NewzVille Desk
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) flagged off the All Women Mountaineering Expedition–2026 to Mt. Everest (8,848 mtrs) on 23 April, 2026 at the Force Headquarters, New Delhi.
Shatrujeet Kapur, Director General, ITBP, presided over the ceremony in the presence of Sanjay Gunjyal, ADG (HQs), senior officers and Himveers.
The expedition team, led by AC/GD Bhanita Timungpi, comprises trained and highly experienced women mountaineers of the Force.
The ceremony commenced with the Force Song, followed by a welcome address by DIG (Training) Narendra Singh.
The Leader of the Expedition briefed the gathering on the mission’s objectives, route plan, and preparedness. The Director General formally handed over the expedition flag to the team leader, marking the official flag-off.
Notably, the members of this All Women Team have previously scaled several national and international peaks, reflecting their experience, endurance, and professional excellence in high-altitude mountaineering.
Addressing the gathering, the Director General described the expedition as a symbol of women empowerment, courage, discipline, and commitment to national service.
Highlighting ITBP’s distinguished legacy in mountaineering, he noted that the Force has successfully scaled 231 national and international peaks, including four successful ascents of Mt. Everest.
He emphasized that such expeditions are not merely adventurous pursuits but serve as a vital component of operational preparedness, endurance-building, and high-altitude capability enhancement, especially in the challenging Himalayan deployment conditions where ITBP personnel operate at altitudes exceeding 18,000 feet under extreme weather conditions.
The DG expressed confidence in the leadership of Bhanita Timungpi and the capability of the team, stating that the expedition would set new benchmarks in leadership, resilience, and teamwork.
He further underlined that the initiative reflects ITBP’s progressive outlook, where women personnel are taking on leadership roles in demanding operational domains.
The Director General also appreciated the efforts of the Sports Directorate and all supporting agencies for meticulous planning, coordination, and logistical support in organizing the expedition.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem followed by a group photograph of the dignitaries with the expedition team.
