Pune-based mountaineering club Giripremi is preparing to launch an ambitious expedition to the unclimbed east ridge of Meru South, located in the Garhwal Himalaya. This challenging ascent follows their groundbreaking success in 2023, when the team became the first Indians to summit Meru South via the west face. A route that had never been climbed before.
The 2025 expedition will be led by Umesh Zirpe, a highly decorated mountaineer and recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award and Maharashtra’s Shiv Chhatrapati Award, as reported by Deccan Herald. The team includes accomplished climbers Vivek Shivade, Varun Bhagwat, Nikunj Shah, Ronak Singh, Vinod Gusain, and Mingma Sherpa. While the exact departure date hasn’t been announced, preparations are expected to begin shortly.
About Giripremi
Founded in 1982, Giripremi is one of India’s foremost mountaineering organizations. The club not only undertakes high-altitude expeditions but also trains future climbers through the Guardian Giripremi Institute of Mountaineering. Under Zirpe’s leadership, the club has successfully carried out several major climbs, including the historic Meru expedition in 2023.
About Meru
Nestled in the Gangotri Glacier region of the Garhwal Himalaya, the Meru massif consists of three peaks: Meru South (6,660m), Meru Central (6,310m), and Meru North (6,450m). Positioned between the iconic Shivling and Thalay Sagar, Meru is considered a crown jewel among Himalayan peaks.
Meru’s name is believed to stem from the Sanskrit word for “spine,” in reference to its sharp ridgelines. Beyond its physical challenges, Meru holds deep cultural significance in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, often symbolizing the axis of the universe in ancient Indian texts.
Other Expeditions
Giripremi has also announced two additional expeditions this year — to Mount Samgyal (5,814m) and Mount Dawa (5,900m) in Ladakh, further highlighting the club’s continued commitment to exploring India’s high-altitude frontiers.