From the Peaks of Ladakh to the Bhagirathi Range

Subedar Ankur Rawat, a double Everest summiteer serving in the Indian Army, added another high‑altitude milestone on 22 September 2026. He hoisted the Indian tricolour atop Mount Bhagirathi‑II (6,512 m) in the Gangotri Himalaya, just a little over two months after standing on the 7,077‑metre summit of Mount Kun in Ladakh on 17 July 2026.

Born to Narayan Singh Rawat and Anandi Devi, Rawat resides in Vineet Nagar, Paniyal Road, Roorkee. His ancestral home lies in Pipla village, Surlagaon Patti Aswalsyun, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand.

“A Mountain Looks Simpler From Afar”

“The farther you view a peak, the gentler it seems, yet the actual line can be far more demanding,” Rawat observed.

The ascent of Bhagirathi‑II demanded relentless assessment of rock bands, snowfields, rapidly changing weather and the physiological strain of extreme altitude. Each step called for patience, sound judgment, and a clear‑headed response to the mountain’s shifting temperament.

Where Legend Meets the Ice

The Bhagirathi basin is steeped in mythology. It is said that King Bhagirath’s penance persuaded the Ganga to descend to Earth, with Lord Shiva catching the torrent in his tangled hair. Today, trekkers encounter the same valleys filled with glaciers, moraines and rugged rock that test even the most seasoned alpinists.

Expeditions typically approach the range from Gangotri, pass the sacred Gaumukh glacier, and set up at the high‑altitude camp at Nandanvan – the primary staging point for attempts on the Bhagirathi group.

The Final 300 Metres Tested His Expertise

After negotiating a steep rocky section, Rawat’s team confronted a 300‑metre snow‑covered slab just below the summit. The peak’s silhouette was tantalising, but the stretch required meticulous footwork and unwavering concentration.

Rawat stresses that visual contact with a summit does not signal the end of difficulty; often the last few metres are the most exacting, rewarding those who combine patience with decisive action.

From the top, the climbers were treated to an unrivalled panorama that included Mount Shivling, Nandi Parvat, Thalay Sagar, Meru, Kedarnath, Kedar Dome, Chaukhamba, Satopanth, Vasuki, Mana, Kamet, Mukut and Sudarshan.

Choosing the Right Line Before the Final Push

For Rawat, a successful climb is scripted long before the summit attempt. He places equal emphasis on opening the route, fixing ropes, and selecting a line that balances technical difficulty with safety.

Once a secure pathway is established, team discipline, coordination and mutual trust become the pillars that carry the expedition to the top.

This philosophy puts preparation and safety on par with ambition, rejecting the notion that reaching the summit alone defines success.

Mentoring the Next Generation

Having mastered both Kun and Bhagirathi‑II, Rawat now sets his sights on untouched peaks while dedicating time to guide aspiring mountaineers.

He urges trekkers heading to Uttarakhand to become better informed about route conditions, terrain challenges and the responsibilities that accompany high‑altitude adventure.

His message is clear: a summit is earned through careful preparation, courage, discipline and informed decision‑making, not merely by the altitude reached.