The Indian Army has been at the forefront of adventure activities across the country. The officers and men of the Indian Army have earned laurels in every facet of adventure, be it on land, water or in the air.
With its first successful ascent of Mt Everest in May 2001, the Indian Army has since then taken on the challenge of scaling all 8000m peaks of the world, in addition to Mt Everest. Army personnel have already scaled Mt Kanchenjunga (8586m), Mt Lhotse (8516m), Mt Annapurna (8091m) and Mt Cho Oyu (8201m). Men and women from the Army have set foot on the world’s highest mountain, Mt Everest (8850m) Thrice, the last time being in 2005 – by an “all women’s” team.
This year, the intrepid mountaineers of the Army will be setting course for the mighty mountain for the fourth time. This will also be the second time that they will be climbing Mt Everest from the treacherous “North face”.
The expedition was flagged-off at Delhi by Gen JJ Singh, Chief of Army Staff on 20 Mar 07. The 20-member team, is being led by Lt Col IS Thapa, an experienced and seasoned mountaineer from the MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY. The expedition team will leave for Lhasa, on 28 Mar 07 and is expected to reach the summit of Mt Everest between 05 and 20 May 2007. They are expected to return to India by 10 Jun 07.
RKP/SSS
(Release ID :26255)