Bengal mountaineers summit four peaks in Ladakh, achieve three first ascents and climb Chang Chenmo Kangri via a new route during a historic expedition
KOLKATA: A mountaineering team from West Bengal has achieved a significant milestone in Himalayan exploration by summiting four mountains during the Chang Chenmo Expedition 2026 in eastern Ladakh. The team, led by veteran mountaineer Rudra Prasad Halder, climbed Chang Chenmo Kangri at 6,536 metres through a new route and recorded first ascents of three previously unclimbed peaks.
Organised by Sonarpur Arohi, the expedition began on August 25 and challenged the climbers with extreme cold, difficult terrain, water shortages and logistical difficulties. The team completed all four ascents using the alpine style, without fixed ropes or high-altitude porter support.
Chang Chenmo Kangri Conquered Through a New Route
The team summited Chang Chenmo Kangri on September 11, opening a new route to the 6,536-metre peak. It also climbed three previously unclimbed mountains measuring approximately 6,400 metres, 6,420 metres and 6,274 metres on September 9, 16 and 20, respectively.
The expedition was led by Rudra Prasad Halder, with Guinness World Record-holding mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta serving as deputy leader. Anindya Mukherjee joined the expedition as mentor.
Siddhanta, known for climbing the Seven Summits and Seven Volcanic Summits, has also summited Mount Everest and completed a 111-kilometre ski journey to the South Pole while pulling a 50-kilogram sled. His mountaineering achievements include exploratory ascents of peaks such as Gupt Parvat and Monto Massif.
“This expedition tested our technical abilities, endurance and teamwork. Climbing in such a remote region without fixed ropes required careful planning and trust in one another. Each summit was a collective achievement,” Siddhanta said.
Extreme Conditions Test the Team’s Endurance
The climbers encountered severe weather and limited water supplies while navigating the remote mountain region. During an attempt to climb another peak, eight members spent several hours exposed on a glacier at approximately 5,900 metres in temperatures close to minus 30 degrees Celsius.
The team eventually abandoned the attempt and returned safely to Camp 1.
Halder, who has climbed major Himalayan peaks including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and Indrasan, said the expedition demonstrated the importance of preparation, adaptability and self-reliance.
“Our objective was to explore challenging mountain terrain and achieve our climbing goals through a self-supported approach. Despite having to change our route, face extreme cold and deal with water shortages, the team remained focused. Completing four ascents, including three first ascents, is a proud moment for Sonarpur Arohi,” he said.
Newly Climbed Peaks Proposed to Honour Mountaineering Legends
Sonarpur Arohi has proposed naming the three newly climbed peaks Mount Edmund Hillary, Mount Tenzing Norgay and Netaji Subhas Parvat. The proposed names would honour the legendary Everest climbers Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, along with Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
The club has received consent for the proposed names from Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary; Jamling Tenzing Norgay, son of Tenzing Norgay; and representatives of the Netaji Research Bureau. The names remain subject to the relevant official recognition process.
Sonarpur Arohi Expedition Team
The expedition team comprised Rudra Prasad Halder (leader), Satyarup Siddhanta (deputy leader), Anindya Mukherjee (mentor), Naitik Nilay Naskar, Debasish Majumder, Dipashree Pal, Tuhin Bhattacharya, Wrik Roy, Aparesh Sannigrahi, Malay Purkait, Rahul Halder, Ratan Acharya, Yasmina Khan and Niranjan Pal.
The team included two female climbers and brought together experienced mountaineers and emerging talent. Naitik Nilay Naskar and Debasish Majumder played important roles in route exploration.
The successful ascents and the new route to Chang Chenmo Kangri mark a notable achievement for Sonarpur Arohi. The expedition highlights the team’s technical ability, teamwork and commitment to self-supported mountaineering in the challenging terrain of eastern Ladakh.
