4 hrs ago
Sikkim CM Flags Off NDRF Shikhar Expedition to Jongsong
Sikkim’s Chief Minister started a special mountain expedition by the National Disaster Response Force.
The expedition is called Shikhar.
A team of 41 people will try to climb Mount Jongsong, a very tall peak in Sikkim.
The climb is planned from September 4 to October 11, 2026.
It will help the team practice working safely in difficult, high places.
NDRF officials said the expedition will test their strength, courage, discipline and teamwork.
The Chief Minister thanked NDRF rescuers for helping during disasters in Sikkim.
He also honoured 12 community volunteers who help people prepare for disasters.
The event included a display of rescue equipment and a disaster-management demonstration.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang flagged off the NDRF’s fourth mountaineering expedition, Shikhar, on Friday.
The 41-member team will attempt Mount Jongsong, a 7,462-metre peak on the Sikkim border with China and Nepal.
The expedition is scheduled to run from September 4 to October 11, 2026.
Officials said the mission will test the team’s mountaineering skills, endurance, discipline, preparedness and teamwork.
Tamang also felicitated 12 Aapda Mitra volunteers and praised NDRF disaster-response work in Sikkim.
- Who
- Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang flagged off a 41-member National Disaster Response Force expedition led by Deputy Commandant Nitish Sharma.
- What
- The fourth NDRF mountaineering expedition, Shikhar, will attempt Mount Jongsong.
- Where
- Mount Jongsong in Sikkim, on the border with China and Nepal.
- When
- It was flagged off on Friday, and the expedition is scheduled from September 4 to October 11, 2026.
- Why
- The expedition is intended to strengthen NDRF’s high-altitude operational preparedness, disaster-response capabilities and mountaineering skills.
Key facts
- Expedition
- Shikhar, the fourth mountaineering expedition of the National Disaster Response Force
- Peak
- Mount Jongsong
- Elevation
- 7,462 metres
- Team size
- 41 members
- Schedule
- September 4 to October 11, 2026
- Community recognition
- Twelve Aapda Mitra volunteers were felicitated for contributions to community-based disaster management
- Previous expeditions
- Sahas to Mt. Bhagirathi-II in 2023, Vijay to Mt. Manirang in 2024, and Shaurya to Mt. Kedar Dome in 2025
Quotes
NDRF official
An official of the National Disaster Response Force who described the expedition’s objectives and demands.
“The expedition will be a challenging test of the team's mountaineering skills, operational preparedness, physical and mental endurance, courage, discipline, determination and team spirit.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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