Pune-based mountaineers take leap toward Himalayas on Hanuman Jayanti

Mumbai: On the auspicious occasion, a team of mountaineers from Maharashtra’s cultural capital of Pune took a ‘leap’ to the mighty Himalayas to scale Mt Everest, the highest mountain on Earth above sea level.

Pune-based mountaineering and adventure organisation Giripremi is undertaking this expedition.

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.

The expedition is being led by veteran mountaineer and expedition leader Umesh Zirpe.

His four team members are Vivek Shivade, Nikunj Shah, Akhil Katkar and Mihir Jadhav.

A veteran, Zirpe is the President of Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh, the apex body of mountaineering organisations in the state.

Zirpe is the recipient of the coveted Shiv Chhatrapati Award instituted by the Maharashtra government and the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, the highest adventure sports honour, presented annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

This is a 50+ day expedition- and for this the team has undergone structured and rigorous preparation over the past two years.

On the eve of the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa on 18 March, Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma flagged off the expedition from the iconic Lok Bhavan in Mumbai.

Among those present were Giripremi President Jayant Tulpule Bhushan Harshe, Prasad Joshi, Chandan Chavan, Ajit Tate, and other representatives associated with mountaineering.

Later, on 20 March, in Pune, the Indian Tricolour, Maharashtra’s Bhagwa flag, and Giripremi’s official flag were ceremonially handed over by Manjusha Nagpure to Zirpe, the expedition leader - marking the launch of the mission.

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.

Aligned with the Government of India’s “Fit India” movement, the expedition aims to promote physical fitness, mental resilience, and responsible mountaineering. It will also drive awareness on glacier conservation and climate change, with a special exhibition planned en route from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp.

This expedition marks the next chapter in Giripremi’s Everest legacy, following their historic 2012 expedition.

“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.