Maharashtra Governor flags off expedition to Mount Everest by Pune's Giripremi

Mumbai: Aligned with the Government of India’s “Fit India” movement, the new expedition to Mount Everest undertaken by Pune-based mountaineering club, Giripremi, aims to promote physical fitness, mental resilience, and an active lifestyle.

On the eve of the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa in Mumbai, Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma formally flagged off the expedition.

During the weekend in Pune, the Indian tricolour, Maharashtra’s Bhagwa flag, and Giripremi’s official flag were ceremonially handed over to expedition leader, veteran mountaineer Umesh Zirpe and his team by Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure.

In 2012, Giripremi successfully conducted India’s largest civilian expedition to the mountain. During that expedition, eight climbers reached the summit on the same day — a rare and historic achievement that received widespread recognition across Maharashtra.

Fourteen years later, this new expedition continues that legacy, attempting Everest via the classic Nepal (South Col) route used during the first successful ascent in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.

“After 2012, Giripremi has once again set its sights on Everest. This is not just about climbers—it is about building a strong new generation. This expedition belongs to all of us, and with your support and blessings, we are confident of its success,” said Zirpe.

“As citizens of Pune, we are extremely proud of this expedition. While success is important, returning safely is equally crucial. Climb safely and come back safely to Pune — that will be the true victory for all of us,” said Nagpure.

Among those present were Suhas Diwase, Director General of YASHADA, Ganesh Jadhav, Director of Gangotree Homes & Holidays, along with Giripremi’s founder-President Ushaprabha Page, founder Anand Palande and current President Jayant Tulpule.

Zirpe, along with mountaineers Vivek Shivde, Nikunj Shah, Mihir Jadhav, and Akhil Katkar, is participating in this year’s Mount Everest expedition.

The expedition is scheduled to commence on April 2, 2026, with summit attempts planned over a period of approximately 50 days. The team has been preparing rigorously for the past two years.

This expedition contributes to the Government of India’s Fit India Movement by promoting physical fitness, mental resilience, and an active lifestyle. It also carries a significant environmental message focused on glacier preservation and climate awareness.

Along with this, three new expeditions were announced - an all-women expedition to Mt. Mentok Kangri in the Leh region, an expedition to Mountt Sahib Chhera aimed at young mountaineers, and an alpine-style expedition to Mount Friendship by a team of experienced climbers. All three expeditions are scheduled to take place during June–July 2026.