Twenty soldiers of the Indian Army during their 146 km high-altitude expedition in the Sikkim Himalayas.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
GUWAHATI:
A team of 20 Indian Army personnel concluded a high-altitude adventure expedition, covering 146 km of rugged trails and steep gradients in northern West Bengal and Sikkim in 28 days.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said on Wednesday (April 16, 2025) that the ARMEX-24 expedition, which ran from March 22 to April 14, included the time needed for the specially selected team members to acclimatise to conditions beyond 14,000 ft above the mean sea level.
“Excluding the acclimatisation period, the team undertook 18 days of relentless movement across difficult terrain, navigating steep gradients, unpredictable weather, and rugged trails,” the spokesperson said.
He said the soldiers volunteered for the expedition, which tested their physical endurance, mental resilience, and the power of coordinated teamwork in extreme conditions.
A senior Army officer said the route spanned dramatic shifts in altitude—from sub-tropical jungles to elevations above 14,000 feet. The soldiers demonstrated adaptive prowess and determination in low-oxygen, high-stress environments.
“ARMEX-24 was more than just an expedition—it reflected the Indian Army’s ethos of perseverance, discipline, and operational readiness. These initiatives sharpen leadership, reinforce camaraderie, and instil the mental toughness essential for success in operations. They ensure our soldiers remain mission-ready—irrespective of the terrain or adversity,” a senior Army officer said.
Published – April 16, 2025 10:53 am IST
