New Delhi: In a remarkable achievement, a joint mountaineering expedition led by Colonel Sarfraz Singh of the Indian Army and Captain Prashant Khanka of the Nepali Army successfully summited Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. The joint team of the Indian and Nepali armies reached the top of the peak at an elevation of 8,586 meters.
The expedition comprised a total of eight members—four soldiers from the Indian Army under Colonel Singh’s leadership and three soldiers from the Nepali Army alongside Captain Khanka. The success of the expedition is an example of the strong bond of friendship and cooperation between India and Nepal.
“Scaling New Heights of Courage and Friendship! A joint mountaineering expedition led by Colonel Sarfraz Singh, along with four soldiers of #IndianArmy and Captain Prashant Khanka along with three soldiers of #NepaliArmy, successfully summited Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m) today. A proud milestone in military mountaineering and India-Nepal friendship,” the Indian Army said in an X post.
Mount Kanchenjunga, known for its treacherous slopes and unpredictable weather, is a challenge even for the most seasoned mountaineers. Upon reaching the summit, the team proudly hoisted the national flags of India and Nepal.
This mission also serves as an inspiration for young mountaineers and adventurers across the region.
Who Is Colonel Sarfraz Singh?
Col Singh, a fourth-generation officer in the Army, hails from Punjab’s Jalandhar. He belonged to the elite Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army and has the honour of commanding the 6 Para unit. Col Sarfaraz is an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, and National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla.
In August 2020, Col Singh was conferred the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2019 in the Land Adventure category.
Col Singh has the distinction of climbing the highest peaks of four continents. He climbed Mount Everest in Asia, Mount Aconcagua in South America, Mount Elbrus in Europe and Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. In January 2023, he was conferred the Vishisht Seva Medal.
Defence Stories 
Leave a comment