Harbhajan Singh (mountaineer)

Harbhajan Singh is an Indian mountaineer, known for his successful scaling of Mount Everest, Mount Nanda Devi and many other peaks in the Himalayan region. The Government of India honored him in 2011, with the fourth highest civilian award of Padma Shri.

Harbhajan Singh was born in Punjab, India on 10 September 1956. He is a former sport person who has represented Punjab in Athletics and Judo. His career began in 1980 when he joined Indo-Tibetan Border Police as an officer in the gazetted rank and is the incumbent Inspector General of ITBP.

Singh is credited with three Mt. Everest attempts out of which he was successful in his initial attempt in 1992. Since then, he has scaled Nanda Devi, the third highest peak in India, and eight others such as Mount Abhigamin, Mana Peak, Mount Nunkun, White Needle, Mount Pinnacle, Mount Pyramid, Mount Stok Kangri and Mount Kasket. He also has led a team of skiers who skied down the Mount Everest in 2009.

Harbhajan Singh is a recipient of the Police Medal of the President of India twice and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police insignia and commendation roll seven times. He has also received the Kishan Singh and Nain Singh award and the Indian Mountaineering Foundation has extended life membership to him. In 2001, Harbhajan Singh was included the list for Republic Day honours for the fourth highest Indian civilian award of Padma Shri.