7 women), along with 13 instructors, reached the summit. Among the instructors was Gimnar, a paragliding expert who created history by executing a free solo paragliding flight from the peak and successfully landed at the base camp after a 15-minute descent.The trainees are expected to return to the Manali campus of ABVIMAS on July 23.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd