India Flags-in Mount Everest & Kilimanjaro Expeditions
July 17, 2025, marked a significant day in the annals of Indian mountaineering as Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh flagged off two expeditions to Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro. The Everest mission marked the 60th anniversary of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, while the Kilimanjaro team featured Divyangjan climber Uday Kumar. This remarkable achievement showcased India’s mountaineering excellence and adventure leadership across land, sea, and air.
The Everest expedition, led by renowned mountaineer and NIM Director, Col. Harish Kapadia, aimed to scale the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest (8,848 meters). The team consisted of 12 members, including experienced climbers, instructors, and support staff. The Kilimanjaro expedition, led by experienced mountaineer and NIM instructor, Col. Rakesh Sharma, had a team of 10 members, including Uday Kumar, a Divyangjan climber who has already scaled several peaks across the country.
The flagging-off ceremony, held at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi, was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Government of Uttarakhand. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, in his address, emphasized the importance of mountaineering in building national character and promoting adventure tourism in the country.
“Mountaineering is not just a sport, but a metaphor for life. It requires perseverance, determination, and teamwork. Our mountaineers have always made the country proud, and I am confident that this expedition will be no exception,” Singh said.
The Everest expedition, which is expected to take around 60 days to complete, will cover a distance of over 100 km and involve climbing some of the most challenging routes on the mountain. The team will be equipped with state-of-the-art gear and will follow strict safety protocols to ensure their well-being.
The Kilimanjaro expedition, which is expected to take around 7-10 days to complete, will cover a distance of over 60 km and involve climbing the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters). Uday Kumar, who is an inspiration to many, has already scaled several peaks in the Himalayas and is now attempting to conquer the highest peak in Africa.
“Uday’s participation in the expedition is a testament to his determination and courage. We are proud to have him as part of our team and hope that his success will inspire many more Divyangjan individuals to take up mountaineering,” said Col. Harish Kapadia.
The expeditions are not just a testament to India’s mountaineering prowess but also demonstrate the country’s commitment to promoting adventure tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has been actively promoting adventure tourism in the country, and the Everest and Kilimanjaro expeditions are part of this effort.
“Adventure tourism is a growing sector in India, and we are committed to promoting it further. These expeditions will not only showcase India’s mountaineering excellence but also attract tourists from across the world,” said a senior official from the Ministry of Tourism.
The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, established in 1965, has a rich history of mountaineering expeditions and has produced many renowned mountaineers. The institute offers courses in mountaineering, rock climbing, and skiing, and has a team of experienced instructors who have climbed some of the most challenging peaks in the world.
In conclusion, the flagging-off of the Everest and Kilimanjaro expeditions is a significant achievement for Indian mountaineering and a testament to the country’s adventure leadership across land, sea, and air. We wish the teams all the best for their expeditions and look forward to their safe return.
Source: https://www.refersms.com/mount-everest-kilimanjaro-expeditions/
