Pune, Correspondent
Giripremi Adventure Foundation (GAF) marked India’s 80th Independence Day with two significant mountaineering achievements on 15 August 2026, a successful international expedition to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and a successful ascent of Mt. Yunam in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh. Both expeditions carried the spirit of the Tricolour to remarkable heights, reflecting GAF’s commitment to adventure, perseverance and responsible mountaineering.
Led by Nikunj Shah, the GAF team undertook the challenging international expedition to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain at 5,895 metres. Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits of the world. Despite the demanding altitude, fatigue and challenging conditions, fourteen members successfully reached the Uhuru peak summit on Independence Day. The summiters were Nikunj Shah, Aakash Gupta, Amrish Jhalani, Pranali Patkar, Chetan Kuber, Alpana Annachhatre, Samir Porwal, Rajesh Kambhampati, Hemant Sarda and Bhavya Nag.
Four participants, Aarav Jhalani, Sayali Rahalkar, Gajanan Kulkarni and Prajakta Kulkarni successfully climbed up to Stella Point. Shweta Pathe climbed up to 5,000 metres, while Ketki Vartak reached Barafu Camp. GAF stated that every participant demonstrated courage, resilience and determination throughout the expedition. The foundation also emphasised that in mountaineering, recognising when altitude and mountain conditions require a retreat is as important an achievement as reaching the summit. Every participant’s effort contributed to the overall success of the expedition.
In the second expedition, GAF team successfully climbed Mt. Yunam, standing at 6,111 metres in Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh. Led by senior mountaineer Varun Bhagwat, the team reached the summit on 15 August and unfurled the Tricolour at the summit. Mt. Yunam is known for its demanding high-altitude terrain and requires strong acclimatisation, endurance and mental resilience.
The Mt. Yunam summit team comprised Prakash Kelkar, Pratima Vartak, Swati Joshi, Pallavi Amrutkar, Rushikesh Awekar and Anil Vasave. Vilas Tarwadi and Malhar Kale successfully reached Summit Camp. The successful ascent on Independence Day reflected the team’s disciplined preparation, determination and commitment to high-altitude mountaineering.
The completion of these two expeditions on the same day marked a memorable Independence Day for Giripremi Adventure Foundation. From Mt. Kilimanjaro, one of the Seven Summits and the Roof of Africa, to Mt. Yunam in the high Himalayas, GAF carried the spirit of India to two remarkable mountain environments.
These achievements represent more than reaching summits. They highlight teamwork, preparation, perseverance, responsible decision-making and the determination to push boundaries while respecting the mountains. The expeditions are a tribute to the country on Independence Day and an expression of the organisation’s philosophy for inspiring people to climb higher and celebrate the spirit of our freedom fighters.
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