The Corps of Signals of the Indian Army has achieved another major milestone in its ongoing high-altitude mountaineering expedition in Ladakh, with its team successfully scaling the 6,250-metre-high Mt Mentok Kangri. The ascent marks the second successful summit in an ambitious three-peak expedition being undertaken in the challenging Himalayan terrain.
The expedition, aptly reflecting the theme “Dreams of Valour – Three Peaks, One Mission, Infinite Resolve”, is aimed at testing the physical endurance, technical mountaineering skills, leadership and collective determination of the participating soldiers under some of the most demanding conditions encountered at extreme altitudes.
A 20-member Corps of Signals mountaineering team successfully reached the summit of Mt Mentok Kangri on August 24, 2026. The achievement came just days after the team completed the first major objective of the expedition by scaling the 6,100-metre-high Mt Kyagar Ri on August 13.
Operating at altitudes exceeding 6,000 metres presents significant challenges, including extremely low temperatures, reduced oxygen levels, unpredictable weather, difficult snow and ice conditions and the constant risk associated with high-altitude climbing. The successful ascent of two peaks in quick succession highlights the team’s physical conditioning, technical competence and ability to operate together in a demanding environment.
The three-summit expedition is being undertaken under the banner “Dream of Valour – Three Peaks, One Resolve” and has been flagged off by Lieutenant General Vivek Dogra, Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Signals.
Before beginning the climbs, the mountaineers underwent extensive preparation at the Army Mountaineering Institute in Siachen. Their training included acclimatisation in high-altitude areas, endurance building and preparation for low-oxygen conditions.
The soldiers were also trained in critical mountaineering techniques, including rock climbing, jumaring, rope work and the use of specialised equipment required for negotiating steep and technically challenging terrain. Special attention was given to survival and rescue techniques necessary for operations in the unforgiving Himalayan environment.
The expedition has three major objectives — Mt Kyagar Ri at approximately 6,100 metres, Mt Mentok Kangri at 6,250 metres and Mt Chamser Kangri at 6,622 metres.
With Mt Kyagar Ri and Mt Mentok Kangri successfully conquered, the team has now completed two of the three planned summits. Attention will next turn towards Mt Chamser Kangri, the highest and final objective of the expedition at an altitude of 6,622 metres.
The final ascent is expected to present an even greater test of endurance and mountaineering ability. At such altitudes, climbers must deal with significantly reduced oxygen availability, rapidly changing weather and prolonged exposure to extreme cold while maintaining coordination and decision-making ability.
Beyond the mountaineering accomplishment itself, the expedition seeks to strengthen the Corps of Signals’ tradition of adventure and prepare a new generation of Army mountaineers capable of undertaking challenging expeditions in high-altitude environments.
The achievement also carries a symbolic significance for the participating soldiers. The successful summits are being dedicated to the courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty demonstrated by Indian Army personnel serving the nation in some of the country’s most difficult terrains.
The expedition showcases qualities deeply associated with military service — courage, teamwork, leadership, resilience and service before self. Every successful summit represents not merely the conquest of a mountain but the ability of soldiers to work as a cohesive team while overcoming physical exhaustion, environmental hazards and psychological challenges.
Having successfully planted the Tricolour and the Corps of Signals flag atop Mt Kyagar Ri and Mt Mentok Kangri, the mountaineers are now preparing for the final chapter of their three-peak mission.
Their next target, the 6,622-metre Mt Chamser Kangri, will bring the expedition to its most demanding stage. A successful ascent would complete an extraordinary three-peak journey across the high mountains of Ladakh and underline the Corps of Signals’ message of “Three Peaks, One Mission, Infinite Resolve.”
