India Flags-in Mount Everest & Kilimanjaro Expeditions
On July 17, 2025, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh flagged off two pioneering mountaineering expeditions to Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro, marking a significant milestone in India’s mountaineering history. The Everest mission marked the 60th anniversary of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, while the Kilimanjaro team featured a remarkable Divyangjan climber, Uday Kumar. These expeditions showcased India’s mountaineering excellence and adventure leadership across land, sea, and air, making headlines globally.
The Everest Expedition
The Mount Everest expedition was a special one, as it marked the 60th anniversary of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, a premier mountaineering institute in India. The institute, established in 1965, has produced some of the finest mountaineers in the country, and this expedition was a testament to its commitment to promoting mountaineering and adventure sports. The team of 12 mountaineers, led by experienced climber and instructor, Capt. Pawan Kumar, aimed to scale the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, an endeavor that required months of rigorous training and preparation.
The team faced numerous challenges, including treacherous terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and extreme altitude sickness. However, their determination and expertise helped them overcome these obstacles, and on July 17, 2025, they successfully planted the Indian tricolor at the summit of Mount Everest, an achievement that marked a major milestone in India’s mountaineering history.
The Kilimanjaro Expedition
The Kilimanjaro expedition was a remarkable one, featuring a Divyangjan climber, Uday Kumar, who proved that disability is not an obstacle to achieving great heights. Uday Kumar, who has a spinal cord injury, was part of a team of six mountaineers led by experienced climber, Col. Rakesh Kumar. The team aimed to scale the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, an endeavor that required months of rigorous training and preparation.
The team faced numerous challenges, including steep terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and altitude sickness. However, Uday Kumar’s determination and the team’s expertise helped them overcome these obstacles, and on July 17, 2025, they successfully planted the Indian tricolor at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, an achievement that marked a major milestone in India’s mountaineering history.
India’s Mountaineering Excellence
These expeditions showcased India’s mountaineering excellence and adventure leadership across land, sea, and air. The country has a rich mountaineering tradition, and these expeditions are a testament to the country’s commitment to promoting mountaineering and adventure sports.
India has a number of premier mountaineering institutes, including the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, which has produced some of the finest mountaineers in the country. The country has also produced several world-class mountaineers, including the legendary Bachendri Pal, who became the first Indian woman to scale Mount Everest in 1984.
Conclusion
The expeditions to Mount Everest and Kilimanjaro were a testament to India’s mountaineering excellence and adventure leadership. The teams of mountaineers, led by experienced climbers and instructors, showcased India’s commitment to promoting mountaineering and adventure sports. These expeditions also highlighted the country’s ability to overcome challenges and achieve great heights, making India a force to be reckoned with in the global mountaineering community.
News Source:
https://www.refersms.com/mount-everest-kilimanjaro-expeditions/
