Harish Kapadia has made a unique contribution to our knowledge of the Himalaya—as editor of The Himalayan Journal, one of the most authoritative and comprehensive records of exploratory activity in the Himalaya; through his numerous books and as a leader and organiser of countless expeditions over the years. His deep knowledge, accounts of his journeys and personal experiences recounted in many books and articles, serve as a valuable source of information of the region.
Harish began climbing and trekking in the hills around Mumbai in his youth. His first visit to the Himalaya was almost six decades ago, and he has never looked back since, still trekking and climbing actively. He has climbed more than 30 Himalayan peaks, many of them being first ascents, and crossed more than 140 Himalayan passes to explore different valleys.
He continued with his passion in spite of facing serious personal injuries and loss. He suffered a major family setback when his young son, Lt. Nawang Kapadia, fell to a bullet while fighting terrorists in Kashmir.
From 1997 to 1999, he served as Vice President of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation and was awarded the IMF Gold Medal in 1993, and the Tensing Norgay Award, the highest Adventure Award in India.
Harish was honoured with the Patron’s Medal by the Royal Geographical Society, ’for contributions to geographical discovery and mountaineering in the Himalaya’. He was also honoured with Piolet’s d’Or (Asia), King Albert Medal (Belgium) and Joss Lynam Medal (Ireland).
Harish has been invited to many countries to lecture on his Himalayan exploits, and is a member of several organisations. He is married, and lives in Mumbai.
