NCC India Launches First Everest Expedition for Boys and Girls

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) of India has launched its inaugural expedition to Mount Everest, titled the “NCC Boys and Girls Mount Everest Expedition 2025.” The mission, managed by Seven Summit Treks in Kathmandu, marks a significant step in introducing young Indian cadets to high-altitude mountaineering, with a focus on enhancing snow and ice climbing skills.

The team comprises 19 climbing members and six base camp support personnel from the Indian Army. Among the climbers are 10 selected NCC cadets—five boys and five girls—some as young as 16 and a half years old. The expedition is led by Colonel Amit Bisht, a seasoned mountaineer who previously summited Everest in 2021. The Indian Army personnel at base camp will assist in coordination and maintain communication with respective reporting authorities throughout the climb.

Mingma Sherpa, the first South Asian to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks and the Chairman of Seven Summit Treks, is overseeing communications, rescue coordination, and emergency response for the team. The expedition is supported by a full logistics team from Seven Summit Treks, including experienced Sherpa guides, medical staff, and safety experts, managing all operational aspects of the climb.

The expedition will follow a multi-stage itinerary, structured to include acclimatization, technical climbing practice, and gradual altitude gain in accordance with global mountaineering standards. After arriving in Kathmandu on April 5, the team is currently undergoing final briefings and fulfilling formalities with local authorities and the expedition agency.

The group is scheduled to fly to Lukla via Ramechhap on April 9, from where they will trek to Everest Base Camp. Before attempting Everest, the team will scale Lobuche East (6,119 meters) as part of their acclimatization process.

India’s Defense Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, officially flagged off the expedition on April 3, marking a proud moment for the NCC and its young mountaineers as they embark on this ambitious and historic journey.