Two senior instructors of the Nagaland Sport Climbing Association (NSCA), Yierhevitso Vakha and Marnungden Walling, successfully summited Mount Saramati, the highest peak in Nagaland, standing at approximately 3,840 metres (12,598 feet) above sea level, on 31 October 2026.
The expedition was undertaken with a shared vision of promoting mountaineering, sport climbing and adventure activities across Nagaland, while encouraging the younger generation to explore outdoor pursuits, embrace physical fitness and develop a spirit of adventure.
Both climbers are trained and qualified mountaineering professionals. They have successfully completed the Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC), Advance Mountaineering Course (AMC) and Method of Instruction (MOI) at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling, securing Grade A in all three courses.
In addition to their professional qualifications, both instructors have undertaken multiple mountaineering expeditions across different regions of India, gaining valuable experience in the Himalayan ranges. Over the years, they have successfully climbed several Himalayan peaks ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 metres above sea level. These expeditions have provided them with extensive exposure to high-altitude mountaineering, challenging terrain and the demands of Himalayan climbing, further strengthening their experience and expertise as mountaineering professionals.
Beyond their personal mountaineering pursuits, both instructors have made significant contributions to the development of climbing and rescue skills in Nagaland. Through the Nagaland Sport Climbing Association, they have been actively involved in training and mentoring climbers, including athletes who have gone on to represent Nagaland at national and Asian-level competitions. Their efforts in developing sport climbing have helped create opportunities for young people from the state to compete at higher levels.
Their contribution also extends to disaster preparedness and rescue training. In 2015, they imparted rope rescue training to personnel of the Nagaland State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), sharing essential technical knowledge and practical skills required for emergency response and rescue operations.
For the two instructors, mountaineering is not merely about reaching the summit of a mountain. It is also about discipline, physical endurance, mental strength, teamwork and respect for nature. They encourage trekkers and climbers to practise responsible tourism by avoiding plastic waste, carrying back all non-biodegradable materials and adopting a zero-plastic-waste approach during expeditions. They emphasise the importance of preserving the natural beauty of Nagaland’s mountains for future generations.
Their successful ascent of Mount Saramati reflects the dedication, experience and potential that Nagaland possesses in the field of mountaineering and adventure sports.
As Nagaland continues to explore greater opportunities in adventure sports, the achievements and experience of homegrown mountaineering professionals such as Vakha and Walling deserve greater recognition and encouragement. With their technical qualifications, extensive mountaineering experience, involvement in training climbers and contributions to disaster preparedness, greater institutional support and opportunities for advanced expeditions could help them achieve even greater milestones.
Their aspirations extend beyond the mountains of Nagaland. With the ultimate dream of undertaking an expedition to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, they hope to carry the name of Nagaland onto the international mountaineering stage and inspire more young people from the state to pursue mountaineering.
Their journey serves as a reminder that with proper training, determination, encouragement and institutional support, Naga mountaineers too can aspire to reach the world’s highest summits.
( Nagaland Sport Climbing Association)
