Himachal climber completes Project Changthang in Ladakh, covering over 200 km and a cumulative elevation gain of more than 18,000 metres
Shimla, October 6
A mountaineer Sachin Gangta from Kathasu village in Jubbal, Shimla, has completed an ambitious high-altitude expedition in Ladakh, scaling 25 peaks above 6,000 metres in 21 days as part of his Project Changthang.
Gangta, founder of Himalayan Gypsy, undertook the expedition between September 10 and 30, with Padma Namgyal accompanying him as a guide. The team covered more than 200 km across the remote Changthang region and recorded a cumulative elevation gain of over 18,000 metres. Of the 21 days, 16 were spent climbing different peaks, while the highest camp was established at around 5,560 metres.
The expedition involved negotiating strong winds, extreme cold, low oxygen levels and difficult mountain terrain. Among the highest peaks climbed during the project were Chalung North (6,405 metres), Pologonka (6,390 metres), Spangnak Kangri North (6,380 metres) and Spangnak Kangri (6,370 metres).
For Gangta, the number 25 had a personal significance. Born on February 25, he had set himself the goal of climbing 25 peaks as a tribute to his birth date.
“I come from a place where mountains are a part of our lives. For me, this was not just about counting 25 peaks. I wanted to take something rooted in my village and my identity to the mountains of Ladakh,” Gangta said.
“After crossing 6,000 metres, the number matters less. What matters is having the strength to take the next step, discipline and an understanding of how to respect the mountain. Completing all 25 peaks is a matter of great pride for me,” he added.
Gangta said he dedicated Project Changthang to mountaineer Nirmal Purja, popularly known as Nims Dai, whose approach to mountaineering and willingness to take on demanding objectives have inspired him over the years.
Changthang is a high-altitude region of Ladakh, with an average elevation of around 4,500 metres. Rapidly changing weather, sparse infrastructure and remote terrain made movement between climbing locations and preparation for successive ascents particularly challenging for the team.
The expedition covered a long list of peaks, including Karzok Kangri; Mentok Kangri Trio 1, 2 and 3; Gyama South, Gyama South East, Gyama Central and Gyama East; Yalung Nong; Pologonka; Yalung Nong South; Kyagar Kangri; Chalung North; Spangnak Kangri and Spangnak Kangri North; Thugje; Chomo Chonkar 1 and 2; Sirsi Kangri; Jes Ri; Point 6250; Point 6270 and Point 6075, before concluding with ascents of UT Kangri and NDS Kangri.
Gangta’s expedition comes amid growing mountaineering activity in the high-altitude areas of Ladakh. On September 25, the Ministry of Defence announced that a 20-member team of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS) had climbed 20 previously unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres in Ladakh within 23 days.
Gangta’s Project Changthang, however, was a separate expedition, involving the ascent of 25 peaks above 6,000 metres in the Changthang region over 21 days. Details of the achievement have been submitted to India World Records and other record organisations for verification and official recognition.
A native of Kathasu in Jubbal, Gangta has been associated with Himalayan trekking, mountaineering and mountain exploration for several years. Through Himalayan Gypsy, he works on trekking, mountain exploration and adventure experiences across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Nepal, with a particular focus on remote and relatively unexplored mountain regions.
