Visual impairment is no deterrent in enjoying the thrills and adventure of mountaineering. The fact will be proved by 10 visually impaired students of the Ramkrishna Mission Blind Boy’s Academy (R.K.M.B.B.A.), as they set out to conquer the 3,636 metre high Sandakphu peak.

Located 58 kilometres away from Darjeeling, Sandakphu, is the highest peak in West Bengal. The trek will start from Maneybhanjan, a small town near Darjeeling. From there the students will walk 72 kilometres through hilly regions to reach the peak. The six-day expedition is designed to enable those taking part to prove their abilities in overcoming adversities and develop team spirit.

An award-winning mountaineer Biswajit Ghosh, a blind English teacher of the school and mountaineering expert Bibhujeet Mukuti, would lead the team. Students of various other schools will act as escorts, for the expedition.“R.K.M.B.B.A. has been the only blind academy to be selected for this project in India”, claimed Ghosh, 'Mobility of the visually challenged are generally restricted. But mountaineering will help them prove their mental strength against odds.'

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a U.K.-based voluntary organisation, is funding this project for school students.