New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday flagged in a mountaineering expedition team that achieved a historic feat by summiting 20 previously unclimbed peaks, each above 6,000 metres, in Ladakh within 23 days.
The expedition, described as the first recorded successful summits of 20 unclimbed peaks in the region, covered the Chamser-Lungser, Gyama Nala and Chokula areas of the Ladakh Range.
The expedition was undertaken by 20 experienced climbers from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, and was led by Col Ranveer Singh Jamwal.
Interacting with the expedition members during the flag-in ceremony at Kartavya Bhavan-2 in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh praised their courage, determination and teamwork.
He described the achievement as a significant demonstration of India’s capabilities in high-altitude mountaineering and adventure sports, saying the successful ascents had established new benchmarks.
The Defence Minister also said the expedition could inspire young people across the country to take up mountaineering, adventure and exploration.
The expedition involved extensive planning, technical expertise and endurance to operate in challenging high-altitude terrain. Completing ascents of 20 unclimbed peaks in just 23 days highlighted the team’s coordination and preparedness.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the expedition was organised with the broader objective of promoting adventure and exploration in India’s high-altitude frontier areas and encouraging future generations to pursue mountaineering.
The achievement also adds to India’s growing profile in high-altitude exploration and mountaineering.
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence were also present at the flag-in ceremony.
