Indo-Nepal Expedition Reaches Summit of Mount Kanchenjunga

A joint mountaineering team from India and Nepal has successfully reached the summit of Mount Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak. Led by Colonel Sarfraz Singh and Captain Prashant Khanka, the expedition faced extreme conditions but achieved their goal, symbolizing the strong friendship and military cooperation between the two nations. This accomplishment highlights the rigorous training and mutual trust that characterize India-Nepal relations, paving the way for future collaborations in adventure sports and disaster response initiatives.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2025, 07:13 IST

Historic Climb to the Third-Highest Peak

(Reported By Pankaj Sharma)

In a remarkable display of friendship between India and Nepal, a joint mountaineering team successfully ascended to the summit of Mount Kanchenjunga, which stands at 8,586 meters, on Monday.

The expedition, consisting of nine climbers, was led by Colonel Sarfraz Singh from the Indian Army and Captain Prashant Khanka from the Nepali Army. The team included:

• Indian Army: Col Sarfraz Singh along with four soldiers.

• Nepali Army: Capt Prashant Khanka and three soldiers.

The climbers faced extreme high-altitude challenges, including freezing temperatures and strong winds, as they made their final ascent from Camp IV, located at approximately 7,700 meters, in the early hours of May 19. All members reached the peak safely, proudly displaying the flags of India and Nepal as a symbol of their collaboration before beginning their careful descent.

This accomplishment highlights the professional skills, resilience, and teamwork of both armies, reinforcing the longstanding trust that defines India-Nepal defense relations. The success of this mission follows extensive joint training at the High-Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg and acclimatization efforts in the Sikkim Himalayas.

Key Highlights

• Altitude reached: 8,586 m (28,169 ft).

• Summit time: 0740 hrs IST, May 19, 2025.

• Route taken: South-West Ridge.

• Safety: No injuries reported; descent to Base Camp anticipated by May 22.

Leaders from both armies have expressed their congratulations, emphasizing that this achievement will foster increased collaboration in adventure sports, disaster response initiatives, and strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations.