DUSHANBE, August 12, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- An Indo-Tajik Joint Mountaineering Expedition is being undertaken in August-September 2009, according to the Indian Embassy in Dushanbe.

The aim of the expedition is to scale the twin peaks of Stok Kangri (6153 meters) and Gulap Kangri (5921 meters) in Leh Region of Jammu and Kashmir State of the Republic of India.

The mountaineering teams of the Indian Army and Tajik Ministry of Defense comprise 12 members each.

On August 3, 2009, the Tajik Ministry of Defense Team left Dushanbe for India, where they will undergo joint training and preparatory activities before summiting the peaks in mid September 2009, press release issued by the Indian Embassy on August 12 said.

They were flagged off from New Delhi on 07 August 2009 and on successful completion of the expedition, will be flagged-in.  This expedition is a historic landmark because it is the first time that such a joint adventure activity is being undertaken by the armed forces of both countries.  It is also the first time that the Tajik Ministry of Defense is undertaking a mountaineering expedition.

Both sides have great expectations from this joint venture, which is yet another reflection of the close and friendly ties between India and Tajikistan.