Mumbai Police Inspector Sambhaji Gurav Scales Mount Denali
Sambhaji Gurav, a Mumbai Police Inspector attached to the V P Road Police Station, successfully scaled Mount Denali in Alaska on June 17, 2026. Reaching the 6,190-meter summit at 5 p.m., Gurav and his team unfurled the Indian National Flag and the Maharashtra Police flag at the highest peak in North America.
This achievement marks the completion of six of the prestigious Seven Summits—the highest mountains on each of the seven continents—for the officer. Gurav has managed to balance his high-altitude climbing passion with a demanding 15-year career in law enforcement.
Gurav's previous successful climbs include Mount Everest in May 2021, Mount Elbrus in July 2021, Mount Kilimanjaro in August 2021, Mount Kosciuszko in 2022, and Mount Aconcagua in January 2023. Mount Denali represents his sixth major continental peak.
Dubbed "Mission Denali," the latest expedition began on June 5, 2026, under Gurav's leadership with a three-member team. The team battled severe snowstorms, freezing temperatures, low oxygen levels, and rapidly changing weather conditions. The expedition concluded with 100 percent success and zero injuries.
The triumph followed two previous unsuccessful attempts. In 2023, severe storms, whiteout conditions, and powerful winds forced Gurav's team to turn back just 200 meters below the summit. A second attempt in 2025 was also called off due to adverse weather. Gurav used the experience from both failed attempts to plan and lead the successful 2026 mission.
To prepare for the grueling climb, which required carrying 30 to 55 kilograms of equipment, Gurav maintained a strict training regimen. He woke up daily to train between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. before managing his operational duties at the V P Road Police Station. Gurav credited his diet coach, Sujata Gurav, for her precise nutritional planning during his preparation.
Reflecting on the achievement, Gurav expressed gratitude to Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti for his support. He noted that the summit symbolized perseverance and the ability to rise after repeated setbacks, stating, "Mountains don't defeat you, they refine you."
