Indian Army Scales Mount Gorichen, Showcases Grit and Endurance

Itanagar, Oct 2025 : In a remarkable feat of courage, endurance, and teamwork, a team of the Indian Army has successfully completed an expedition to Mount Gorichen in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the adventurous spirit and discipline of soldiers operating in the demanding terrain of the Eastern Himalayas, officials said on Friday.

Defence spokesperson Lt Col Amit Shukla said the expedition was flagged off on August 20 by Lt Gen A.S. Pendharkar, GOC of the Spearhead Division, from Likabali Military Station. An advance party had earlier moved on August 13 to conduct reconnaissance, liaison, and coordination.

The team undertook systematic acclimatisation and preparatory training, moving through Missamari, Tenga, and Senge, and conditioning themselves up to 9,500 feet. “This ensured that the soldiers were physically prepared and operationally ready for the demanding climb,” the spokesman noted.

From Mago Road Head at 12,200 feet, the expedition commenced its ascent on September 1. The route advanced through Merathang Base Camp, Chokarsum, Camp-I, and Summit Camp. Facing harsh weather, icy ridges, and low oxygen levels, the soldiers steadily climbed higher, establishing intermediate camps, fixing ropes, and ferrying loads along the way.

On September 19, the team of Spear Corps soldiers reached the summit of Mount Gorichen (21,286 feet/6,488 m). At the peak, they proudly unfurled the National Flag, marking their achievement with a symbol of courage and national pride.

The expedition then retraced its route, descending through the established camps and road heads. The team was formally flagged in at Dimapur on Friday (October 3) by Lt Gen Pendharkar, GOC Spear Corps.

Lt Col Shukla said the successful Mount Gorichen Expedition 2025 reaffirmed the Indian Army’s adventure ethos while showcasing the physical endurance, mental resilience, and operational excellence of its soldiers in extreme altitudes and unforgiving terrain.