A 15-member Bengal mountaineering team has begun its ambitious ‘Expedition Into the Unknown’, aiming to attempt Chang Chenmo Kangri, a 6,536-metre peak, and survey other unexplored mountains in the remote Chang Chenmo Valley of Ladakh.
Team aims for first recorded ascent
The expedition aims to make the first recorded ascent of Chang Chenmo Kangri while also surveying and attempting other unclimbed peaks in the region, subject to weather and mountain conditions.
The team will undertake the expedition without Sherpas or high-altitude guides. The climbers will rely on their own technical expertise, experience, judgement and teamwork while navigating the challenging terrain of the remote Himalayan valley.
Expedition led by Everest summiteer
The expedition is being led by Rudra Prasad Halder, an Everest and Kanchenjunga summiteer. The 15-member team includes mountaineers and climbers with experience in high-altitude expeditions, including Guinness World Record holder Satyarup Siddhanta.
Flag handed over at Kolkata
The expedition was ceremonially flagged off in Kolkata on August 24. Justice Arindam Mukherjee of the Calcutta High Court formally handed over the expedition flag to the climbers and wished the team a safe and successful journey.
The expedition will travel from Kolkata to Jammu, Sonamarg, Kargil and Leh before reaching Phobrang, north of Pangong Lake. From Phobrang, the team will enter the Chang Chenmo Valley to begin its exploration.
Educational outreach planned during expedition
Alongside mountaineering activities, the team plans to distribute educational materials and sports equipment among students at a local school in Phobrang as part of its outreach initiative.
The team is scheduled to leave Kolkata on August 25. The expedition will combine high-altitude mountaineering with exploration of lesser-known peaks as the Bengal climbers venture into one of Ladakh’s remote mountain regions.
