KATHMANDU:

A 20-member team from the Indian Army, led by Lt Col IS Thapa, will attempt to scale Mt Everest this spring. This information was shared at a press meet organised at the Indian Embassy on March 30.

Deputy Chief of Mission Dr Kheya Bhattacharya expressed her pleasure and pride at the

undertaking.

Team leader Lt Col Thapa gave a briefing about the preparations and their plans. A total of 90 people had applied, out of which 50 were chosen. They were given rigorous training from basic to advanced level, and 20 have finally made it for the final ascent.

While 14 members comprise the climbing team, six comprise the support team. They will be approaching the top of the world from the north side, which is believed to be the most difficult side to climb Mt Everest.

They will start on their journey from April 7, and till May 2 they will be on their acclimatisation round. The actual expedition will begin on May 3 and the team is expected to reach the summit by May 20.