Mumbai – Renowned Pune-based mountaineering and adventure club Giripremi is set to embark on a bold and unprecedented expedition to Mount Meru in the Gangotri Glacier region of the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand. The team will attempt to scale the sacred and technically demanding peak via the East Ridge—a route that remains unclimbed to date.
Leading the expedition is Umesh Zirpe, a veteran mountaineer and mentor widely respected in India’s mountaineering community. Zirpe, known for his leadership in numerous high-altitude expeditions, has been honored with the prestigious Government of Maharashtra’s Shiv Chhatrapati Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to adventure sports.
“Mount Meru is not only revered for its spiritual significance but is also considered one of the most technically challenging peaks in the Indian Himalayas,” said Zirpe. “Attempting it via the East Ridge will be a true test of endurance, skill, and teamwork.”
The climbing team comprises a group of seasoned mountaineers: Vivek Shivade, Varun Bhagwat, Nikunj Shah, Ronak Singh, Vinod Gosai, and Mingma Sherpa. Their collective experience spans a wide range of Himalayan expeditions, making them well-equipped to take on this formidable challenge.
Mount Meru has long held a mythical and revered status in Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology. Its rugged terrain and steep ridgelines have also earned it a formidable reputation among climbers. The East Ridge, in particular, remains unexplored, adding both historical and technical significance to Giripremi’s attempt.
The expedition will also aim to promote awareness of India’s rich mountaineering heritage and inspire younger generations to explore the country’s natural frontiers through responsible adventure tourism.
Giripremi has previously undertaken successful expeditions to Mount Everest, Annapurna, and several other 8,000-meter peaks, solidifying its position as one of India’s leading mountaineering institutions.