Mandip continues to explore and uncover new adventures across India and beyond. Having traveled to over 45 countries and all seven continents, he brings a global perspective to his work, staying attuned to the evolving landscape of tourism and the expectations of the modern, discerning traveler. These insights are thoughtfully woven into every journey curated by Ibex.

Ibex specializes in organizing and outfitting Himalayan expeditions, wildlife safaris, and tailor-made luxury journeys across India—from the stark beauty of Ladakh in the north to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala in the south.

A significant part of Ibex’s success lies in its team of highly qualified professionals, dedicated to delivering exceptional travel experiences. Whether it’s selecting the perfect luxury camp or a charming boutique hotel, or crafting a seamless itinerary, the focus remains on creating immersive and transformative journeys.

The Ibex guides and trip leaders are truly exceptional—well-educated, experienced, and skilled in wilderness environments, all while maintaining a warm and good-humored approach. Supporting them is a committed field team of guides, cooks, and porters who work tirelessly in all conditions to ensure each journey runs smoothly. Behind the scenes, the diligent and sincere office staff play a crucial role in keeping operations efficient and reliable. Their collective enthusiasm, attention to detail, and willingness to go the extra mile are at the heart of Ibex’s excellence.

Beyond designing world-class adventure and bespoke travel experiences for global travelers, Mandip’s own diverse expedition experiences have continually elevated Ibex’s standards. His deep connection with nature has also inspired a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Today, he actively champions responsible tourism, ecotourism, and sustainable practices—striving to make a meaningful difference for future generations.

A Lifetime of Expeditions & Adventures (Since 1973)

Mandip Singh Soin’s journey in exploration spans over five decades, encompassing expeditions across mountains, rivers, deserts, forests, and polar regions. His experiences reflect not only physical endurance, but also leadership, environmental stewardship, and deep cultural curiosity.

Early Himalayan Foundations (1973–1979)

Mandip’s expedition career began in 1973 as a schoolboy, participating in an Indian Public Schools expedition to Black Peak (21,000 ft) in the Garhwal Himalaya, reaching 19,000 ft.

In 1975, he completed a demanding month-long Trans-Himalayan trek from Manali over the Shingo La through Padum to Kargil—covering over 400 km.

Between 1975 and 1979, he was actively involved in multiple Himalayan expeditions, including:

• A solo climbing attempt on Bamchu Peak (19,000 ft)

• Liaison Officer roles with British, American, and Polish expeditions to peaks such as Dunagiri, Kalanka, Sattu Da Par, and Mulkila

In 1977, he led an anthropological and deep-sea fishing expedition in the Andaman Islands, combining exploration with cultural study.

International Mountaineering & Outdoor Leadership (1979–1980)

Mandip spent nearly a year in Europe training and climbing across the Alps and the UK:

• Climbed and skied in the French, Swiss, Austrian, and Italian Alps, including the Dolomites

• Undertook notable climbs in Chamonix, Zermatt, and the Engadine Valley

• Climbed in Wales and Scotland, including winter ascents on Ben Nevis

He also served as an Outdoor Instructor at:

• Plas y Brenin, North Wales

• Outward Bound, Loch Eil, Scotland

First Ascents & Expedition Milestones (1980s)

In 1980, Mandip achieved significant milestones with first ascents in Zanskar:

• Z1 (6400 m)

• Independence Peak (5600 m)

Other major expeditions included:

• Rogue River (USA) rafting expedition (1981)

• Delhi–Kathmandu cycling expedition (1500 km)

• All-India rock climbing expedition (1984)

• India’s first camel expedition across the Thar Desert (1986)

• First Indian ascent of Mt. Meru North (6450 m) in alpine style

In 1988, he trained in Mountain Rescue in the UK and France under an Inlaks Foundation Grant, contributing to the Himalayan Evacuation and Lifesaving Project (HELP), supported by Edmund Hillary.

Exploration, Environment & Innovation (1989–2000s)

Mandip’s work expanded into environmental and interdisciplinary exploration:

• 1989 Arctic Expedition: Instructor with an international environmental expedition near the North Pole under the United Nations Environment Programme

• 1990 Elephant Expedition: Led India’s first elephant expedition through Kerala forests

• 1990 Youth Expedition (Sikkim): Led an international educational expedition near Kanchenjunga

• 1994 Ice Trek (Zanskar): Pioneering winter expedition on the frozen Zanskar River, helping open winter tourism in Ladakh

He also undertook:

• Angling expeditions for Mahaseer fishing.

