Indian Mountaineering Foundation
Latest bulletins, photo & video galleries from expeditions and courses, and the Indian Mountaineering Wall of Fame.
Official press releases, expedition notices, competition results, and environmental advisories.
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The Indian Mountaineering Foundation has finalized the official activity calendar for the 2026 season covering Himalayan expeditions, certified rock climbing courses, and Olympic sport climbing pathways.
Selection trials for national athletes across Lead, Speed, and Bouldering ahead of the Asian Championship circuit.
IMF reiterates strict compliance with non-biodegradable waste retrieval and deep-pit biodegradable management above the snow line.
Joint civilian-military expedition successfully clears trash and legacy equipment from popular high-altitude camp zones.
Ten women mountaineers complete sponsored high-altitude expedition under IMF leadership.
Explore high-altitude expeditions, climbing competitions, youth trainings, and conservation drives across the Himalayas.
Displaying media items · Year: · Month:
📍 Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand
June 2026
📍 Dhauj Crags, Haryana
February 2026
📍 IMF National Climbing Complex, New Delhi
March 2026
📍 Nubra & Siachen, Ladakh
August 2025
📍 Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
June 2025
📍 Manali Field Station, Himachal Pradesh
September 2025
📍 Chamoli, Uttarakhand
October 2025
📍 Badami, Karnataka
November 2025
📍 Hemkund & Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
May 2025
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Honouring the legendary pioneers, summitters, explorers and athletes who defined high-altitude exploration and inspired generations of Indian climbers.
2025
Eminent Mountaineer
Captain M. S. Kohli was a legendary mountaineer, explorer and pioneer of adventure tourism in India. As the leader of the historic 1965 Indian Everest Expedition, he led nine Indians to the summit of Mount Everest, earning national recognition and the Padma Bhushan. He pioneered Himalayan trekking in 1968, promoted adventure tourism internationally and founded the Himalayan Environment Trust in 1989 with Sir Edmund Hillary to protect the fragile mountain ecosystem. He also made significant contributions to women's mountaineering, white-water rafting, aero sports and the development of mountaineering expertise in the ITBP. An accomplished author of 30 books, his lifelong contributions continue to inspire generations.
2025
Eminent Mountaineer
Late Ms. Rita Gombu Marwah was a distinguished mountaineer and a proud member of the historic 1984 Indian Everest Expedition. She served as Deputy Leader of the Indo-Nepalese Women’s Everest Expedition in 1993. Through her long association with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, she made valuable contributions to promoting mountaineering, encouraging women’s participation and nurturing young talent. Her dedication and service remain an inspiration to generations of climbers.
2025
Mountaineer
Shri Jitendra Ramdas Gaware, a mountaineer from Maharashtra and recipient of the Shiv Chhatrapati State Adventure Award, has summited seven 8,000-metre peaks, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu. In 2021, he achieved the remarkable feat of climbing three 8,000-metre peaks in a single calendar year. He has also climbed several prominent Indian Himalayan peaks and actively participated in high-altitude rescue operations. His achievements in endurance cycling further reflect his exceptional determination and adventurous spirit.
2025
Mountaineer
Ms. Priyanka Mohite is one of India’s leading mountaineers and has successfully summited five peaks above 8,000 metres, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Annapurna I and Kanchenjunga. She has also climbed several prominent peaks in India and abroad and became the youngest Indian woman to summit Mount Lhotse. As co-founder of Climbing Expeditions, she actively promotes mountaineering and adventure sports among youth and women. She is a recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2021) and the Shiv Chhatrapati Maharashtra State Adventure Award (2018–19).
2025
Mountaineer
Mr. Mingma Sherpa is an accomplished mountain guide with an impressive record of ascents, including Mount Everest (seven times), Manaslu (twice), Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Annapurna I, Makalu, Dhaulagiri and several other prominent Himalayan peaks. Beyond his mountaineering achievements, he actively promotes adventure among young people through awareness programmes in schools and works for the welfare of the Sherpa community through his association with the All Bengal Sherpa Buddhist Association.
2024
Mountaineer
A mountaineer of exceptional courage and leadership, Shri Negi led and summited Mt. Everest in 2006 at the age of 56, becoming the highest-ranking armed forces officer globally to achieve this feat and the oldest Indian to summit Everest at the time. He also led expeditions to several prominent peaks, including Mt. Satopanth, Mt. Saser Kangri-IV, Mt. Nanda Devi East, Mt. Mukut Parvat and Mt. Trishuli, besides serving as Deputy Leader on expeditions to Mt. Kamet and Mt. Mamostong Kangri. As the longest-serving President of the Himachal Pradesh Everest Association, he made significant contributions to promoting mountaineering, mountain safety, rescue training and disaster management. His exemplary leadership was also evident during the 1987 BSF Kamet Expedition, when he played an instrumental role in rescuing three mountaineers from an altitude of 23,520 ft.
