Colonel Sarfraz Singh (48), a fourth-generation officer from Jalandhar, has carved his place in mountaineering history by spearheading a collaborative Indo-Nepal expedition to the summit of Mount Kanchenjunga. The nine-member team successfully ascended the world’s third-highest peak—towering at 8,586 metres—on Monday. Accompanied by Captain Prashant Khanka, four Indian Army personnel, and three Nepali Army soldiers, Col Sarfraz not only tackled the daunting climb but also symbolised the enduring camaraderie and teamwork between India and Nepal. Confronting severe ice formations, landslides, rugged cliffs, and volatile weather along the South-West ridge, Col Sarfraz and Capt Khanka led their squads to a memorable victory. Upon reaching the peak, they proudly raised the national flags of both nations.

The Indian Army celebrated the success on its official X handle, posting: “Reaching New Summits of Bravery and Brotherhood! A joint mountaineering mission led by Colonel Sarfraz Singh, supported by four Indian Army jawans and Captain Prashant Khanka with three Nepali Army troops, triumphantly conquered Mount Kanchenjunga (8586m) today. A landmark moment for military mountaineering and Indo-Nepal unity.”

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Col Sarfraz is the son of Col Balbir Singh—a 1968 Olympian and Asian Games hockey medalist—who instilled in him a legacy of tenacity and courage. Serving as the Director of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) and a recipient of the esteemed Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, Sarfraz has already scaled several of the globe’s most challenging peaks. His mountaineering record includes Mount Everest (2018), Mount Aconcagua in South America, Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and notable Himalayan summits such as Trishul, Nun, Kun, Kangto, and Satopanth.

His exceptional command on Mount Kanchenjunga—where the success rate remains under 40%—is a testament to his unwavering determination and tactical excellence. Col Balbir Singh expressed his pride, saying: “Leading this mission on Kanchenjunga highlights his grit and commitment. This achievement stands as a symbol of human endurance and military diplomacy. He has conquered a feat that many seasoned climbers haven’t, becoming a beacon of motivation for aspiring adventurers.”

Presently stationed in Nepal, Col Sarfraz is a distinguished member of the elite Parachute Regiment and has commanded the 6 Para battalion. He is an alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, and the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. In August 2020, he was honoured with the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, and in January 2023, he was bestowed with the Vishisht Seva Medal in recognition of his exemplary service.