About Us

H.E.C stands for Himalayan Explorers' Club - the students organization of IIT Roorkee pioneering in trekking, mountaineering and adventure sports.

The Mountaineering & Trekking Club founded in 1971 was the forerunner of the Himalayan Explorers' Club (HEC). Between 1971 & 1974 the Institute Sports Association nurtured the Mountaineering & Trekking Club which fostered all mountaineering, trekking and outward bound activities amongst science, engineering and professional student community of the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee.

In July 1975 the first major high altitude expedition in the Himalayas was organized successfully in joint collaboration with the Nainital Mountaineering Club, Nainital. With effect from the academic session of 1975-76 , the Mountaineering and Trekking Club was rechristened as the Himalayan Explorers' Club (HEC). Between July 1976 and August 1977 , the HEC organized a series of three major expeditions in the Garhwal Himalayas (to Mt. Rudragaigra (19500 ft) in July 1976, to Mt. Thelu (20,000 ft) in October 1976 and to Mt. Kedar Dome (23,000 ft) in June 1977) in which as many as 35 students of the University of Roorkee participated.

With effect from the academic session of 1978-79 , the Himalayan Explorers' Club was accorded the status of a separate functional body. As an independent body, HEC, was restructured and to start with had three different sections:

• The High Altitude Adventure Center
• The Regional Development Center
• The Conditioning And Training Center

In its enlarged form as of today, HEC encompasses three more sections. They are:

• The Design and Database Management Section
• The Event Management Section
• The Rangering and Rovering Section
• The Inventory Section
• The Events Section
• The Skating Section
• The Photography and Video editing Section

In addition to organizing mountaineering and high altitude trekking expeditions, rock and ice craft training camps, HEC has during the last ten years pioneered in the field of organizing a new generation of Himalayan expeditions which seek to combine high adventure feats with a whole range of specialized creative endeavors in the Himalayas.

From the thrilling Jim Corbett National Park, where 82 IIT Roorkee students encountered graceful deer, and a plethora of exotic birds and diverse range of flora and fauna, to the spiritual energy of Nag Tibba, boasting Himalayan views and meadows, each trek provided a unique adventure.

Venture into the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib with 77 IIT Roorkee students, they witnessed the highest Gurudwara, breathtaking Himalayan views, and a valley adorned with diverse flowers. The 38 km trek was completed by all 77 students.

Chandrashila, Deoriatal & Tungnath beckon with the highest Shiva Temple and 360-degree view of the majestic Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath Dome, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi, a group of 155 people made it to the summit, led by the remarkable ascension of 100% blind differently-abled Ayan Dhas.

Embark on the Har Ki Dun trek for a divine experience amidst the Valley of God, Maninda Lake, and Himalayan vistas. With 33 out of 39 students conquering this 42 KM trek, it was a testament to their determination. In October, enjoying the thrill of Rishikesh River Rafting with 77 students, followed by a memorable campsite experience. October also witnessed the triumphant Kedarkantha trek summit by 47 IITR students at 3810m.

November brought adrenaline-pumping adventures with 83 students paragliding in Bhimtal and with a successful 3-day training session, including a 5 km marathon, 98 students reaching the Brahmatal top at 12250ft. Where they were mesmerised by the views of Mt. Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Neelkanth and Chaukhamba.

HEC's 2023 trek series is not just about conquering heights but creating lasting memories amidst the pristine beauty of nature. Join us in celebrating the spirit of adventure, perseverance, and camaraderie!