Mountaineering expedition flagged off

Visakhapatnam: Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice-Admiral HC Bisht flagged off mountaineering expedition here on Friday. Eastern Naval Command has embarked on a daunting and challenging task of summiting the twin peaks of Mt Kamet (7,756 m), the highest peak climbable in the country and Mt Abi Gamin(7,355 m).

The Vice-Admiral also presented a traditional ice axe with National Flag and Naval Ensign to the team. The team comprises seven officers and six sailors, including a team of doctors, and is being conducted by the ENC as part of Navy’s preparations for the Mount Everest expedition which is slated for next year.

Having achieved a resounding success on Mt Kun (7,077 m) last year in September, the Navy has now set eyes at the summit of Mt Kamet in Uttrakhand, towering at 7,756 m, which the third highest peak in India, and the highest mountain open to climbers in the country. Mt Abi Gamin is a neighbouring peak to Mt Kamet, both of which can be attempted through a common approach.

Adopting the twin peak challenge is envisaged to provide maximum opportunity for naval personnel to indulge in this extreme adventure sport. The peaks are situated on the Indian side of the Indo-China border and offers breathtaking view of the entire Tibetan plateau to its north.

The team will be led by Lt Cdr S Karthikeyan, a seasoned climber, who has previously led three naval expeditions, including the formidable Mt Kun and is all set to lead the team to the pinnacle of Mt Kamet as well. Mt Kamet has not been climbed in the past five years, mainly due to its chilling temperature and winds flowing across the rocky terrain at high altitudes.