illegal peak climbing in Garhwal

I'm going trekking for the very first time (a 50th birthday present to myself!)
In Sept. I'll be in Ladakh, and in Oct. will trek in Garhwal. I can't wait!
Here's my issue: one of the men coming along on the Garhwal trek is an avid climber. So avid that he wants to climb peaks there to recon for a future ascent even though he's been told by the trip coordinator that this is illegal.
I'm not comfortable with this, neither are some of the other group members and I don't want my (our) trip ruined by a selfish person.
I need facts: Can anyone tell me what the penalties could possibly be for him, and perhaps for the rest of the group if he got busted? What are his chances of being caught?
What would YOU tell him?

Thanks in advance!

Chances are he's just talking big, but if he isn't then I'd let him go and wish him luck. It's not very often we get a chance to explore and test the himilayas or let the himilayas test us. and we may never make it back so.................

You only live once

Disclaimer: But that's my opinion and in no way expresses the majority of this forum

Vera,

Which peak does he want to summit ?

Dear Vera,

It depends on what area you are willing to go? How far inside indian innerline? Wether you are indians or foriegners? What kind of equipment you are bringing along?

You see, Foriegners (as well as indians for that matter) busted inside the innerline (by Border police or Army) without proper permits are treated as spy's and are dealt with very strongly. And believe me on this, that you won't like being guest of Indian Prisons!!!

It's only a suggestion that if at all you are hellbent on trying to raccy the area you do it with proper permit. Perticularly if you are foriegner.

Rahul