KATHMANDU: India's National Security Guard, the elite federal counter-terrorism force better known as the Black Cats, has flagged off its Mt. Everest Expedition 2026, with a 16-member team now in Kathmandu and set to fly to Lukla tomorrow before making their way to Everest Base Camp.

The expedition was flagged off in India by NSG Director General Shri Brighu Srinivasan, IPS, and comprises three officers, one assistant commander, and twelve rangers. The team is commanded by Lt. Col. Ram Chandra Thapa, with Major Akhilesh Bhatt serving as climbing leader.

Chhang Dawa Sherpa, Director at Seven Summit Treks — the Kathmandu-based operator organising the expedition — confirmed the team's arrival. "The NSG team was flagged off yesterday. They arrived here last night and are leaving for Lukla tomorrow," he said.

Seven Summit Treks has extensive experience organising expeditions for institutional and government teams on Everest and other 8,000-metre peaks, and Chhang Dawa said the NSG team's disciplined approach and high-altitude preparation reflect the seriousness with which India's security establishment is approaching the climb.

The NSG described the expedition as an expression of the force's commitment to pushing the limits of physical and mental endurance, reinforcing its founding ethos of Sarvatra Sarvottam Suraksha — excellence and security everywhere. Established in 1984 and operating under India's Ministry of Home Affairs, the NSG is a rapid-reaction force specialising in counter-terrorism, anti-hijacking, and high-risk special operations.

The Black Cats join hundreds of climbers from across the world already at or heading to Everest Base Camp for the Spring 2026 season, which got fully under way this week after the Khumbu Icefall route to Camp II was finally opened following a prolonged delay.