Courageous Nanda Devi East Expedition: Indian Army 2025

From September 5th to October 10th, 2025, the Indian Army conducted a major mountaineering expedition to Mount Nanda Devi East (7,434 m), also known as Mount Sunanda Devi, located in the heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Organized by the Army Adventure Wing and led by Lieutenant Colonel Jay Prakash Kumar, this climb formed part of the “Infantry Pre-Everest Massif Mountaineering Expedition 2025”, a preparatory mission for the upcoming Infantry Everest Massif Expedition 2026, to be held on the occasion of the 80th Shaurya Diwas.

The expedition, comprising 41 members, was officially flagged off by Lieutenant General Pushpendra Singh (#VCOAS). Its objective was to reach the summit of Nanda Devi East, one of the most iconic and spiritually revered peaks of the Indian Himalaya.
Nanda Devi, regarded as the guardian goddess of the valley, holds a sacred place in local tradition and mythology, representing the divine embodiment of Goddess Nanda, associated with Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.

A Technical and Spiritual Challenge

Nanda Devi East is one of the most technically demanding summits in the Garhwal–Kumaon Himalaya, combining long sections of ice, rock, and steep snow slopes, and often exposed to unpredictable weather.
After several weeks of acclimatization and setting up high-altitude camps, the team successfully reached Camp 3, but due to sudden deterioration in weather conditions, the summit push had to be called off.
Despite not reaching the top, the expedition was deemed a technical and logistical success, offering invaluable high-altitude experience to all participants, a crucial step toward the upcoming Everest Massif mission in 2026.

An Experience of Learning and Unity

For every participant, this expedition was much more than a physical challenge. It was a journey of learning, endurance, and teamwork, a deep encounter with the Himalayan elements that test both body and spirit. Beyond the technical difficulties, the mountain demanded patience, humility, and absolute coordination among team members, teaching lessons that extend far beyond the snow line. The long acclimatization days, harsh weather, and moments of uncertainty became opportunities to rediscover inner strength and the true meaning of collective effort.

Among the team members was Manoj Singh Rana, co-founder of The 108 Peaks, who joined the expedition as a civilian mountaineer. His participation reflected not only his personal commitment to high-altitude mountaineering but also his belief that every Himalayan journey is an act of connection, between humans, nature, and the sacred landscape that sustains them. Drawing from his previous ascents across the Indian Himalaya, Manoj contributed both technical experience and a deep understanding of the cultural and spiritual dimensions that make these expeditions unique.

The Mountain as a Teacher

The Nanda Devi East expedition leaves behind a legacy of knowledge, humility, and respect, a reminder that in mountaineering, success is not always defined by a conquered summit, but by the experience, the safety maintained, and the connection forged with the mountain itself. Nanda Devi remains more than a destination; she is a presence, a sacred peak that continues to inspire devotion, silence, and awe in all who approach her domain.

This expedition served as a testament to the profound relationship between humanity and nature, emphasizing the importance of respecting the mountain’s untamed spirit. The challenges faced during the ascent forged an unbreakable bond among the climbers, highlighting the essence of collaboration in achieving a common goal. As they navigated treacherous terrains and unpredictable weather, the team emerged not just as mountaineers, but as stewards of the environment, committed to preserving the sanctity of these majestic landscapes for future generations. Ultimately, the expedition to Nanda Devi East reinforced the belief that true achievement lies in the journey itself, shaped by shared experiences and mutual support.

This expedition is part of The 108 Peaks’ ongoing documentation of Himalayan mountaineering.
You can explore more reports, routes, and expedition stories in our dedicated Expeditions section, where we highlight the journeys that shape our connection with the mountains.