Tiger Hill in Kargil, Ladakh offers a stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks, vibrant valleys, and flowing rivers. Its natural beauty, with rocky mountains and lush meadows, makes it a captivating destination, while memorials honour the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers.
Note: Since Tiger Hill is situated at an altitude more than 9000 feet above sea level, tourists are advised to follow the acclimatization process. Please refer to the PDF attached in the important links section.
In late May 1999, Tiger Hill was held by enemy forces, and the 8th Battalion, Sikh Regiment, launched an initial assault but was repelled by heavy fire. In late June, the 192 Mountain Brigade took over the operation, with the 18th Battalion, The Grenadiers, joining the effort. The final assault began on July 3, with intense artillery bombardment followed by infantry advances from unexpected routes. 200 men from the 18 Grenadiers climbed a 1,000-foot vertical cliff in freezing rain, reaching near the summit before coming under heavy fire. After several days of fierce fighting,18 Grenadiers captured Tiger Hill on July 8. Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav of the battalion was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest military honor, for his significant role in the battle, despite suffering 17 bullet wounds.
CITATION
Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav
18 GRENADIERS (2690-572)
Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav was part of the leading team of a Ghatak Platoon tasked to capture Tiger Hill on the night of ¾ July 1999. The approach to the top was steep, snowbound and rocky. Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav, unmindful of the danger involved, volunteered to lead and fix the rope for his team to climb up. On seeing the team, the enemy opened intense automatic, grenade, rocket and artillery fire killing the Commander and two of his colleagues and the platoon was stalled. Realising the gravity of the situation, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav crawled up to the enemy position to silence it and in the process sustained multiple bullet injuries. Unmindful of his injuries and in the hail of enemy bullets, Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav continued climbing towards the enemy positions, lobbed grenades, continued firing from his weapons and killed four enemy soldiers in close combat an silenced the automatic fire. Despite multiple bullet injuries, he refused to be evacuated and continued the charge. Inspired by his gallant act, the platoon charged on the other positions with renewed punch and captured Tiger Hill Top.
Grenadier Yogender Singh Yadav displayed the most conspicuous courage, indomitable gallantry, grit and determination under extreme adverse circumstances.
Leh → Khalsi (95 Km) → Kargil (206 Km) → Tiger Hill (282 Km) → Leh
