Our Team

SONAM CHOSPHEL

Sonam Chosphel – Founder & Expedition Leader

I was born in Thiksey, a village located about 20 km from Leh in the region of Ladakh. I was raised in the rich cultural environment of Ladakhi Buddhist society. My family has deep roots in agriculture, and farming was an essential part of my early life.

After finishing school, I worked for three years as a trekking assistant with several experienced guides. In 1995–1996, I completed both the Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Courses at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, sponsored by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.

Following my training, I worked as a mountain guide in Ladakh. Over time, I had the opportunity to lead cultural, trekking, and climbing groups across the Indian Himalaya, including Ladakh, Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Himachal Pradesh. I collaborated with several leading adventure companies, including Welcome Travel India, Exodus Travel UK, DAV Summit Club Germany, Himalayan Fair Trek Germany, Canadian Himalayan Expedition, and High Places UK.

After gaining nearly 15 years of experience, I decided in April 2010 to establish my own company, based in Ladakh. Since then, we have served a large number of both domestic and international clients. Most of the guides in my organization were personally trained by me during the years prior to launching Venture Ladakh.

JIGMET MEPAM

Jigmet Mepam – Trekking Guide

Jigmet Mepam was born in Kharu Village, located about 40 km from Leh. He has been working with us since the inception of our company and plays a key role both in the field and in operations.

In addition to guiding treks, Jigmet manages our office in Leh, where he oversees client arrivals and departures and handles the processing of Inner Line and climbing permits.

With over 15 years of trekking experience across Ladakh, he has guided numerous routes including the Markha Valley, Sham Trek, Lamayuru to Chilling, Stok Kangri (6,140 m), and Dzojongo East Peak (6,040 m), among others. He also leads Snow Leopard tours during the winter season.

STANZIN WANGAIL

Stanzin Wangail – Mountain Guide

Stanzin Wangail comes from a remote village in the Markha Valley and has been working with us for the past 12 years. After successfully completing his Advanced Mountaineering Course, he now leads our climbing expeditions as well as wildlife tours.

ACHIEVEMENTS

First ascent of Kangyatse 4 (6,130 m)

Successful summit of Kangyatse 1 (6,400 m)

Successful summit of Kangyatse 2 (6,200 m)

Traverse of Dzo Jongo East (6,170 m) and Dzo Jongo West (6,270 m)

Successful summit of Mentok Kangri I and Mentok Kangri II

THINLES TAMCHOS

Thinles Tamchos – Trekking Guide

Thinles Tamchos was born in a remote village called Kaya in the Markha Valley—one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in Ladakh. He has been working with us for the past 10 years as a Trekking Guide..After successfully completing his Advanced Mountaineering Course at the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, he has also become one of our Climbing Guides, leading both domestic and international groups in the Ladakhi mountains.

In addition, he is an excellent snow leopard spotter and plays a key role during our winter wildlife expeditions.

TASHI DAWA

Tashi Dawa – Trekking Guide

Tashi was born in Thiksey village, located about 20 km from Leh. He is one of our most experienced guides, known for his ability to handle various situations in the mountains and for being an excellent decision-maker. Tashi has been working as a trekking guide for over 10 years with several leading organizations in Ladakh, leading treks in regions such as Rumtse, the Tso Moriri Trek, the Markha–Zalung Karpo Trek, and the Kanji to Zanskar Trek. He has also successfully climbed peaks like Stok Kangri (6,150 m), Dzo Jongo East (6,040 m), and Regon Molaya (6,030 m). His extensive experience in these challenging environments is truly exceptional.