Joint Expedition Team from NIM Triumphantly Summits Highest Peaks in Ladakh

A historic achievement in Indian mountaineering was marked by a Joint Expedition Team comprising expert instructors from the country’s premier National Mountaineering Institutes: Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS) Pahalgam, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) Uttarkashi, and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) Darjeeling. The team successfully conquered Mt Merag-III (6,480 meters) and Mt Kangju Kangri (6,710 meters), the highest and most challenging peaks in the Pangong Tso region of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Expedition Overview and Leadership

The ambitious expedition was officially flagged off on July 24, 2025, in Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir, under the leadership of Colonel Hem Chandra Singh, Principal of JIM&WS Pahalgam. Bringing together an elite group of seasoned mountaineers from all three institutes, the team epitomized collaboration and shared expertise across India’s foremost mountaineering schools.

The composition of the team reflected a blend of extensive experience and dedication, including:

• Sub Major/Hony Lieutenant (Retd) Shri Rafiq Ahmad Malik (JIM&WS)

• Havildar Sajad Hussain (JIM&WS)

• Naik Bharat Singh (JIM&WS)

• Havildar/NA Yogesh (JIM&WS)

• Sub Major Hajari Lal (NIM)

• Naib Subedar Bhupinder Singh (NIM)

• Shri Robin Gurung (HMI)

• Shri Zubin Rai (HMI)

Overcoming Extreme Challenges in the High Himalayas

The successful summiting of these peaks was a testament to the team’s remarkable courage, endurance, and cohesion in the face of extremely harsh weather conditions, steep and treacherous terrains, and the physiological challenges posed by extreme altitudes exceeding 6,000 meters. The expedition demanded meticulous planning, technical climbing skills, and unwavering determination.

The Pangong Tso region is known for its remote and rugged landscapes, requiring the mountaineers to operate in an environment characterized by thin air, sub-zero temperatures, and rapidly changing weather patterns. Despite these obstacles, the team demonstrated exceptional resilience and teamwork, setting new standards in Indian high-altitude expedition history.

Significance for Indian Mountaineering and Adventure Sports

This landmark expedition symbolizes the indomitable spirit of India’s mountaineers and reinforces the nation’s expanding footprint in the global adventure sports arena. The successful climbs contribute to the strategic development of high-altitude mountaineering skills and help cultivate a culture of exploration and endurance among Indian adventure enthusiasts.

By uniting instructors from multiple premier institutes, the mission also reflects a collaborative approach to capacity building in adventure sports training, fostering knowledge sharing and skill enhancement that benefits the broader mountaineering community.

Boosting Ladakh’s Profile as a High-Altitude Adventure Hub

The triumph on Mt Merag-III and Mt Kangju Kangri further elevates Ladakh’s status as a premier destination for challenging mountaineering expeditions. As tourism and adventure sports continue to gain momentum in the region, such pioneering climbs highlight the potential for sustainable adventure tourism and local economic development.

Future Prospects and Inspiration

The successful conclusion of this expedition lays a strong foundation for future high-altitude challenges, inspiring upcoming generations of Indian mountaineers to push boundaries and undertake ambitious endeavors. The collaboration between JIM&WS, NIM, and HMI serves as a model for harnessing collective expertise to achieve excellence in mountaineering and outdoor leadership.

The Joint Expedition Team’s ascent of the highest peaks in the Pangong Tso region is a proud chapter in India’s mountaineering annals. It stands as a tribute to the spirit of adventure, technical proficiency, and national pride, showcasing India’s growing capabilities and commitment to exploring its majestic Himalayan frontiers.