By Kanchan Basu
Bareilly, 3 Nov: In a remarkable display of courage, endurance, and teamwork, the 12th Battalion of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles successfully summited Mt Mukut East (7045 metres) on 15 September 2025, marking another proud achievement in the unit’s mountaineering history.
The expedition was flagged off from Bareilly on 26 August, by Lieutenant General DG Misra, General Officer Commanding, Uttar Bharat Area. The team comprised nine climbers, including one officer, one Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), and seven other ranks, all of whom are trained in Basic and Advanced Mountaineering Courses from the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) and Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering (JIM).
After a strenuous journey, the team reached Ghastoli (13,365 ft) and then proceeded to establish their Base Camp (4840 metres) on 8 September. From there, they systematically set up Camp 1 (5140 metres) on 10 September and Camp 2 (5340 metres) on 12 September.
A five-member rope-fixing team advanced to Camp 3 (5850 metres) on 13 September, securing ropes up to the Summit Camp (6450 metres) by the following evening. The remaining climbers joined them early on 15 September, and together they launched their final ascent, successfully reaching the summit of Mt Mukut East at 12:15 hrs.
Following the summit, the team safely descended and de-inducted to Ghastoli on 16 September. The expedition was formally flagged in at Lucknow on 27 September.
It is worth noting that Mt Mukut East has drawn attention from various mountaineering teams in recent years, including a notable all-women expedition by the Border Security Force (BSF) in 2024.
Expressing pride in the team’s achievement, Major Ashok Kapoor of the Indian Army conveyed his deep regards, highlighting that the successful climb stands as a testament to the battalion’s indomitable spirit and professional excellence.
For the first time, a Kumaon Car Rall, 2025 from Gunji to Jolingkong and Gunji to Lipulekh Pass was also organised. Fifty cars participated in this Kumaon Car Rally 2025.
