The Ministry of Defence announced the successful completion of a mountaineering expedition that scaled 20 previously unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres in the Ladakh region. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally recognised the achievement on September 25, 2026, during a flag-in ceremony for the expedition team in New Delhi. The feat was accomplished by climbers from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), a defence ministry institution based in Dirang.
Key facts
- 20 unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres summited in Ladakh
- Expedition completed in 23 days
- Team of 20 climbers from NIMAS, Dirang
- Led by Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal
- Peaks located in Chamser-Lungser, Gyama Nala and Chokula areas of Ladakh Range
- Flag-in ceremony held on September 25, 2026, at Kartavya Bhavan-2, New Delhi
- Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh attended the ceremony
What the expedition accomplished
This expedition created a mountaineering record by successfully summiting 20 virgin peaks in a single campaign. The peaks targeted were all above 6,000 metres elevation, situated in some of Ladakh’s most remote and challenging terrain. The three main areas covered were Chamser-Lungser, Gyama Nala and Chokula in the Ladakh Range. Completing 20 first ascents in just 23 days represents an unusually rapid pace for high-altitude mountaineering, where altitude sickness, weather delays and technical climbing challenges typically slow progress considerably.
About NIMAS and the expedition team
The National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports is a premier training institution under the Ministry of Defence. The expedition team comprised 20 highly trained climbers led by Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal. These climbers underwent specialised preparation to handle the technical demands of high-altitude mountaineering, including coping with thin air, extreme cold and challenging rock and ice terrain typical of peaks in this elevation range.
Significance and stated objectives
The Defence Ministry framed this expedition as a demonstration of India’s capability in high-altitude mountaineering and adventure sports. According to the announcement, the expedition was organised to achieve two broader goals: to promote the spirit of adventure and exploration in India’s high-altitude regions, and to inspire younger generations of mountaineers to take up the sport and represent India on the global stage. The successful ascents are described as setting new benchmarks in Indian mountaineering.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the team’s courage, determination and technical skill. He called the climbers a source of inspiration for the country and said the achievement would encourage young mountaineers across India to pursue adventure and exploration activities.
Broader context
The Ladakh region, particularly its high mountain ranges, offers numerous unclimbed peaks. Mountaineering expeditions to remote areas contribute to geographical knowledge and demonstrate India’s ability to operate and achieve in some of the world’s most difficult terrain. The ministry’s role in organising and promoting such expeditions reflects government interest in adventure sports as part of national capability building and youth development.
What this means for you
If you are interested in mountaineering or adventure sports, this expedition demonstrates the level of achievement possible through India’s mountaineering institutions. NIMAS offers training programmes in mountaineering and allied skills. The success of this expedition may inspire more expeditions to unexplored regions and create opportunities for aspiring climbers to participate in future ventures. Young mountaineers looking to develop their skills now have a concrete example of what dedicated training and teamwork can accomplish at the highest altitude levels.