• Adventure mapping in Sri Lanka

• Wildlife and ecotourism studies across India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa

Global Expeditions & Ecotourism Leadership (2000–2015)

Mandip led and participated in diverse expeditions worldwide:

• Swiss Alps (2002): Indo-Pak Friendship Expedition under International Union for Conservation of Nature

• Andaman Volcano Expedition (2003): Climbed Barren Island volcano and submitted an ecotourism policy paper to the Government of India

• Tibet Expedition (2007): Journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, including Everest North Base Camp

• Arunachal & Chambal Expeditions: Promoting ecotourism and conservation-based livelihoods

International journeys included:

• Bhutan (Druk Path Trek)

• Borneo (Mt. Kinabalu ascent)

• Mongolia (Gobi Desert expedition)

• Madagascar (Tsingy de Bemaraha exploration)

• Peru (Amazon, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu)

• Namibia, Morocco, Chile, and Sri Lanka

Recent Explorations & Polar Leadership (2016–2021)

• Trans-Siberian & Mongolia (2016): Expedition across Russia to the Gobi Desert

• Antarctica Expedition (2017): Led a group to the Antarctic Peninsula, launching the #AntarcticaMatters initiative to promote conservation awareness

• Continued expeditions across Argentina, and trekking in the Apuane Alps in Italy in 2018.

• In 2019 exploration of Rainforests in Costa Rica & Sri Lanka

In 2021, he led an overland journey across Ladakh, until he remote frontier frontier near Turtuk. A river trip on Brahmaputra too.

In 2022, undertook rafting in Arunachal and River journey in Assam.

In 2023 a river journey in Bengal on the Ganges. In 2024 an expedition cruise to Svalbard Arctic and an Overland trans Himalayan journey.

In 2025, a River cruise on the Mekong and a river exploration in Odhisa. In 2026 led a expedition cruise to the Antarctica.

Legacy of Exploration

From first ascents in the Himalaya to leading expeditions in Antarctica, Mandip’s journey reflects a rare blend of adventure, leadership, and environmental stewardship. His work has not only pushed the boundaries of exploration but has also contributed meaningfully to the growth of responsible tourism and sustainable travel practices.

• “Himalayan Challenge” to the National Youth Council & Singapore Adventure Club, Singapore.

• “Responsible Tourism” in Balikpapan, Indonesia at the PATA Adventure & Ecotourism conference & mart.

• “Future Trends of Eco-Tourism and Adventure Travel” keynote address in Nassau, Bahamas, at the World Congress of Adventure Travel Society.

• “A High Altitude Perspective” to McKinsey India’s Annual Conference at Cochin, India.

• “Outward Bound Management Development” at the National Human Resource Development Network conference in Hyderabad.

• “Considerations in Packaging High-Risk Products” at the PATA Adventure & Eco-tourism conference in Kathmandu, Nepal.

• “Winter trekking in the Himalaya” at the Annual Symposium of the Alpine Club, in North Wales, UK.

• “Eco-tourism Vs Adventure Travel” at the Malaysian International Adventure Festival in Kuala Lumpur.

• “Ice Walk” at the Himalayan Club on the environmental expedition to the Arctic, in India International Centre, Delhi.

• “Environmental and Sustainable Tourism” – panelist presentation at the PATA Annual Conference in Nagoya, Japan.

• “Good environmental practices of an award-winning tourism company – Ibex Expeditions” in London at the World Travel Market, London, UK.

• “A retrospective of 25 years of adventures & explorations in India and overseas” at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

• Panel Chair for “Sustainable & Eco Tourism ~ Good practices” at the Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators held at Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

• “Adventure & Ecotourism in India” at the Johannesburg Country Club, South Africa.

• “Adventure and Character building for the Youth” at the annual Mayo Heritage Society day in New Delhi.

• “Travel and adventure possibilities in India” in a seven-city tour of the USA coordinated by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

• Presented a paper on “Responsible Tourism” at the Sustainable Resources conference at Colorado University, Colorado.

• “Three decades retrospective” at the Middlebury College in Vermont, USA.

• “Wildlife Tourism” at the  International Conference on Sustainable Tourism by the Ecotourism Society of India & Madhya Pradesh Tourism in Bhopal.

• Presentations to the Eco Development Boards of the Government of Odisha and Madhya Pradesh and the Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh.

