Army team scales Karakoram peaks, honours Galwan heroes

An Army’s team of mountaineers has paid a tribute to the heroes of the security forces’ clash with the Chinese Army at Galwan in Eastern Ladakh on June 15, 2020.

To commemorate the sacrifice of 20 Indian troops, a mountaineering team successfully completed an expedition to two peaks -- Mount Shahi Kangri, which is at 22,749 feet, and Mount Silver Peak (22, 543 feet). Both peaks are in Karakoram Ranges, termed as the Sub Sector North, Ladakh, by the Army.

The Commander of the Leh-based 14 Corps, Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla GOC, flagged off the expedition on May 28, which culminated on Tuesday.

Another objective of the expedition was to promote tourism in the border area of Ladakh. A team of 28 Army men who were trained in both snow and rock climbing were a part of the effort. They needed exceptional endurance and technical prowess in high-altitude mountaineering.

Located southwest of the Depsang plains, these peaks are covered in snow all year round and are known for their extreme terrain and climate.

The team had approached the peaks from the south-eastern side. This route is shorter but more hazardous. The team navigated crevasses, cornices and glaciers, showcasing both their physical and mental resilience.