In a monumental display of courage, endurance and national pride, 22 Indian Army mountaineers successfully scaled Mt Everest (8,848 metres) on 27 May 2025, marking the grand success of the Silver Jubilee Everest Expedition — a flagship initiative of the Indian Army Adventure Wing.
Led by Lt Col Bhanoo Pathak, alongside Maj Mehak Mehta and Maj Anirudh Yadav, and under the expert leadership of expedition commander Lt Col Manoj Joshi, the team’s achievement is not just a feat of physical endurance but also a historic tribute to the Indian Army’s first Everest Expedition in 1985 — exactly 40 years ago. This year’s summit effort commemorates that legacy, rekindling the spirit of adventure and excellence that defines the Indian Army.
The 32-member team, including a Medical Officer and a Nursing Assistant, departed from India on 12 April and reached Everest Base Camp on 23 April after a demanding trek through the Khumbu region. Following a rigorous acclimatisation process and rotations up to Camp-3, the team spent an extended period at Camp-2 (6,400 metres), braving harsh sub-zero temperatures and extremely high winds before launching their final ascent.
On the evening of 26 May, the climbers began their summit push. By 0500 hrs on 27 May, all 22 mountaineers — comprising 3 officers, 6 Junior Commissioned Officers, and 13 Non-Commissioned Officers, supported by 28 Nepali Sherpas — stood triumphantly atop the highest point on Earth, proudly hoisting the Tricolour.
This extraordinary feat not only represents one of the largest team summits of Mt Everest in a single day, but also coincided with Kami Rita Sherpa’s historic 31st ascent, setting a new global benchmark and creating a moment that will be etched in the annals of mountaineering history. Notably, Hav Tundup Namgail of 5 Ladakh Scouts reached the summit in an astonishing four hours — a remarkable display of human endurance.
The Silver Jubilee Everest Expedition stands as a shining testament to the Indian Army’s indomitable spirit, discipline, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence — values that continue to inspire the nation and uphold the Army’s proud legacy on the world stage.
