- JOINT INDIA–NEPAL MOUNTAINEERING TRIUMPH ON MT KANCHENJUNGA
In a resounding testament to Indo-Nepal friendship and military camaraderie, a combined mountaineering team has successfully reached the 8,586 m summit of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak on Monday.
Led by Colonel Sarfraz Singh of the Indian Army and Captain Prashant Khanka of the Nepali Army, the nine-member expedition comprised:
- Indian Army Team : Col Sarfraz Singh and four soldiers.
- Nepali Army Team : Capt Prashant Khanka and three soldiers.
The climbers negotiated severe high-altitude conditions, including sub-zero temperatures and gale-force winds, during their final push from Camp IV (≈7,700 m) in the early hours of 19 May. All team members reached the summit safely, unfurling the national flags of India and Nepal in a symbolic gesture of partnership before commencing a carefully phased descent.
This joint achievement not only underscores the professional excellence, endurance and interoperability of both armies, but also reinforces decades of mutual trust that characterise India–Nepal defence cooperation. The mission’s success follows rigorous joint training at the High-Altitude Warfare School, Gulmarg, and pre-expedition acclimatisation in the Sikkim Himalaya.
Key Highlights
- Altitude achieved: 8,586 m (28,169 ft).
- Summit time : 0740 hrs IST, 19 May 2025.
- Route : South-West Ridge.
- Safety : No injuries reported; descent to Base Camp expected by 22 May.
Senior leadership of both armies have conveyed their congratulations, noting that the feat will inspire greater collaboration in adventure sports, disaster-response exercises and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
