Mount Everest
New Delhi: In a triumphant display of grit and national unity, a joint expedition team from India’s premier mountaineering institutes scaled Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak at 8,848.86 meters, on May 23, 2025, marking a historic milestone in Indian mountaineering. The team, comprising instructors from the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS) Pahalgam, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) Uttarkashi, and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) Darjeeling, overcame extreme weather and high-altitude challenges, setting a new standard for collaborative excellence in adventure sports.
The expedition, flagged off by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth on March 26, 2025, in New Delhi, was led by Colonel Anshuman Bhadauria, Principal of NIM Uttarkashi, and Colonel Hem Chandra Singh, Principal of JIM&WS Pahalgam. The elite team included five instructors: Havildar Rajendra Mukhiya from JIM&WS, Rakesh Singh Rana and Sub Bahadur Pahan from NIM, and Havildar Thupstan Tsewang and Pasang Tenzing Sherpa from HMI. Demonstrating meticulous preparation, the team successfully summited Mt. Lobuche (6,119 meters) on April 18, 2025, as part of their acclimatisation process, honing their skills for the formidable Everest ascent.
Facing harsh winds, sub-zero temperatures, and the perilous Khumbu Icefall, the climbers showcased exceptional courage, resilience, and teamwork. Their successful summit not only highlights the individual prowess of each member but also underscores the strength of collaboration among India’s top mountaineering institutes. The expedition’s success is a testament to the rigorous training and disciplined approach fostered by JIM&WS, NIM, and HMI, which have long been pillars of India’s adventure and mountaineering legacy.
Having safely descended to Everest Base Camp, the team is now en route to Kathmandu, where they are expected to be celebrated for their historic achievement. This milestone reinforces India’s growing prominence in global mountaineering and serves as an inspiration for aspiring adventurers across the nation. The joint effort reflects the spirit of unity and determination, aligning with India’s broader vision of promoting adventure tourism and physical resilience among its youth.
The successful climb also carries symbolic weight, showcasing India’s ability to conquer challenges through collective effort and unwavering resolve. As the nation celebrates this feat, the expedition is likely to inspire future collaborations among mountaineering institutes and bolster India’s reputation as a hub for high-altitude adventure. The team’s achievement is a proud moment for the country, highlighting the potential of its mountaineers to excel on the global stage.
– global bihari bureau