2024
Eminent Mountaineer
Late Shri Gurdial Singh, is fondly known as Guru in the mountaineering community, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian mountaineering. A distinguished mountaineer, leader and teacher, Shri Gurdial Singh led India's first mountaineering expedition to Mt. Trisul (7,120 m) in 1951 and the first successful ascent of Mt. Mrigthuni (6,855 m) in 1958. He was also a member of the first successful Indian expedition to Mt. Everest in 1965. As a geography teacher at The Doon School, he inspired generations of young mountaineers and played a pioneering role in establishing a strong mountaineering culture in post-Independence India. He was the first Indian member of the prestigious Alpine Club. His remarkable contributions were recognised through several honours, including the Arjuna Award (1965), Padma Shri (1967) and Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2007), along with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Remembered for his humility, passion for the mountains and selfless dedication, Shri Gurdial Singh leaves behind an enduring legacy in Indian mountaineering. The IMF pays tribute to his extraordinary life and honours his invaluable contribution to the mountaineering fraternity.
2024
Mountaineer
Ms Shanti Rai is a distinguished mountaineer from Chemchey village, Namchi, Sikkim. She has participated in several mountaineering expeditions under the aegis of the IMF and has climbed numerous peaks, including Mt Bharte Kunte, Mt Gorichen, Mt Menthosa, Mt Tinchinkhang, Mt White Needle, Mt Snow Cone and Mt Manirang. She is currently working with the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism, Government of Sikkim, where she is committed to promoting mountaineering and adventure activities among the youth and encouraging sustainable climbing practices.
2024
Mountaineer
Shri Bhagwan Chawale is a distinguished mountaineer, adventurer and educator. His notable ascents include Mt Everest (8,848 m) in 2018, Mt Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) in 2022, and Mt Lhotse (8,516 m) and Mt Yunam (6,111 m) in 2024. He has also led teams on several challenging expeditions, including Mt Manaslu, Mt Annapurna I and Mt Ama Dablam. As the founder of The Alpinist Mountaineering Club, Pune, he has trained thousands of trekkers and mountaineers and organised mountaineering and rescue programmes in Maharashtra, with over 300 trained individuals actively involved in rescue operations in the Sahyadri Mountains. His contributions to rescue initiatives and disaster relief further reflect his commitment to community service.
2024
Moutaineer
Late Ms. Savita Kanswal was a distinguished mountaineer whose remarkable achievements and contributions have left an indelible mark on the mountaineering community in India. Hailing from Uttarakhand, Late Ms. Savita Kanswal was the first Indian woman to successfully summit Mount Everest on 12 May 2022. She also created a remarkable record by successfully climbing Mount Makalu within just 16 days, earning recognition in the High Range Book of World Records. In 2021, she became the second Indian woman and the first woman from Uttarakhand to summit Mount Lhotse. With 12 successful mountaineering expeditions to her credit, she distinguished herself through her exceptional courage, determination and dedication to the sport. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to mountaineering, she was posthumously conferred the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in the Land Adventure category on 9 January 2024. Her dedication, courage and pioneering achievements continue to inspire generations of aspiring mountaineers.
2024
Mountaineer
Shri Skalzing Rigzin is a distinguished mountaineer, adventurer whose achievements and contributions have left an indelible mark on the mountaineering community in India. With around three decades of experience in mountaineering, he has dedicated his life to exploring the Himalayas and guiding others through its majestic terrain. As a professional alpinist and mountain guide based in Ladakh, he led major treks and challenging expeditions across the region, driven by a commitment to safety, quality, and an exceptional experience for all climbers. He currently serves as the President of the Ladakh Mountain Guide Association (LGMA) and the founder of Guide the Himalaya , a premier service for mountaineering and trekking adventures. In May 2024, he achieved a personal and national milestone by becoming the first civilian from India to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen—an accomplishment that speaks to my passion for high-altitude climbing and the relentless pursuit of new challenges. Other notable achievements include : In 2022,Climbed Mt Annapurna and Mt Lhotse peak to peak in 16 days without supplemental oxygen and in alpine style. For his extraordinary contributions to mountaineering, adventure sports, and community service, Shri Skalzing Rigzin is awarded the IMF Gold Medal -2024 .Shri Skalzing Rigzin, a distinguished mountaineer and professional mountain guide from Ladakh. With nearly three decades of experience, he became the first Indian civilian to summit Mt Everest without supplemental oxygen in May 2024. In 2022, he also climbed Mt Annapurna and Mt Lhotse within 16 days, in alpine style and without supplemental oxygen.