Jamshedpur : In an inspiring display of grit and perseverance, Mohan Rawat, Senior Instructor at the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF), successfully summited Mount Everest (29,032 ft) on May 18, at 5:20 am (Nepal Time).
With this feat, Rawat becomes the 13th climber trained by TSAF to conquer the world’s highest mountain, continuing a legacy that began with Bachendri Pal’s historic ascent in 1984.
Rawat, a seasoned mountaineer from Agora village in Uttarkashi, embarked on his Everest journey on April 10, 2025. Despite early delays with permits in Kathmandu, he reached Everest Base Camp (17,500 ft) on May 3, after trekking through the scenic Khumbu region. As part of his acclimatisation, he scaled Mt. Lobuche East (20,075 ft) on May 2.
His summit rotation began on May 8, progressing through Camps 1, 2, and 3 before returning to Base Camp on May 11. The final push began at 1 am on May 14, as he crossed the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, reached Camp 2 that same morning, Camp 3 on May 16, and Camp 4 (South Col, 26,400 ft) on May 17. Rawat stood atop Everest on May 18, spending around 15 minutes at the summit before beginning his descent. He was accompanied by expert Sherpa guide Lhakpa Sherpa and supported by Asian Trekking, a Nepal-based expedition outfitter.
D. B. Sundara Ramam, Chairman, TSAF, and Vice President (Corporate Services), Tata Steel, lauded the achievement, saying:
“Mohan Rawat’s successful Everest summit is a moment of immense pride for TSAF. His journey from a small village in Uttarkashi to the world’s highest peak reflects the grit, discipline, and spirit of adventure we aim to foster. It’s a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with perseverance and purpose. Mohan’s achievement reinforces our commitment to nurturing grassroots talent and pushing the boundaries of human potential through adventure and exploration.”
From humble beginnings—once working as a rafting guide and running a Maggi shop on the Dodital trek—Rawat has come a long way. With over 20 years at TSAF, he has undergone rigorous training in mountaineering, rafting, and skiing. His mountaineering résumé includes peaks like Chamser and Lungser Kangri, Jogin I & III, Kang Yatse I & II, Bhagirathi II, Stok Kangri, Thelu, Dzo Jongo, Mt. Rudugaira, and Mt. Kanamo.
He also played key roles in expeditions such as the 2018 Mission Gange, flagged off by the Prime Minister, and the 2022 Trans-Himalayan Expedition led by Bachendri Pal, which traversed 4,841 km across 35 high-altitude passes.
Since 2022, Mohan has been preparing intensively for Everest—undergoing winter training in Leh, tackling the Triple Pass Challenge (Darwa, Bali, and Borasu Passes), and focusing on building stamina, endurance, and technical climbing skills.
His ascent of Everest stands as a testament to determination, resilience, and the spirit of adventure—a remarkable journey from the Himalayan foothills to the top of the world.
उदित वाणी टेलीग्राम पर भी उपलब्ध है। यहां क्लिक करके आप सब्सक्राइब कर सकते हैं।