~ Veteran Climber Scales World's Highest Peak, Continuing Tata Steel Adventure Foundation's Legacy ~

Jamshedpur, May 19, 2025: Mohan Rawat, a dedicated Senior Instructor with the Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF), has successfully summited Mount Everest on May 18, 2025, at 5:20 am (Nepal Time). This achievement marks another milestone for TSAF, which has now supported and trained 13 successful Everest climbers since Bachendri Pal's historic ascent in 1984.

Mohan began his journey from India on April 10, 2025. Despite initial permit delays in Kathmandu, he reached Everest Base Camp (17,500 ft) on May 3, trekking through the Khumbu region. As part of his acclimatisation, he climbed Mt. Lobuche East (20,075 ft) on May 2.

His summit rotation began on May 8, moving from Base Camp to Camp 2 via Camp 1, reaching as high as Camp 3 before returning to Base Camp on May 11. The final summit push began at 1 am on May 14. After crossing the Khumbu Icefall, he reached Camp 2 that morning, then Camp 3 on May 16, and Camp 4 (South Col, 26,400 ft) on May 17. He summited early on May 18 and spent around 15 minutes at the top before beginning his descent. He was accompanied by experienced Sherpa guide Lhakpa Sherpa and supported by Nepal-based outfitter Asian Trekking.

D. B. Sundara Ramam, Chairman, Tata Steel Adventure Foundation, and Vice President (Corporate Services), Tata Steel, expressing his delight, said: “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.”

Mohan Rawat's journey to the summit is a story of perseverance and dedication. Hailing from Agora village in Uttarkashi, Mohan comes from a humble background. He has worked as a rafting guide and used to run his own Maggi shop for hikers on the Dodital trek. He has been with TSAF for over 20 years and has undertaken extensive training in mountaineering, skiing, and rafting. His previous climbs include peaks like Chamser and Lungser Kangri, Jogin I and III, Kang Yatse I & II, Bhagirathi II, Mt Lobuche East, Stok Kangri, Thelu, Dzo Jongo, Mt Rudugaira and Mt. Kanamo.

He was part of the 2018 Mission Gange expedition flagged off by the Prime Minister and the 2022 Trans-Himalayan expedition led by Ms. Bachendri Pal, which traversed 4,841 km across 35 mountain passes. In the lead-up to Everest, he completed several high-altitude treks, winter training in Leh, and the Triple Pass Challenge (Darwa Pass – Bali Pass – Borasu Pass).

Mohan has been rigorously training for Everest since 2022, focusing on stamina, technical skills, and high-altitude endurance. His journey to the top is a testament to his grit, resilience, and passion for the mountains.

About TSAF
Founded by legendary mountaineer Ms. Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to climb Mt Everest on May 23, 1984, Tata Steel Adventure Foundation is an outbound leadership institute which, through its wide range of activities, aims at developing able leaders for the future through identification of their limits of mental and physical endurance. It allows people from all walks of life and all ages to choose their own metaphor for self-discovery. TSAF programmes combine learning from the outdoors with organisational development to create an environment that helps teams undergo transformation. These training programmes help individuals improve their potential, both professionally and personally. True to its philosophy of experimental learning, TSAF believes that no classroom is better than nature and no teacher is better than your own will. Apart from team building, learning & development programmes, TSAF is helping develop Sport Climbing, a recent Olympic inductee, in India through training centres, residential academy, and grassroot development centres. TSAF also does recreational activities in mountaineering & water sports which are open to all. Environment conservation, community development, health, and fitness are other areas of focus in which TSAF is active.