NIMAS Expedition achieved a major mountaineering feat by completing the first-ever ascent of 20 previously unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres in Ladakh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged-in the expedition at a ceremony in New Delhi on September 25, 2026.

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The expedition was completed in just 23 days by a team of 20 climbers from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports, or NIMAS. The team was led by Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, Director of NIMAS, which is based in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh.

NIMAS Expedition Completes First Ascents

The NIMAS Expedition was organised to explore and climb high-altitude peaks in the Ladakh region. During the 23-day mission, the team successfully reached the summits of 20 peaks that had not previously been climbed.

All the peaks were located above 6,000 metres, making the expedition a demanding high-altitude mountaineering mission. The successful ascents added to India’s growing involvement in high-altitude exploration and adventure activities.

The achievement also highlighted the training and preparation of the NIMAS team, whose members undertook the challenging climbs in the difficult mountain conditions of Ladakh.

Expedition Covered Three Areas of Ladakh

The climbers achieved the first ascents in three main areas of the Ladakh Range. These were Chamser-Lungser, Gyama Nala and Chokula.

The region contains high-altitude mountain terrain and several peaks rising above 6,000 metres. Such environments require climbers to deal with low oxygen levels, extreme weather, steep slopes and rapidly changing mountain conditions.

The successful completion of the expedition showed the team’s ability to operate in difficult high-altitude areas. The exploration also brought attention to lesser-known peaks in the Ladakh mountain landscape.

20 Climbers Took Part in the Mission

A team of 20 climbers from NIMAS participated in the NIMAS Expedition. Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, Director of NIMAS, led the expedition.

NIMAS specialises in mountaineering and adventure training. Its location in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, places the institution close to the Himalayan region and provides an important base for training in mountain and adventure activities.

The team’s successful completion of the expedition reflects the role of specialised training institutions in preparing climbers for demanding mountain missions.

Rajnath Singh Flags-in the Expedition

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh formally flagged-in the expedition during a ceremony held at Kartavya Bhavan-2 in New Delhi on September 25.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence attended the ceremony.

The flag-in event marked the formal completion of the expedition and recognised the efforts of the climbers who completed the first ascents of the 20 peaks.

The event also highlighted the connection between mountaineering, adventure training and national institutions involved in high-altitude activities.

NIMAS Under the Ministry of Defence

The National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports operates under the Ministry of Defence. It is involved in mountaineering and adventure training and is located in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh.

The institute has played a role in training people for different adventure activities, including high-altitude mountaineering. Its work includes developing skills needed to safely operate in challenging mountain environments.

The latest NIMAS Expedition is particularly notable because it involved the first ascents of 20 unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres.

Third Consecutive World Record for NIMAS

The expedition was described as the third consecutive world record achieved by NIMAS over the past three years. This places the latest mountaineering mission within a series of major achievements by the institution.

The first ascent of 20 peaks in a single 23-day expedition also demonstrates the scale of the latest mission. Each summit required careful planning, climbing skills and the ability to work effectively as a team in high-altitude conditions.

The achievement has further brought attention to the work of NIMAS in the field of adventure sports and mountaineering.

Ladakh’s High-Altitude Mountain Terrain

Ladakh is known for its high mountains and difficult terrain. Many areas of the region contain peaks rising several thousand metres above sea level.

Mountaineering at elevations above 6,000 metres presents special challenges because the amount of available oxygen is much lower than at lower elevations. Climbers also have to manage cold temperatures, strong winds, snow and difficult terrain.

The NIMAS Expedition was carried out in this challenging environment across the Chamser-Lungser, Gyama Nala and Chokula areas. Successfully reaching 20 previously unclimbed summits required coordinated work throughout the expedition.

Focus on Youth and Adventure Sports

The expedition is also linked with the wider promotion of adventure activities and exploration among young people. Mountaineering can help develop skills such as teamwork, physical endurance, planning and decision-making.

Institutions such as NIMAS provide specialised training for people interested in mountaineering and adventure sports. Expeditions to high-altitude areas also help build experience in operating safely in demanding natural environments.

The successful completion of the NIMAS Expedition has highlighted the importance of specialised mountain training and organised exploration in India.

A Major Mountaineering Achievement in 2026

The first ascent of 20 unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres in 23 days has made the NIMAS Expedition a significant mountaineering event of 2026. The mission combined high-altitude exploration, technical climbing and specialised training.

With the expedition now formally flagged-in in New Delhi, the achievement has also drawn attention to the role of NIMAS, its climbers and the Ministry of Defence in supporting adventure and mountaineering activities across India’s high-altitude regions.