ITBP Scales Mt. Makalu: Historic Feat in Twin Peak Expedition

In a remarkable achievement, a 12-member team of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) successfully scaled Mt. Makalu, the world’s fifth highest mountain at 8,485 metres, as part of a historic twin peak expedition. This marked the force’s first-ever attempt to summit both Mt. Makalu and Mt. Annapurna, strengthening its legacy in high-altitude mountaineering and commitment to environmental conservation.

Why in News?

The ITBP’s successful ascent of Mt. Makalu on April 19, 2025, with an 83% success rate, highlights India’s increasing mountaineering prowess and the force’s dedication to fitness, endurance, and ecological responsibility. It is part of a twin expedition, the first in ITBP history, which also attempted the ascent of Mt. Annapurna, albeit halted due to adverse weather conditions.

Background and Mission Objectives

• The expedition was flagged off on March 21, 2025, from New Delhi.
• Aimed to scale both Mt. Makalu and Mt. Annapurna, both over 8,000 metres and located in Nepal.
• Strengthened ITBP’s tradition of high-altitude mountaineering training and environmental responsibility.

Key Details

• Mt. Makalu height: 8,485 m (5th highest peak in the world).
• Mt. Annapurna height: 8,091 m (10th highest peak).
• Both located in the Himalayan range in Nepal.
• First attempt of both peaks by the ITBP.

Team Details

• Led by Deputy Commandant Anoop Kumar Negi.
• Deputy Leader: Nihas Suresh.
• 12-member team, divided into two groups of six climbers.

Achievements

• Five members reached Mt. Makalu’s summit at 8:15 a.m. on April 19, 2025, achieving 83% success rate.
• Mt. Annapurna team climbed up to 7,940 m, but retreated due to blizzard and whiteout conditions—just 150 m short of the summit.

Significance and Legacy

• With this, ITBP has now scaled 6 of the world’s 14 “eight-thousanders.”
• Total peaks summited by ITBP: 229, including Mt. Everest (5 times), Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Lhotse, and Manaslu.
• Reinforces ITBP’s role beyond border security—disaster response, mountain rescue, and environmental stewardship.