A six-member joint expedition team from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi, and the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM&WS), Pahalgam, successfully summited Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America.
Standing at 6,961 metres, Aconcagua is:
- The highest mountain in South America
- The highest peak in the Western Hemisphere
- The highest mountain outside Asia
- The second-highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest
This ascent marks a major milestone for Indian mountaineering.
Leadership & Flag-Off
- The expedition was led by Col Hem Chandra Singh, Principal of NIM and JIM&WS.
- The team was flagged off by Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of India.
- The climbers travelled to Argentina and commenced high-altitude preparations.
Acclimatisation Strategy
Before attempting Aconcagua, the team:
- Scaled Bonete Peak (5,050 metres) as part of their acclimatisation schedule.
- Gradually adjusted to altitude conditions.
- Conducted technical preparation and load ferry rotations.
Proper acclimatisation is critical in high-altitude expeditions to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Extreme Conditions Faced
During the summit push, climbers encountered:
- Strong high-altitude winds
- Temperatures ranging between –20°C and –30°C
- Harsh and unpredictable weather conditions
Despite these challenges, the team successfully reached the summit.
Significance of Achievement
- Demonstrates India’s rising stature in international mountaineering.
- Highlights the world-class training standards of Indian mountaineering institutes.
- Strengthens India’s presence in global high-altitude expeditions.
- Showcases joint institutional collaboration between NIM and JIM&WS.
- Reinforces India’s high-altitude operational capabilities.
About Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM)
The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi:
- Established in 1965.
- Named after Jawaharlal Nehru.
- One of India’s premier mountaineering institutes.
- Functions under the Ministry of Defence.
- Provides training in:
- Basic and advanced mountaineering
- Search and rescue operations
- Adventure sports
- High-altitude expeditions
NIM has trained thousands of mountaineers and defence personnel.
About Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS)
The Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports, Pahalgam:
- Located in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Specialises in:
- Mountaineering
- Skiing
- Winter sports training
- Plays a key role in promoting adventure tourism and high-altitude capability in the Himalayan region.
About Mount Aconcagua
- Location: Andes Mountain Range, Argentina.
- Elevation: 6,961 metres.
- Highest peak outside Asia.
- Part of the “Seven Summits” challenge (highest peaks of each continent).
- Known for:
- Severe winds (“Viento Blanco”)
- Rapid weather changes
- Extreme cold conditions
Although technically less difficult than Everest, its altitude and weather make it physically demanding.