tarting October 17, 2015, Mercury Himalayan Explorations launches the mother of all river expeditions – Ganga Source To Sea. Starting from Gaumukh the source of the holy Ganges, to where it meets the ocean at Ganga Sagar in the Bay of Bengal, renowned polar explorers and educators Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft will lead a team of six women from across six continents. Each of the women will be representing the key water challenges on their continent. Their journey will be the centerpiece of a global awareness and outreach programme that will spur us all to join hands in solving our global water crisis.
Akshay Kumar, CEO, Mercury Himalayan Explorations said, “We met with Liv and Ann back in February 2015, and I am delighted that they trusted MHE with this programme that has the potential to change all our lives. Planning this expedition has been quite a challenge, because it involves trekking and rafting, camping and hotel stays, not to mention a 40-day motorboat adventure across the length of the Ganga”. Interestingly, MHE were the pioneers of this expedition, having first successfully attempted it in 1991, followed by the full length descents of the Yamuna, Narmada, and the Brahmaputra.
Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen are dedicated to sharing stories of their journeys, as a way to ignite people to find their own dreams and passions. Both former school teachers, they are passionate about creating inspiring education programs. Their 1,717 mile historic Antarctic crossing during 2000 – 2001, pulling 250 pound sleds that took 97 days sparked the imagination of over there million schoolchildren around the globe as they followed along in the news and on their website. This seven-continent expedition that kicks off with India, promises to be an inspirational journey igniting passion for conservation, adventure and learning.