In a major achievement for Indian mountaineering, a joint six-member team from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi, and the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS), Pahalgam successfully summited Mount Aconcagua on 22 February 2026 at 14:10 hours.

Mount Aconcagua is the highest peak in South America and the second-highest peak in the world outside Asia.

Expedition Details

The expedition was led by Col Hem Chandra Singh, Principal of NIM and JIM&WS. The team was ceremonially flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 5 February 2026.

After arriving in Argentina on 8 February 2026, the team began its ascent. For acclimatization, the climbers first scaled Bonete Peak (5,050 metres) before attempting Aconcagua.

Team Members

The six-member team included:

• Col Hem Chandra Singh (Leader)
• Capt G Santhosh Kumar
• Shri Deep Bahadur Sahi
• Shri Vinod Gusai
• Nb Sub Bhupinder Singh
• Hav Ramesh Kumar

The climbers endured harsh weather conditions, including fierce winds and temperatures ranging between -20°C and -30°C.

Significance of the Achievement

The successful summit highlights:

• India’s growing presence in international mountaineering
• The high training standards of NIM and JIM&WS
• The dedication, discipline and teamwork of Indian mountaineers

The achievement reinforces India’s reputation in adventure sports and high-altitude expeditions globally.

MCQs: Mt. Aconcagua Summit 2026

Q1. Mount Aconcagua is located in which country?
(a) Chile
(b) Peru
(c) Argentina
(d) Bolivia
(e) Brazil

Ans: (c)
Sol: Mount Aconcagua is located in Argentina.

Q2. Mount Aconcagua is the highest peak in:
(a) Europe
(b) Africa
(c) North America
(d) South America
(e) Antarctica

Ans: (d)
Sol: It is the highest peak in South America.

Q3. The joint expedition was undertaken by NIM and which other institute?
(a) Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
(b) Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports
(c) ITBP Mountaineering Wing
(d) NCC Adventure Wing
(e) Indian Mountaineering Foundation

Ans: (b)
Sol: The expedition was conducted jointly by NIM and JIM&WS.

Q4. The team summited Mount Aconcagua on:
(a) 20 February 2026
(b) 21 February 2026
(c) 22 February 2026
(d) 23 February 2026
(e) 24 February 2026

Ans: (c)
Sol: The summit was achieved on 22 February 2026.

Q5. The team was flagged off by which Union Minister?
(a) Home Minister
(b) External Affairs Minister
(c) Defence Minister
(d) Sports Minister
(e) Tourism Minister

Ans: (c)
Sol: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the expedition.