22/07/2025
IF FREY! WHY NOT ASHAL Peak ??
Frey Peak (5,830 meters / 19,127 feet) is a prominent mountain peak located in West Sikkim, near the famous trekking route to Goecha La.
George Frey who is recognized for mountaineering contributions in Sikkim, particularly for surveying, mapping and Expedition. Frey Peak, located near Yuksom in West Sikkim, is named in his honour after he reportedly died during the expedition of the peak.
Sikkim's Son Ashal Rai was born to father Chatur Singh Rai and mother Bishnu Maya Rai at Chemchey, Namchi Sikkim. His journey from a young dreamer to one of Sikkim’s most exceptional mountaineers is a testament to his unshakable will, technical brilliance, and undying love for the Himalayas. But it wasn’t the summits he conquered that defined him, it was the thousands of lives he lifted along his life.
Companion in the wild , a torchbearer of youth empowerment and above all, a friend to every mountain-loving soul Ashal Rai was not just a mountaineer, but a symbol of determination, humility, and mentorship whose footprints will forever echo through the ridges and valleys of Sikkim and beyond.
His training approach molded over a thousand young adventurers, many of whom have gone on to become instructors, guide today.
Today, as we mourn the loss of Ashal Rai during his expedition in Ladakh, we must not let his legacy fade into memory. We must etch it in stone.
Let us come together as citizens, mountaineers, adventurers, and admirers to request the Government of Sikkim to name a peakable mountain in the Eastern Himalayas/Sikkim after Ashal Rai. As a symbol of aspiration for generations to come. As a beacon of inspiration for every youth who dares to dream of mountains. As a tribute to the undying spirit of a man who made the mountains his home. And to immortalize a "True Son of Sikkim".
We sincerely urge the Government of Sikkim to issue a Gazette Notification in honor of Shri Ashal Rai (A Mountaineer of Sikkim) , acknowledging his lifelong contribution to Mountaineering, adventure and youth development, for his unmatched role as a trainer, guide, and mentor at ICHAE, Chemchey, Namchi. For his heroic efforts in building a mountain culture in Sikkim.
Such recognition will not only honor this great soul but ensure that his legacy is preserved and celebrated throughout history.
Let’s all rise united in grief and in respect to give Ashal Rai the eternal summit he truly deserves.
Regards
Lalit Pokhrel Sharma
Incharge
BJYM Sikkim.
