Jitendra Gaware scales Mt Makalu, becomes 1st Maharashtrian to summit seven 8000-meter peaks

Mumbai: Accomplished mountaineer from Pune-based adventure organisation, Jitendra Gaware, has successfully summited the Mt Makalu on Saturday.

Makalu is the fifth highest mountain on Earth , with a summit at an elevation of 8,485 metres.

It is part of the Himalayan ranges and located along the Nepal-China border. 

Gaware successfully summited Mt Makalu  on 10 May 2025 at 4:50 AM (local time). 

With this achievement, Gaware  became the first Maharashtrian to scale seven 8000-meter peaks and joins an elite group of Indian mountaineers to have climbed all the eight-thousanders located in Nepal Himalayas.

Jitendra’s 8000er summits include: Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manalsu, Mt. Annapurna-1 and Mt. Makalu. 

His consistent success is a testament to his determination, skill, and commitment to mountaineering. 

He is a recipient of the Shiv Chhatrapati Award, Maharashtra’s highest sports honour.

This journey of excellence has been possible under the able mentorship of Umesh Zirpe, veteran mountaineer and recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award. 

“Jitendra’s dedication, humility, and discipline have always stood out. His achievement today is not only personal but a glorious chapter in Maharashtra’s mountaineering history. I am proud to have mentored him on this journey,” said Zirpe.

Jitendra’s Mt  Makalu expedition has been generously supported by DPU – Dr DY Patil University, Pune. 

The university’s Chancellor Dr P D Patil extended personal support and encouragement, enabling this dream to become a reality.