Bengal Mountaineers Achieve Three First Ascents and Scale Chang Chenmo Kangri via New Route

A mountaineering team from West Bengal has achieved a significant feat in eastern Ladakh, recording three first ascents of previously unclimbed peaks and scaling the 6,536-metre Chang Chenmo Kangri via a new route during its Chang Chenmo Expedition 2026.Led by veteran mountaineer Rudra Prasad Halder and Guinness World Record holder Satyarup Siddhanta, the Sonarpur Arohi team began its expedition on August 25. The team climbed Chang Chenmo Kangri on September 11, while the three first ascents were completed on September 9, 16 and 20, scaling peaks approximately 6,400 metres, 6,420 metres and 6,274 metres high, respectively.The team has proposed naming the newly scaled peaks after legendary mountaineers Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, and freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The achievement highlights Bengal’s growing contribution to Indian mountaineering and exploration.