Major General Amaresh Gunjan Flags Off 152-Km Dainkund Trek to Honour Veterans and Veer Naris
Major General Amaresh Gunjan, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding of the Golden Key Division, has flagged off the Dainkund Trekking Expedition 2026, launching a 10-day, 152-kilometre trek through the demanding mountain terrain of Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba region.
The expedition brings together 15 trained mountaineer soldiers for a journey designed not only to test endurance and field skills, but also to carry a wider message. Conceived as a tribute to military veterans and Veer Naris, the initiative also aims to spread awareness about environmental conservation and engage with local communities and school students along the route.
Set against the scenic but challenging landscape of Chamba, the 152-kilometre route is expected to place considerable demands on the participating soldiers. The trek will require sustained physical fitness, endurance and mountaineering ability as the team moves through mountainous terrain over the course of 10 days.
Army officials have framed the expedition as an effort with social and commemorative purpose beyond adventure. A central objective is to honour veterans and Veer Naris whose service and sacrifice remain an important part of India’s defence legacy. Through the trek, the soldiers will carry a message of gratitude and respect to military families whose contributions have shaped that heritage.
The expedition is also expected to include outreach to students along the route. During interactions with schoolchildren, the soldiers will seek to encourage values associated with military life and teamwork, including discipline, courage, perseverance, cooperation and commitment to the nation.
Environmental stewardship is another major theme of the initiative. By moving through the Himalayan landscape, the team is expected to highlight the need to protect fragile mountain ecosystems and promote responsible behaviour towards the environment. The emphasis on conservation gives the trek an additional public-awareness dimension, linking a military field activity with the broader issue of preserving natural heritage.
The participation of trained mountaineer soldiers also reflects the Indian Army’s continued emphasis on physical robustness, resilience and the capacity to operate effectively in difficult terrain. In that sense, the trek serves both as a practical endurance exercise and as a public demonstration of collective effort under challenging conditions.
With its combination of adventure, military tradition and community engagement, the Dainkund Trekking Expedition 2026 has been positioned as more than a route to be completed. Each stage of the journey is intended to recognise those who have served the nation, inspire younger generations and reinforce awareness of the need to safeguard India’s ecologically sensitive mountain regions.
