NIMAS conquers 20 untouched 6000‑metre giants in Ladakh

The National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), tucked away in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, has just written a new chapter in Indian mountaineering lore. Over a blistering 23‑day push, its climbers tackled twenty pristine summits in Ladakh, each soaring beyond the 6,000‑metre mark.

These weren’t just any hills. They were untouched, never‑before‑scaled peaks that sit in some of the most remote, wind‑swept terrain of the Himalayas. To summit all of them in less than a month feels almost cinematic – a blend of meticulous planning, raw grit, and the kind of teamwork you only see when a group is bound by a shared, audacious goal.

Founded by the Ministry of Defence, NIMAS is India’s sole institute that blends land, air and water adventure training under one roof. From rock‑climbing walls in the valley to paragliding over the Siang River, the campus pulses with adrenaline‑fuelled learning. Yet, it is these high‑altitude conquests that have now thrust the institute into the global spotlight.

Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, the director of NIMAS, led the expedition. Under his guidance, the team not only charted new routes but also set a national record – three world‑record feats in as many years. The Ladakh climb is more than a tally of peaks; it’s a statement that the Northeast can nurture world‑class adventurers capable of tackling the planet’s toughest mountains.

Beyond the medals and media buzz, the expedition echoes a larger vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi: to inspire the country’s youth to step out of screens, breathe the thin mountain air, and let adventure become a vehicle for personal growth and nation‑building. For youngsters from Arunachal and beyond, the message is clear – world‑class achievement can spring from the most remote corners of India.

The feat also dovetails neatly with the Fit India mission, promoting fitness, resilience and teamwork. As the climbers descended, they left behind footprints that will guide future trekkers, and a story that will encourage a generation to lace up their boots, grab a rope, and chase horizons.

From the mist‑laden ridges of Dirang to the stark, blue‑capped spires of Ladakh, NIMAS has once again shown that ambition, when paired with disciplined training, can move mountains – literally.