Boots and Crampons

Ep20: Lt Col ROMIL BARTHWAL, (Retd): Conquering the Mount Everest

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of inviting Romil Barthwal. He is armed with an M Tech(IT) from IIT Kharagpur; Romil has done his BSc, B Tech. (electronics) with papers published in international conferences and journals of repute (the same have been cited in multiple papers). He is an alumnus of IIM Lucknow (trophy winner) and the National Defence Academy, Pune. Romil follows his heart and is CEO of India's top high altitude mountaineering company, Boots & Crampons.

Mountaineer and impact maker is an endurance runner by passion and has done many Half, Full, and Ultramarathons. Notable ones include the Boston Marathon, first & course record holder in the non-Ladakhi category in 111 km, one of the most challenging high altitude

ultramarathon from Sumur to Leh via Khardungla pass (@height of 3500m)- La Ultra. He was also runner up in 24h New Delhi stadium run doing 185 km. He has secured Podium finishes and appreciations in different formats and events. He has 22 years of experience in the army, including in the elite Special Forces. He is a maroon beret paratrooper.

Among other adventure activities, he has done 200, 300, 400, 600km cycling Brevets in one year to achieve the Super Randonneur.

He was a podium finisher in an Ironman event and a certified white water rafting course expert. Always stepping forward to face adventure, he has done Bungee jumping, Duathlons, kayaking, paramotor, parasailing, paragliding, and para trooping too. In addition, he has won various awards in running, cycling, fitness, etc.

Leaving no stone unturned, he has done the basic, advanced, rescue, and special mountain courses. He has done 21 mountaineering expeditions as team leader, culminating with summiting the mighty Mt Everest in summer 2019. He has been awarded The EME Blue award for outstanding contribution in Adventure sports in 2019.

Romil is a great motivational speaker and has given talks in schools, institutes, Army institutions, and corporates. He takes a tremendous interest in inspiring people and is a role model for many fitness and adventure enthusiasts.

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