Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged in a joint Indian Coast Guard and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling, expedition team at the Chief Minister’s residence on 12 October 2026.

Led by HMI Principal Colonel Rajneesh Joshi, the team successfully climbed 7,045-metre Mount Mukut East. The achievement is the first successful ascent of a mountain peak above 7,000 metres in the history of the Indian Coast Guard.

Dhami congratulated the expedition members and said their success in difficult Himalayan conditions reflected courage, determination, discipline and teamwork. He described the achievement as a matter of pride for the Indian Coast Guard and the country.

Uttarakhand flag raised at the summit

The expedition carried a special significance for Uttarakhand. Dhami said the campaign had been dedicated to the state’s 25 years since its formation, marking what he described as a milestone in the state’s journey and its deep connection with the Himalayas.

A 2,500-square-foot Uttarakhand flag was flown on the summit of Mount Mukut East. The Chief Minister said the display was a matter of pride for the state and represented Uttarakhand’s association with courage, valour and its long mountaineering tradition.

The expedition also linked the Coast Guard’s maritime duties with high-altitude mountaineering. Dhami said the Coast Guard plays an important role in protecting India’s maritime borders, while the team’s performance in the Himalayas demonstrated the personnel’s adventure capabilities and quality training.

Preparation for the 2027 Everest expedition

Colonel Rajneesh Joshi said the Mount Mukut East expedition was organised as part of preparations for a proposed Mount Everest expedition in 2027. The Indian Coast Guard will complete 50 years of its establishment in 2027, and the Everest climb is planned as part of its golden jubilee activities.

HMI, Darjeeling, has been entrusted with selecting and training the mountaineers for the proposed expedition. Dhami expressed confidence that the experience gained on Mount Mukut East would contribute significantly to the team’s preparations and prospects for the 2027 Everest campaign.

The flag-in ceremony was attended by Indian Coast Guard Additional Director General Anand Prakash Badola, Deputy Inspector General Himanshu Nautiyal, Deputy Inspector General D.S. Chauhan, Commandant Amit Uniyal and Commandant Vishwajeet Singh.

HMI’s Pasang Tenzing Sherpa and other members of the expedition team were also present. The ceremony formally recognised the completed ascent while highlighting the training and preparation planned for the Coast Guard’s proposed Everest expedition.

Conclusion

The successful ascent of 7,045-metre Mount Mukut East has given the Indian Coast Guard its first climb above 7,000 metres and provided experience for the proposed 2027 Mount Everest expedition, while placing Uttarakhand’s flag and mountaineering heritage at the centre of the achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which mountain did the joint team climb?

The team successfully climbed Mount Mukut East.

Q. How high is Mount Mukut East?

Mount Mukut East is 7,045 metres high.

Q. Which organisations formed the expedition team?

The team was formed by the Indian Coast Guard and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling.

Q. Who led the expedition?

The expedition was led by HMI Principal Colonel Rajneesh Joshi.

Q. Why was the climb significant for the Indian Coast Guard?

It was the first successful ascent of a mountain peak above 7,000 metres in the Indian Coast Guard’s history.

Q. What future expedition is being planned?

A Mount Everest expedition is proposed for 2027 as part of the Indian Coast Guard’s golden jubilee activities.

Q. What was flown at the summit?

A 2,500-square-foot Uttarakhand flag was flown at the summit of Mount Mukut East.