In 1984, India launched Op "MEGHDOOT" to secure the Siachen Glacier, marking a pivotal moment in military history by establishing control over the world’s highest battlefield. Nestled in the majestic Karakoram Range, Siachen stands as a symbol of both strategic significance and breathtaking natural beauty. Three years later, in 1987, Op "RAJIV" was undertaken to reclaim the Quaid Post, a key vantage point in the glacier region. The operation, led by Subedar Bana Singh and his team, exemplified extraordinary courage and determination. Today, the post, renamed Bana Post, honours this heroic feat. Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, expansive glaciers, and rugged terrain, Siachen offers a rare glimpse into one of Earth’s most pristine landscapes. Its extreme environment, with harsh climates and remote locations, presents unparalleled challenges, making it a testament to human resilience and the allure of the extraordinary.
Note: Since Siachen 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.
Featured In Movie: Revealed Siachen (2016), Operation Meghdoot: How India Capture Siachen (Battle Ops) (2018)
The Siachen Glacier, nestled in the Karakoram Range, became a contentious point between India and Pakistan due to the ambiguous demarcation in the Karachi Agreement of 1949, which left the region's control undefined. Both nations laid claim to the glacier, with Pakistan initiating mountaineering expeditions in the 1970s to assert their authority, followed by Indian expeditions in response. By 1984, tensions escalated when Pakistan attempted to assert control over the glacier, prompting India to launch Op "MEGHDOOT". Under this operation, Indian forces preemptively occupied critical passes and heights, securing strategic control over the glacier and its surrounding regions.
Op "MEGHDOOT" saw Indian troops overcoming immense challenges posed by the extreme terrain and weather conditions of the glacier. Indian forces, led by Lt. Gen. P.N. Hoon, established positions on the Saltoro Ridge, gaining control over critical passes such as Sia La, Bilafond La, and Gyong La. Despite Pakistan's efforts to counter these moves, India maintained its dominance, solidifying its presence on the world's highest battlefield. This operation marked a significant victory, showcasing the resilience and determination of Indian troops in safeguarding national interests under hostile conditions.
In 1987, Pakistan's occupation of the Quaid Post on the Saltoro Ridge led to Op "RAJIV", named in honor of 2/Lt Rajiv Pande, who sacrificed his life during an earlier attempt. Nb Sub Bana Singh and his team successfully reclaimed the post, now renamed Bana Top, after a daring assault through steep ice walls and blizzard conditions. The victory underscored the bravery and strategic acumen of Indian forces, cementing their control over Siachen and the surrounding strategic heights, making the glacier a symbol of resilience and national pride.
During Op “MEGHDOOT", launched in April 1984, Indian troops displayed extraordinary courage by preemptively securing key positions on the Siachen Glacier and the Saltoro Ridge, establishing control over the world's highest battlefield. Units from the Kumaon Regiment, led by Lt Col D.K. Khanna, and the Ladakh Scouts trekked through snowbound Zoji La for days to avoid detection, with Major R.S. Sadhu’s unit securing critical glacier positions and Captain Sanjay Kulkarni and Second Lieutenant Anant Bhuyan captured Bilafond La. In the 1987 Op "RAJIV", Naib Subedar Bana Singh earned the Param Vir Chakra for his heroic assault on Quaid Post, while other soldiers, including Riflemen Chuni Lal and Om Raj, Havildars Harnam Singh and Sansar Chand, and Major Varinder Singh, were awarded gallantry honours for their valour in securing the Siachen Glacier.
.png)
Leh → Khardung La (38 km) → Panamik (142 km) → Siachen Base Camp (202 km) → Panamik (262 km) → Back to Leh (404 km)
