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In a landmark moment for India's adventure community, a ten-member expedition team - comprising four civilian leaders and six members of the National Institute of Mountaineering & Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang - has etched its name in history by becoming the first-ever group to summit Gorichen East Peak (6,222m / 20,500ft).
Under the leadership of Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, Director, NIMAS - decorated with the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM**), Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, and multiple Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards - the team reached the summit at 4:50 AM on September 25, 2025, greeted by a tranquil sky and breathtaking sunrise - a view few humans have ever witnessed.
This achievement is particularly extraordinary as civilian access to the Gorichen range requires special clearance from the Ministry of Defence and Military Operations, given its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The feat stands not only as a mountaineering milestone, but also as a rare diplomatic and logistical triumph, symbolizing the fusion of civilian spirit and defense precision.
The Expedition Team
NIMAS Team Members
• Col. Ranveer Singh Jamwal - Expedition Leader
• JCO Bittu
• Kewal Kishan
• Sanjeep Yonghang
• Tashi Marappa
• Tashi Chirang
Civilian Members
• Rajesh Mysore - Founder Partner, WMG Group
• Madan Badi - Partner, WMG Group
• Vinay Chandra - Founder & CEO, HighPeak Software
• Raghuram Krishnan - CFO, Adobe India
Support Team:
The expedition was ably supported by Rakesh Yadav, Expedition Manager, whose meticulous planning, deep mountaineering experience, and attention to detail ensured seamless logistics and preparedness at every stage - allowing the team to focus purely on the climb.
A Journey Beyond Limits
The team embarked on a 25-day expedition, covering nearly 205 kilometers through some of the most rugged, untouched terrains of Arunachal Pradesh. Each climber carried a 12-15kg backpack, braving sub-zero temperatures, unpredictable weather, and relentless wind chills - conditions that tested both physical endurance and mental resilience.
Two of the four civilian climbers were above 50 years of age, underscoring the message that age is no barrier when driven by preparation, purpose, and perseverance.
"This was my first-ever mountaineering expedition," shared Raghuram Krishnan. "Though I've undertaken a few high-altitude cycling expeditions, this experience was completely different. Every ounce of my mountaineering certification from NIMAS came alive - from using the jumar and descender to crampon walks, rope support, and anchoring. The toughest part wasn't just the climb - it was the mental game, keeping faith with every step. The sweetest reward after summit was a shower after 20 days was a bliss to experience, and reaching the NIMAS institution ."
Notably, Gorichen East Peak was last attempted in 1995, with no documented civilian success - until now.
Homecoming Fit for Heroes
The climbers returned to Dirang to an overwhelming reception, arranged by Nephal Singh & team, and were greeted by His Eminence, the Rinpoche of Dirang Monastery, alongside senior officers and dignitaries from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), local government representatives, and the entire NIMAS family.
Their prayers and blessings, offered throughout the expedition, symbolized the deep spiritual bond between the people of Arunachal Pradesh and their sacred mountains, reinforcing a sense of cultural reverence and patriotic pride.
"We weren't just climbing a mountain - we were honoring a land, a legacy, and a nation's frontier," shared Col. Jamwal, Director, NIMAS.
Symbol of India's Adventurous Spirit
Gorichen, revered locally as Sa-Nga Phu - "the Abode of the Guardian Deity" - is among Arunachal Pradesh's holiest peaks, sacred to local tribes and spiritually significant to Buddhist monasteries.
For decades, its steep ice faces and remote location made it one of India's least explored summits.
This first-ever civilian summit marks a new chapter in India's adventure sports ecosystem, demonstrating how discipline, collaboration, and courage can help ordinary individuals achieve the extraordinary.
The Spirit of NIMAS
Established to ignite India's adventure culture, NIMAS continues to bridge civilian passion with defense-grade excellence, offering world-class training and certifications in Mountaineering, Rafting, Scuba Diving, Paragliding, and Paramotoring - at both basic and advanced levels.
Beyond technical training, NIMAS focuses on leadership development, sustainability practices, environmental awareness, and career opportunities in adventure and outdoor education - building a healthier, more resilient next generation.
This expedition - a blend of corporate CXOs, seasoned soldiers, and certified adventurers - epitomizes "India Rising Through Adventure" - where determination meets discipline, and courage meets compassion.
A Record, A Reflection, A Reminder
As the team basks in the glory of their achievement, they remain grounded in gratitude - to their guides, families, local communities, and the divine forces that safeguarded their journey.
"It's not about conquering the mountain," they reflected, "it's about discovering yourself - one breath, one step, one prayer at a time."
This triumph is not merely a record, but a reminder - that within every challenge lies a chance to rise higher, and within every climb, a path to inner discovery.
Note & Reflections from the Director's Desk
Col. Ranveer Singh Jamwal, Director, NIMAS, shared:
"This expedition is a testament to the power of preparation and partnership. By bringing together defense-trained mountaineers and civilian leaders trained under NIMAS, we've shown what's possible when diverse minds unite with a shared purpose. Gorichen East was not just a summit - it was a statement. A statement of courage, collaboration, inclusiveness, and a firm commitment to India's adventure frontier."
