IAF flags in mountaineering team

The team was flagged in by Air Marshall HB Rajaram Air Officer- in-charge Administration.

Indian Air Force had launched a mountaineering expedition to Gorichen area of Arunachal Pradesh with an aim to explore and climb unclimbed peaks. 

The team comprised of 15 air warriors and was led by Wg Cdr D Panda.  The expedition was flagged off from Delhi on Apr 24 and included both experienced and newly trained mountaineers.  After extensive exploration and reconnaissance, the team summitted an unclimbed peak of height 5887M in two groups on  May 14 and 15.

This expedition was unique in a way as the valleys and mountain peaks had never been explored.  It was a challenging and tiring task for the team to explore uncharted territory and find a way up the mountain peak, the IAF said in a statement.

"This was the very first instance that IAF has ventured into this region of Eastern Himalayas.  Unpredictable weather coupled with Western Disturbances increased the difficulties already faced by the team.  In spite of all these hindrances, the team courageously persisted with the task & succeeded in their endeavor.  This peak lies on the west of Mt Gorichen and has been christened as Mt Garud Parvat by the air warriors who climbed it for the first time in history," the statement said.