India’s ‘Black Cats’ Conquer Everest in 20-Day Expedition

Kathmandu, May 2026 : A team from India’s elite National Security Guard (NSG), widely known as the “Black Cats,” successfully summited Mount Everest, marking a major achievement in high-altitude mountaineering and endurance operations.

According to expedition organiser Seven Summit Treks, the NSG team reached the summit of the world’s highest peak at 3:26 a.m. on Saturday. The successful climbers included Major Akhilesh Bhatt, Bavinder Singh, Bhoopendra Singh, Pankaj Singh Dosad, Rahul Singh, Ravinder Singh, Satish Kumar, Sonu, Sulinder Singh, and Suresh Kumar.

The 16-member expedition was part of the NSG Everest Expedition 2026 and was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ram Chandra Thapa. Major Akhilesh Bhatt served as the climbing leader for the mission, while experienced mountaineer Mingma Thinduk Sherpa headed the Sherpa support team as expedition sirdar.

Expedition officials said that although 12 members attempted the final ascent to the summit, only 10 successfully reached the top of Mount Everest. Despite the challenges posed by extreme altitude and weather conditions, all climbers safely descended and returned to Everest Base Camp by Saturday evening.

Mingma Sherpa confirmed the successful return of the climbers and praised the coordination between the Indian team and the Nepali Sherpa guides who supported the mission throughout the expedition.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the expedition was the speed with which it was completed. According to Seven Summit Treks, the team completed the Everest mission in just 20 days after departing Kathmandu, a comparatively short duration for climbing the world’s tallest mountain. The rapid ascent highlighted the rigorous training, discipline, and physical preparedness of the NSG personnel.

The expedition was supported by 16 Nepali Sherpa guides who played a crucial role in route preparation, logistics, and climber safety during the ascent. Organisers described the summit as a major accomplishment in modern high-altitude mountaineering.

The expedition was officially flagged off by NSG Director General Brighu Srinivasan, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. Apart from the mountaineering achievement, the NSG team also undertook humanitarian and environmental initiatives during the mission. Team members operated a medical camp at Everest Base Camp to assist climbers and support staff, while also participating in clean-up efforts aimed at reducing garbage accumulation in the Everest region.

Established in 1984, the National Security Guard is India’s premier counter-terrorism and rapid-response force. The successful Everest expedition was seen as a reflection of the organisation’s motto, “Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha” — meaning “Best Security Everywhere.”

Seven Summit Treks said the mission demonstrated exceptional teamwork, resilience, and determination in one of the world’s harshest environments. The company also highlighted the close cooperation between Indian climbers and Nepali Sherpas, describing the expedition as a symbol of the longstanding friendship and collaboration between India and Nepal.

The Everest climbing season this year has witnessed record participation. According to Nepal’s Department of Tourism, 61 Indian climbers had obtained permits to climb Mount Everest as of May 15. Overall, Nepal issued permits to 492 foreign climbers for Everest during the current spring season — the highest number recorded so far.

Despite global uncertainties, including flight disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia involving the United States and Iran, as well as increased royalty fees imposed by Nepal, interest in climbing Mount Everest remains strong among mountaineers from across the world.

The successful NSG expedition has added another milestone to India’s mountaineering achievements while showcasing the endurance and professionalism of the country’s elite security personnel.