Ajeet Bajaj – An extraordinary journey from Delhi to the highest peaks

Born on September 17, 1965, in New Delhi, India, Ajeet Bajaj developed a passion for adventure and the outdoors from an early age. His journey into the world of adventure sports began during his school days, where he participated in various outdoor activities and expeditions. This early exposure to nature’s challenges shaped his fearless approach to life and adventure.

Ajeet pursued professional training in adventure sports, focusing on mountaineering, skiing, and water sports. He qualified as a mountaineering instructor from ENSA (French National School of Skiing and Alpinism), establishing a solid foundation for his future adventures. His determination and natural aptitude quickly set him apart in India’s growing adventure sports community.

Conquering the Polar Regions: The Polar Trilogy

Ajeet Bajaj has carved a distinguished place in expedition history as the first Indian to complete the prestigious Polar Trilogy:

• Skiing to the North Pole
• Skiing to the South Pole
• Crossing Greenland on skis

This remarkable achievement places him among an elite group of polar explorers worldwide and makes him a pioneer in Indian exploration history.

Water Sports Pioneer

Ajeet is the first Asian to have rafted and kayaked some of the most challenging rivers across six continents. His water sports achievements include:

• Winning a bronze medal in kayaking at the National Games
• Earning one silver and two bronze medals in international rafting competitions in Switzerland and Siberia, Russia
• Captaining the international team for the World White Water Rafting Championships in Turkey in 1994
• Completing numerous first descents of rivers in India
• Pioneering river rafting, kayaking, and sea kayaking in India

His expertise extends underwater as well—he is a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified rescue diver.

The Historic Everest Expedition

On May 16, 2018, Ajeet and his daughter Deeya Bajaj created history by summiting Mount Everest from Tibet, becoming the first Indian father-daughter duo to accomplish this feat. More impressively, they are the first parent-child team in the world to have climbed Mount Everest from the more challenging North side.

Their expedition carried a powerful message about gender equality in India—demonstrating that given opportunity and nurturing, girls can achieve extraordinary heights. This expedition exemplifies Ajeet’s commitment not just to adventure but to social change through adventure.

Together, the father-daughter team has climbed six of the seven summits—the highest mountains on each continent—an impressive ongoing achievement in their mountaineering careers.

Entrepreneurial Journey

In addition to his personal adventures, Ajeet has made significant contributions to India’s adventure tourism landscape:

• Founder and Managing Director of Snow Leopard Adventures Pvt. Ltd., which has won the National Tourism Award three times
• Co-founder and Director of AdventureNation.com, India’s leading online adventure tourism portal in partnership with yatra.com
• Founder of Planet Harmony, an initiative to integrate children from disturbed areas such as Jammu & Kashmir, North East, and Naxal-affected regions into the mainstream

Under his leadership, Snow Leopard Adventures has set high standards for safety and environmental responsibility in the adventure tourism industry.

Professional Leadership and Policy Contributions

Ajeet’s expertise has been recognized at the highest levels of tourism governance:

• Served two terms as President of the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI)
• Member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, a United Nations World Tourism Organisation initiative
• Chairperson of the Camping Policy & Caravan Tourism Policy committees for the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
• Participated in the Champions of Change Event with the Prime Minister of India in August 2017

His leadership has helped shape adventure tourism policies and standards across India.

Military Training Contributions

Ajeet has had the distinguished privilege of conducting fifty courses and expeditions for the Indian Armed Forces, including special forces, in river rafting and white water kayaking down some of India’s most turbulent rivers. This work has contributed significantly to the specialized training of India’s military personnel.

Recognition and Accolades

Ajeet Bajaj’s extraordinary contributions have earned him numerous prestigious honors:

• The Padma Shri award in 2012, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, conferred by the President of India
• ‘Hall of Fame’ award by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India
• ‘Hall of Fame’ recognition by the Indian Association of Tour Operators
• Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society
• Fellow of the Aspen Global Leadership Network
• Kamalnayan Bajaj Fellowship Fellow

Humanitarian and Social Initiatives

While building his adventure empire, Ajeet has maintained a strong commitment to social responsibility:

• In 1995, he established the Ganga First Aid Centre near Rishikesh to provide basic healthcare to villagers
• He actively supports the Divya Prem Sewa Mission, a Haridwar-based NGO providing free education and housing to over 250 underprivileged children
• In August 2011, under Ajeet’s guidance, a special wing for girls was established at this home

These initiatives reflect his belief that adventure and exploration should be paired with responsibility toward communities and the environment.

Legacy as a Pioneer

Ajeet Bajaj’s legacy extends far beyond his personal achievements. As one of India’s foremost adventure pioneers, he has:

• Established new routes and completed first descents on numerous Indian rivers
• Introduced thousands of Indians to adventure sports through his companies
• Trained military personnel in specialized adventure skills
• Created sustainable adventure tourism standards and policies
• Inspired a new generation of Indian adventurers, particularly young women

His father-daughter expedition with Deeya has particularly encouraged young women to break stereotypes and pursue adventure sports, demonstrating that gender is no barrier to achieving extraordinary feats.

Personal Philosophy

Throughout his career, Ajeet has emphasized that adventure sports teach invaluable life lessons about perseverance, humility, and respect for nature. His approach combines meticulous planning with the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions—a philosophy he applies to business and life.

He consistently uses his platform to advocate for environmental conservation, sustainable tourism practices, and gender equality, showing how adventure can be a vehicle for positive social change.

Continuing the Journey

Despite his impressive list of achievements, Ajeet Bajaj continues to seek new challenges and adventures. Through his companies, social initiatives, and ongoing expeditions, he remains at the forefront of India’s adventure sports community.

His work continues to showcase India’s potential as a premier adventure tourism destination while promoting values of environmental stewardship, inclusivity, and sustainable practices.

Conclusion on Ajeet Bajaj’s Journey

From the freezing polar regions to the world’s highest peak, from turbulent rivers to policy chambers, Ajeet Bajaj’s journey represents the pinnacle of achievement in adventure sports and tourism. His contributions as an adventurer, entrepreneur, policy maker, and social advocate have fundamentally shaped India’s relationship with adventure.

As he continues to inspire adventurers across generations, Ajeet Bajaj’s legacy extends far beyond the summits he has conquered and waters he has navigated—it lives in the countless individuals who have discovered their own capacity for adventure and resilience through his example.

Explore the Journeys of Other Great Climbers

Alison Hargreaves: The Fearless Mountaineer
Anshu Jamsenpa: India’s Fastest Mountaineer
Wanda Rutkiewicz: Conquering Heights, Breaking Barriers

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