[ Prem Chetry ]
DIRANG, 5 Sep: Dirang (West Kameng)-based National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) scripted a historic achievement by successfully completing a 'first ascent mountaineering expedition' (FAME) to 20 unclimbed peaks in Ladakh, all above 6,000 metres, recording 20 first-ever recorded summits in just 23 days.
The expedition was led by NIMAS Director Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, and marked a significant milestone in Indian mountaineering, demonstrating the growing capabilities of Indian expedition leadership, high-altitude exploration and adventure sports, while placing an Arunachal Pradesh-based institute at the forefront of a major national achievement.
The expedition also reflected the contribution of talented mountaineers and adventure sports personnel of the state. 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 who participated in the historic expedition.
Director Jamwal continues to lead demanding mountaineering expeditions after more than two decades of experience in the field. He has over 23 years of mountaineering experience and more than 80 expeditions to his credit.
He is the only Indian to have climbed Mount Everest three times, completed the Seven Summits and climbed the highest peaks of all 28 Indian states. His achievements include two world records, two Asian records and four Indian records, besides several national honours.
He is also the only Indian to have been awarded all three of the country's highest honours in the field of adventure and exploration: the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2012), the Indian Mountaineering Foundation Gold Medal (2017), and the MacGregor Memorial Medal (2025).
His latest achievement is a powerful example of consistency, endurance, hard work, passion and perseverance. At 50, he continues to demonstrate that excellence in mountaineering is not defined by a single summit but by the discipline and dedication built over a lifetime.
Since taking over as the NIMAS director, Col Jamwal has been instrumental in strengthening the institution's expedition capabilities, expanding its adventure sports activities, and creating greater opportunities for youths to pursue excellence in the field.
Under his leadership, the NIMAS has undertaken major pathbreaking expeditions across mountaineering, river rafting and other adventure disciplines, while continuing to develop its training and infrastructure in Arunachal. The institution has also expanded its engagement with local youths and adventure sports talent, helping establish Arunachal as an important centre for adventure, exploration and outdoor education.
The Ladakh expedition adds another landmark to this growing legacy. The NIMAS has now achieved its third consecutive world record in the last three years, further establishing the institute as one of India's leading centres for adventure sports and expedition leadership.
"The achievement resonates with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has encouraged India's youth to explore the country, experience its diverse regions and contribute meaningfully to nation building. It also embodies the spirit of Fit India, promoting physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, resilience and perseverance," the NIMAS stated in a release.
It further said that the expedition is a proud reflection of Arunachal's immense potential in adventure sports and mountaineering. "It demonstrated that an institution based in the Northeast can undertake technically demanding expeditions at the highest level and provide local youths with opportunities to excel on the national and international stage," the release stated.
"It is a historic achievement for NIMAS, and a proud moment for Arunachal Pradesh, the Northeast and the nation," it said, adding that that, from Dirang to Ladakh, the NIMAS continues to demonstrate the immense potential of Arunachal as a hub for adventure, exploration, youth development and national excellence.
