In a landmark achievement for India, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) successfully completed its first-ever all-women international mountaineering expedition to Mount Everest, marking a proud moment in the country’s adventure and security history.

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The 14-member expedition team, which included 11 women climbers and three technical and support staff, scaled the 8,848-metre peak on May 21 through the challenging South Col Route from Nepal.

According to ITBP officials, the first summit was recorded at 6:52 am, after which all the women climbers successfully reached the top of the world.

Battling the ‘Death Zone’

The expedition was far from easy. Climbers endured sub-zero temperatures, unpredictable weather, low oxygen levels, and treacherous ice-wall sections in the notorious “Death Zone” above 8,000 metres.

Despite the extreme Himalayan conditions, the team demonstrated exceptional endurance, discipline, and teamwork. The mission was flagged off from the ITBP headquarters on April 19 as part of the force’s continued focus on high-altitude operational excellence and adventure training.

History made on Mount Everest. 🇮🇳#ITBP’s first-ever All-Women Expedition summited Mount Everest (8,848 m) via the South Col Route on 21 May 2026. With the first summit at 0652 hrs, all 11 women climbers reached the top. Proud moment for India. @PIB_India @PIBHomeAffairs pic.twitter.com/mtocQg2IK1

— ITBP (@ITBP_official) May 22, 2026

The expedition also highlighted India’s growing emphasis on women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated fields such as mountaineering and combat forces.

A Symbol of Women Empowerment

The successful ascent is being celebrated as more than just a mountaineering triumph. It has emerged as a powerful symbol of women empowerment, courage, and national pride.

ITBP stated that the team also carried out environmental awareness activities under the “Clean Himalaya – Save Glacier” campaign by collecting non-biodegradable waste from the Everest region during the expedition. 

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With this feat, the ITBP has now completed over 230 mountaineering expeditions and strengthened its legacy as one of India’s leading high-altitude forces.