• “Explore with Soin” slide presentation at The Bengal Club, Kolkata.

• “Tales of an Explorer” slide lecture at the Harvard University, Berkeley & Colorado College, USA.

• Presentations on India at the Peranakan Museum, SKAL Club, and the Singapore Adventure Club, Singapore.

• “An India kaleidoscope of travel opportunities” at the Taj Pierre in New York and for the PATA Boston chapter in Boston, USA.

• “Responsible Tourism practices” at the Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators conference, Mumbai.

• “Travelling for Good” at TedX, Delhi, and “To the center of the Universe”  at Adventure Stories, Taj Palace, New Delhi.

• “Tales of an Explorer” presentations at The Nehru Centre & The Travellers Club, London; Cafe Amsterdam in Ulan Bator, Bookworm in Beijing, Hotel ShangriLa in Lima, Indian School in Dubai & University of Woolongong in Abu Dhabi.

• Panelist at “Future of Mountaineering & Mountains” at the 150th-anniversary celebration of the Swiss Alpine Club, Pontresina, Switzerland.

• Plenary session at the Adventure Travel & Trade Association (ATTA) World Summit on “Adventure Cases worth speaking about – Ibex Expeditions” in Killarney, Ireland.

• “Tales of an Explorer” at the Diplomatic Club, Muscat, Oman.

• Plenary session at the PATA Adventure Travel & Responsible Tourism Conference & Mart in Thimphu, Bhutan.

• “India at Heart” presentation at the India Cultural Centre in Sao Paolo, Brazil in collaboration with the Embassy of India.

• “Tales of an Explorer” presentations in Sydney, Australia, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colombo in Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Embassy of India.

• “Tales of an Explorer” lectures at the Royal Guwahati University, Guwahati, The Tollygunge Club, Kolkatta, and The India International Centre, New Delhi.

• Photography exhibitions at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on Mongolia and Saving the Siachen glacier.

• Radio interviews in Dubai, Oman, Australia & BBC.

• TEDxKnowledgeCity – Mandip Singh Soin takes the audience on a journey of learning from his life as a traveler.

• “Championing Sustainability” on The Dope.

• “Travel to Tomorrow” Ep 7 on Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in this podcast, Mandip Singh Soin keeps us on the edge of the seats through the story of his journey from the Himalayas to Madagascar.

• Presentation on Responsible Tourism at The Hotel Investment Conference-South Asia. “No Rock & Roll Without Responsible Tourism” on Hotelivate at HICSA 2021, New Delhi.

• Traveller’s Trunk is a documentary series that peeks inside the lives and travels of some of India’s most interesting wanderers. Journey with Mandip here as he shares snapshots on a life well loved and well travelled. Traveller’s Trunk Episode 02.

• Mandip Singh Soin FRGS, explorer, mountaineer and founder of Ibex Expeditions, speaks about his adventures around the world. Taj Safaris Presents The Outdoor Journal and Ibex Expeditions Adventure Stories. At Taj Palace, New Delhi.

• Episode 27 of Coffee With Ashish, Mandip Singh Soin discusses adventure travel on the podcast.

• East Mojo – Travel responsibly, says international explorer & traveler Mandip Singh Soin at Royal Global University (RGU), Guwahati.

• Mandip Singh Soin teaches you about mountains, climate change, and more on World Mountain Day, Mashable.

• 2021 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival – Mandip Singh Soin is featured in this flagship program of Banff Centre that promotes understanding and appreciation of the world’s mountain places.

• Outlook Traveller – The founder of Ibex Expeditions on his upcoming Antarctica trip

• Professional Affiliations & Leadership Roles

  Mandip’s extensive contributions to adventure travel, conservation, and sustainable tourism are reflected in his associations with leading global and national institutions:

  Leadership & Advisory Roles

  • Founding President, Responsible Tourism Society of India

  • Board Member, Adventure Travel Conservation Foundation

  • Trustee, Himalayan Environment Trust

  • Advisor, The Outdoor Journal

  • Member, Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board

  Fellowships & Honors

  • Fellow International, The Explorers Club

  • Fellow, Royal Geographical Society

  • Honorary Member, Scientific Exploration Society

  Professional Memberships

  • Member, American Alpine Club and Alpine Club

  • Member, Indian Mountaineering Foundation

  • Member, Bombay Natural History Society

  • Member, World Wide Fund for Nature India

  • Member, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage

  • Member, Confederation of Indian Industry (National Tourism Committee)

