Col Sarfraz Singh leads Indo-Nepal expedition to Mt Kanchenjunga summit

Fourth-generation Army officer, Col Sarfraz Singh (48), hailing from Jalandhar, has etched his name in mountaineering history by leading a joint Indo-Nepal team to the summit of Mount Kanchenjunga. The nine-member expedition reached the world’s third-highest peak, standing at 8,586 meters, on Monday. Col Sarfraz, alongside Capt Prashant Khanka, four soldiers from the Indian Army and three soldiers from the Nepali Army, didn’t just achieve the rare feat of climbing the treacherous slopes of the mountain; they also demonstrated the strong bond of friendship and cooperation between India and Nepal. Battling brutal ice walls, avalanches, rocky terrain and unpredictable weather on the South-West ridge, Col Sarfraz and Capt Khanka guided their teams to a historic triumph. Upon reaching the summit, the team proudly hoisted the national flags of both India and Nepal. The Indian Army shared the achievement on its X account, saying: “Scaling New Heights of Courage and Friendship! A joint mountaineering expedition led by Colonel Sarfraz Singh, along with four soldiers of the Indian Army and Captain Prashant Khanka, along with three soldiers of the Nepali Army, successfully summited Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m) today. A proud milestone in military mountaineering and India-Nepal friendship.” Col Sarfraz is the son of Col Balbir Singh, a 1968 Olympian and Asian hockey medalist, who passed down a legacy of resilience and determination. As the Director of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) and a recipient of the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, Sarfraz has already conquered some of the world’s most formidable peaks, including Mount Everest in 2018, Mount Aconcagua in South America, Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and several peaks in the Himalayas, such as Trishul, Nun, Kun, Kangto and Satopanth. His remarkable leadership on Kanchenjunga—where the success rate for climbers is below 40%—demonstrates his unyielding spirit and strategic prowess. Col Balbir Singh, his proud father, remarked: “His leadership on Kanchenjunga showcases his resilience and determination, making this ascent a triumph of human endurance and military diplomacy. My son has completed a challenge that many seasoned mountaineers have failed to accomplish. This mission serves as an inspiration to young mountaineers and adventurers across the region.” Currently still in Nepal, Col Sarfraz hails from the elite Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army and has had the honour of commanding the 6 Para unit. He is an alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun and the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla. In August 2020, he was awarded the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award and in January 2023, he was conferred with the Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished service.

Jalandhar