Twin Expeditions to Everest & Kangchenjunga Showcasing Adventure Prowess

Flagging off the expeditions, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth hailed the mission as a powerful symbol of India’s mountaineering strength and the Defence Ministry’s commitment to adventure sports.

In a proud moment for the Indian mountaineering and adventure sports community, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth flagged off two prestigious high-altitude expeditions to Mount Everest and Mount Kangchenjunga from South Block, New Delhi. These historic missions mark a new milestone in India’s journey as a rising global leader in adventure sports and reflect the country's growing prowess in mountaineering.

The dual expeditions, backed by premier mountaineering institutions under the Ministry of Defence, are not just symbolic of physical conquest but represent India’s indomitable spirit, unity, and commitment to excellence in adventure and exploration.

Mount Everest Expedition: Celebrating 60 Years of NIM’s Legacy

Organised in collaboration with the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling, and Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS), Jammu & Kashmir, the Everest expedition commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand—a legendary institution that has trained thousands of mountaineers over the decades.

The team of seven elite climbers—selected from NIM, HMI, and JIM&WS—will be led by Col Anshuman Bhadauria, Principal of NIM. These climbers are veterans of high-altitude expeditions, trained in surviving and thriving under some of the world’s harshest conditions.

The expedition officially begins on April 02, 2025, following the iconic South Col Route in Nepal, a legendary trail etched in the annals of mountaineering history by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. The climbers will traverse the Khumbu Valley, gradually acclimatizing at high-altitude camps such as Lobuche, Everest Base Camp, Camp I, II, III, and IV, preparing themselves for the final summit push planned in May 2025.

The mission aims to equip Indian instructors with vital first-hand experience of Everest, enhancing their capabilities to train future generations of Indian climbers with precision and realism.

Mount Kangchenjunga Expedition: Completing the Har Shikhar Tiranga Journey

Simultaneously, another landmark expedition is being led to Mount Kangchenjunga (8,586m)—India’s highest mountain and the third highest peak in the world. Organised by the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, this climb is part of its ambitious ‘Har Shikhar Tiranga’ initiative, which aims to hoist the Indian Tricolour on the highest peaks of every Indian state.

This climb, set to begin on April 07, 2025, is led by Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal, a celebrated mountaineer and the Director of NIMAS. The team includes five elite climbers and three dedicated support staff, all equipped with years of experience in technical climbs, high-altitude survival, and peak performance in extreme terrains.

With successful summits of the highest peaks in 27 states already completed, the ascent of Kangchenjunga will mark the culmination of the pan-India mountaineering campaign, making NIMAS the first institution to have scaled the highest points across all 28 states of India.

This expedition is not only a demonstration of mountaineering excellence but also a tribute to India's cultural and geographical unity through adventure.

Defence Ministry's Commitment to Adventure & Youth Empowerment

Flagging off the expeditions, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth hailed the mission as a powerful symbol of India’s mountaineering strength and the Defence Ministry’s commitment to adventure sports.

“This is not merely about reaching the top of the world—it is about showcasing India’s mountaineering excellence and leadership on the global stage. India is fast emerging as a powerhouse in adventure sports, and the institutions under the Ministry of Defence are playing a pivotal role in shaping our nation’s adventure ecosystem,” he said.

He further expressed confidence in the abilities of both teams, underlining their potential to inspire not just Indians but adventure enthusiasts across the globe.

“By successfully summiting Everest and Kangchenjunga, our teams will set new benchmarks of resilience, skill, and teamwork. They will become role models for young Indians and adventurers worldwide,” he said.

Adventure Meets Nation-Building

Highlighting the broader vision behind such expeditions, Shri Seth emphasized that mountaineering is more than just a sport—it is a nation-building exercise. He credited the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for integrating adventure into youth development, promoting self-reliance, mental resilience, and fearless spirit among young Indians.

“Mountaineering teaches us to overcome fear, work as a team, and stay focused on our goals—values that align with the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India),” he stated.

A New Chapter in Indian Mountaineering

These twin expeditions signal a new chapter in Indian mountaineering. With one mission scaling the highest peak in the world and the other climbing India’s highest point to complete a nationwide campaign, these journeys are expected to leave a lasting impact on India’s mountaineering legacy.

Whether it's the icy winds of the Khumbu Icefall or the steep, unforgiving ridgelines of Kangchenjunga, Indian climbers are ready to rise above challenges and script history.

As the Indian Tricolour flutters high in the Himalayas this season, it will carry with it the hopes, dreams, and determination of a nation reaching for greater heights—literally and figuratively.