Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Sikkim CM Flags Off NDRF Shikhar Expedition to Jongsong
Sikkim’s Chief Minister started a mountain trip organized by the National Disaster Response Force.
The trip is called Shikhar and is the NDRF’s fourth mountaineering expedition.
A team of 41 people will try to climb Mount Jongsong in Sikkim.
Reports describe the mountain as either 7,462 or 7,442 metres high.
The expedition is planned from September 4 to October 11, 2026.
The team will practice working safely in difficult, high-altitude places.
It has 25 climbers, including two women, and 16 support members.
The expedition will also study the area, support rescue training and encourage care for the mountain environment.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang flagged off the NDRF’s fourth mountaineering expedition, Shikhar.
A 41-member team will attempt Mount Jongsong, a peak in Sikkim near China and Nepal.
Reports give Mount Jongsong’s elevation as either 7,462 metres or 7,442 metres.
The expedition is scheduled from September 4 to October 11, 2026, to strengthen high-altitude rescue preparedness.
The team includes 25 climbing members, including two women, and 16 support personnel.
- Who
- Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang flagged off a 41-member NDRF team led by Deputy Commandant Nitish Sharma, also reported as Nitesh Sharma.
- What
- The NDRF’s fourth mountaineering expedition, Shikhar, will attempt Mount Jongsong.
- When
- It was flagged off on Friday and is scheduled to run from September 4 to October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Mount Jongsong in Sikkim, near the borders of China and Nepal; the launch took place at Chintan Bhawan in Gangtok.
- Why
- The expedition aims to improve mountaineering, endurance and specialized high-altitude rescue capabilities, while strengthening preparedness and inter-agency coordination.
- Expedition
- Shikhar, the NDRF’s fourth mountaineering expedition
- Target peak
- Mount Jongsong in Sikkim
- Reported elevation
- 7,462 metres in one report and 7,442 metres in another
- Team size
- 41 members: 25 climbing members and 16 support personnel
- Female climbers
- Two of the climbing members are women
- Schedule
- September 4 to October 11, 2026
- Environmental principle
- The expedition will follow “Leave No Trace” practices, including responsible management of non-biodegradable waste
- Earlier expeditions
- Sahas to Mt. Bhagirathi-II in 2023, Vijay to Mt. Manirang in 2024 and Shaurya to Mt. Kedar Dome in 2025
