The National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports, based in Dirang in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, has achieved a historic feat by successfully completing a first-ascent mountaineering expedition to 20 previously unclimbed peaks in Ladakh, all rising above 6,000 metres.
The expedition recorded 20 first-ever summits within just 23 days, marking a significant milestone in Indian mountaineering and highlighting the country’s growing capabilities in high-altitude exploration, expedition leadership and adventure sports.
Led by NIMAS Director Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, the expedition also brought recognition to Arunachal Pradesh, placing a state-based adventure institution at the forefront of a major national mountaineering achievement.
Several talented mountaineers and adventure sports personnel from Arunachal Pradesh were part of the historic expedition. Lobsang Tenzin Bapu, Dorjee Khandu, Tenzing Dawa, Tashi Marakpa, Dorjee Tsering, Sangey Tsering, Kon Tsering, Sang Khandu and Leki Passang were among the local members of the team.
Colonel Jamwal, who has more than two decades of experience in mountaineering, continues to lead challenging expeditions across some of the country’s most demanding terrains. He has more than 23 years of mountaineering experience and has participated in over 80 expeditions.
He is the only Indian to have climbed Mount Everest three times, completed the Seven Summits and scaled the highest peaks of all 28 Indian states. His record includes two world records, two Asian records and four Indian records, along with several national honours.
Jamwal is also the only Indian to have received all three of the country’s highest honours in adventure and exploration—the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in 2012, the Indian Mountaineering Foundation Gold Medal in 2017 and the MacGregor Memorial Medal in 2025.
His latest achievement is being seen as a testament to consistency, endurance, hard work, passion and perseverance. At the age of 50, he continues to demonstrate that excellence in mountaineering is built not around a single summit, but through years of discipline, preparation and dedication.
Since taking charge as Director of NIMAS, Colonel Jamwal has played a key role in strengthening the institute’s expedition capabilities, expanding its adventure sports programmes and creating greater opportunities for young people to pursue excellence in mountaineering and other outdoor disciplines.
Under his leadership, NIMAS has undertaken several pioneering expeditions involving mountaineering, river rafting and other adventure sports. The institute has simultaneously expanded its training programmes and infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh.
NIMAS has also increased its engagement with local youth and emerging adventure sports talent, contributing to Arunachal Pradesh’s growing reputation as an important centre for adventure, exploration and outdoor education.
The Ladakh expedition adds another major achievement to this expanding legacy. NIMAS has now secured its third consecutive world record in the past three years, further strengthening its position as one of India’s leading institutions for adventure sports and expedition leadership.
According to NIMAS, the achievement reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has encouraged young Indians to explore the country, experience its diverse regions and contribute to nation building. The expedition also reflects the spirit of the Fit India movement by promoting physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, resilience and perseverance.
The institute said the expedition demonstrates Arunachal Pradesh’s immense potential in mountaineering and adventure sports. It also showed that an institution based in the Northeast can undertake technically demanding expeditions at the highest level while providing local youth with opportunities to excel at national and international levels.
NIMAS described the achievement as a historic milestone for the institute and a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh, the Northeast and the country.
From Dirang to Ladakh, the institute continues to showcase Arunachal Pradesh’s potential as a hub for adventure, exploration, youth development and national excellence.
