Awards & Press — Ibex Expeditions

Awards

Over the years, Ibex Expeditions has earned recognition and acclaim from the global travel industry, international travel writers, tourism boards, governments, adventure enthusiasts, and discerning travellers alike. Renowned for its excellence in adventure travel, destination expertise, reliability, and highly personalised service, Ibex has built a reputation as one of the most trusted names in experiential travel.

Its pioneering spirit and enduring legacy continue to inspire generations of explorers in search of authentic, meaningful, and responsible journeys—whether in the Himalayas or across all seven continents of the world.

In 2015, Mandip Singh Soin became the first Indian to receive the Citation of Merit from The Explorers Club, recognizing his outstanding contributions to exploration and mountaineering across six continents. The award was presented at the 111th Annual Dinner held at the American Museum of Natural History, New York.

In 1998, Ibex Expeditions received the PATA Asia Discovery Award for its pioneering “Ice Trek” on the frozen Zanskar River in the Himalaya, recognizing innovation in adventure tourism product development. The award was presented at the PATA Chapters Meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal by CEO, Joe McInerney.

In 2012, Mandip Singh Soin received the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award for Lifetime Achievement, becoming the first person from India’s tourism industry to receive the nation’s highest honour in adventure. The award was presented by the President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee.

In 2026, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Travel & Tourism Excellence Awards recognised Ibex Expeditions’ outstanding contributions to India’s travel and tourism industry while promoting innovation, excellence, and entrepreneurship across the sector.

The National Tourism Awards, instituted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, recognise and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the Indian travel and tourism industry.

In 2012, Ibex Expeditions was honoured as India’s “Most Innovative Tour Operator,” with the award presented by the President of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

In 2009, National Geographic Adventure magazine rated Ibex Expeditions among the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth,” based on criteria including education, sustainability, quality of service, spirit of adventure, and client satisfaction.

In 2002, Ibex Expeditions was conferred the Award of Excellence by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as India’s most eco-friendly tourism organisation. The award was presented in New Delhi by the Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Mr. Jagmohan, in recognition of outstanding performance and commitment to responsible tourism.

In 2000, Ibex Expeditions received the World Travel Market Environmental Company Award in London, recognizing its exemplary environmental policies and leadership in responsible tourism.

In 1999, Ibex Expeditions received the Green Globe Distinction Award for Outstanding Environmental Achievements in Berlin, recognizing its leadership in sustainable tourism through environmental stewardship, community engagement, and resource-efficient practices.

In 1999, Ibex Expeditions received the PATA Gold Award for its “Green Leaf Environmental Education Programs,” presented at the PATA Conference, Nagoya, Japan. The award recognised the company’s pioneering environmental pledge and open client audit system, setting benchmarks in innovation and responsible tourism practices.