  • Member, Ecotourism Society of Himachal Pradesh

  Judging, Committees & Global Engagement

  • Jury Member, WWF India – PATA Bagh Mitra Awards

  • Judge, Safariawards.com

  • Ambassador, Sustainable Travel International – ‘10 Million Better’ Campaign

  • Former Judge, World Travel & Tourism Council – Tourism for Tomorrow Awards

  • Former Jury Member, National Tourism Awards (Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), Pacific Asia Travel Association Gold Awards & SKAL International Ecotourism Awards

  Past Leadership & Institutional Roles

  • Former Chair, The Explorers Club South Asia Chapter

  • Former Honorary Local Secretary, The Himalayan Club

  • Former Senior Vice President, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India

  • Former Member, International Committee of Pacific Asia Travel Association (Sustainable Tourism)

  • Former Expert Member, Mountain Protection Commission, UIAA

  • Former Member, Access Commission, UIAA

  • Former Member, Executive Committee, The Himalayan Club

  • Former Member, Governing Council, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering

  Summary

  Mandip’s affiliations reflect a lifetime commitment not just to exploration, but to shaping the future of responsible tourism, conservation policy, and global adventure travel standards.

• Publications, Editorial Work & Contributions

  Mandip’s thought leadership in ecotourism, adventure travel, and environmental stewardship is reflected in his extensive editorial and writing work across books, journals, and leading publications.

  Editorial Roles

  • Editor–in–Chief of Ecotourism and Environment Handbook — a comprehensive guide for the tourism industry, published by the Ecotourism Society of India in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (2014)

  • Editor of the previous three editions of Environment & Ecotourism Handbooks, published by the Government of India

  Books & Literary Contributions

  • Wrote the foreword for Hammer Menschen by Richard Kienberger

  • Contributed chapters on trekking and rafting to driving holiday guides by Koko Singh (Zanskar & Uttarakhand editions)

  • Contributed a chapter to Incredible Himalayas by M. S. Kohli

  • Contributed to Guide to Rock Climbing in and around Delhi by Mohit Oberoi

  Articles & Features

  • Featured article: “India’s Top 30 EcoHotels” in Condé Nast Traveller India

  • Authored “Towards the Centre of the Universe” in The Outdoor Journal

  His writing has also appeared in respected publications such as:

  • Himalayan Journal

  • Indian Mountaineer

  • The Stephanian

  • Go Now

  • The Times of India

  • Hindustan Times

  Overview

  Through his editorial leadership and writing, Mandip has helped shape conversations around sustainable tourism, adventure travel, and environmental responsibility—both in India and internationally.

• Awards & Recognitions

  Mandip’s pioneering contributions to adventure, exploration, and sustainable tourism have been widely recognized, both in India and internationally:

  • Citation of Merit by The Explorers Club (2015)

  • Lifetime Achievement Award by Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (2013)

  • Achievement Award by Global Punjabi Society (2013)

  • Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (Lifetime Achievement) conferred by the President of India (2011)

  • Recognized in the Limca Book of Records as Man of the Year and India’s Most Versatile Adventure Sportsperson (1992 & 2008)

  • Achievement Award by International Institute for Peace through Tourism, Leysin, Switzerland (2003)

  • Awarded by Edmund Hillary for contributions to the Himalayan environment (2003)

  • Best Green Leader by Pacific Asia Travel Writers Association, London (2000)

  • Ness Award by Royal Geographical Society (1992)

  • Gold Award by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, New Delhi (1979)

  • College & University Colors (Rifle Shooting) — St. Stephen’s College and University of Delhi (1979)

  • ‘Rock Gibbon’ Award for rock climbing at The Air Force School (1973)

  He has also been featured by Condé Nast Traveller India in recognition of his Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.

  Introduction to Ibex Expeditions

  Founded in 1979, Ibex Expeditions is an award-winning travel outfitter in India, renowned for crafting intimate, handcrafted journeys across a diverse spectrum—adventure expeditions, wildlife safaris, experiential holidays, and bespoke luxury travel.

  At the heart of Ibex lies a deep commitment to sustainability, conservation, and social responsibility. Every journey is thoughtfully designed not just to explore landscapes, but to respect and protect them—ensuring that the footprint left behind is as light as possible.

  Driven by a philosophy of mindful travel, Ibex continually reimagines how tourism can positively impact the environments and communities it touches—honouring the land while creating meaningful, transformative experiences for those who traverse it.