Sons of Devbhoomi Create History: NSG Team Conquers Mount Everest, Hoists the Tricolour on the World’s Highest Peak
Under the leadership of Major Akhilesh Bhatt, brave sons of Uttarakhand achieve a historic Everest summit
Uttarakhand, known as the land of bravery and resilience, has once again made the nation proud by scripting history on the world stage. A 16-member team of the National Security Guard (NSG), led by Dehradun-based Major Akhilesh Bhatt, successfully summited Mount Everest — the world’s highest peak at 8,848.86 meters — on May 23, 2026, at 3:26 AM Nepal time.
The expedition achieved a remarkable feat by reaching the Everest summit from Kathmandu in just 20 days, a rare accomplishment in the history of Everest expeditions and a testament to the team’s exceptional preparation, endurance, and discipline.
The mission was led by Major Akhilesh Bhatt, a resident of Indrapur, Dehradun, originally hailing from Ghansali in Tehri Garhwal. Son of Dinesh Prasad Bhatt, Major Bhatt displayed extraordinary leadership and determination in guiding the team through one of the world’s toughest mountaineering challenges.
Serving as the Expedition Deputy Leader was Subedar Suresh Kumar Bebni from Kandai village in Pauri Garhwal, son of Shambhu Prasad Bebni. He played a crucial role in operational coordination and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the team throughout the mission.
Other brave personnel from Uttarakhand who successfully reached the summit included Nayak Rahul Singh from Sera village in Chamoli district, son of Kunwar Singh; Nayak Pankaj Singh Dosad from Lweshal village in Almora district, son of Keshar Singh Dosad; and Commando Gautam Butola from Uttarkashi.
The achievement was the result of months of rigorous preparation, military discipline, and advanced technical training. In October 2025, the same team under the leadership of Major Akhilesh Bhatt had successfully scaled Mount Satopanth (7,075 meters) in the Garhwal Himalayas. Following that, the team underwent intensive winter warfare and snow training with the Dogra Scouts in Lahaul-Spiti and also conquered Mount Kanamo (5,975 meters).
These preparatory expeditions provided the team with invaluable experience in extreme Himalayan conditions and laid the foundation for the successful Everest mission. Careful planning, physical endurance, and tactical precision played a decisive role in accomplishing this extraordinary feat.
The success is not just a victory for the NSG, but also a proud moment for Uttarakhand and its legacy of courage and leadership. Raised amidst the mountains, these brave soldiers demonstrated to the world that the spirit of Devbhoomi can overcome even the greatest heights and harshest conditions.
An NSG spokesperson described the mission as a living example of the force’s motto, “Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha” (Best Security Everywhere). The spokesperson added that the leadership shown by Major Akhilesh Bhatt and the determination of the team under extreme conditions would inspire every Indian.
This historic expedition has also sent a strong message to the youth of Uttarakhand and the country — that with discipline, commitment, and unwavering determination, no goal is impossible.
The Government of Uttarakhand and citizens across the nation have saluted these brave sons of the soil who not only unfurled the Indian tricolour atop the world’s highest peak but also carried the pride, honour, and spirit of Devbhoomi to new heights before the world.
