Bengal Team Scales 3 Unclimbed Peaks, Seeks to Honour India’s Heroes and Everest Legends

A mountaineering team from West Bengal has made history in eastern Ladakh by completing four high-altitude ascents, including three first ascents of previously unclimbed Himalayan peaks. Adding to the achievement, the team has proposed naming the newly scaled summits after freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and legendary mountaineers Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.Led by veteran mountaineer Rudra Prasad Halder, the Sonarpur Arohi club team completed the challenging climbs during its Chang Chenmo Expedition 2026, which began on August 25.On September 11, the team climbed the 6,536-metre Chang Chenmo Kangri through a new route. It also achieved first ascents of three previously unclimbed peaks, measuring approximately 6,400 metres, 6,420 metres and 6,274 metres, on September 9, 16 and 20, respectively.Climbing Without a Safety NetWhat makes the expedition particularly remarkable is the team's self-supported approach. The climbers relied on their technical abilities, careful planning and teamwork, without fixed ropes, Sherpa support or high-altitude porter assistance.The expedition included two women climbers and brought together experienced mountaineers and newer members. According to a report in The Tribune, Naitik Nilay Naskar and Debasish Majumder also played key roles in exploring the route.The journey, however, was far from easy. Extreme cold, freezing winds, difficult terrain and water shortages tested the climbers throughout their time in the remote mountain region. Changes to the original plans added to the challenges, demanding adaptability and determination from the team.“Our objective was to explore challenging mountain terrain and achieve our climbing goals through a self-supported approach,” Halder said, describing the team's experience. He added that completing four ascents, including three first ascents, was a proud moment for Sonarpur Arohi.Honouring Legendary IconsThe team has formally proposed naming the three newly climbed peaks after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary, recognising their contributions to India's history and the world of mountaineering.According to the expedition details, the team has received written permissions from Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary; Jamling Tenzing Norgay, son of Tenzing Norgay; and the Netaji Research Bureau for the proposed names. The recommendations must now go through the official approval process before the names can be formally adopted.A Remarkable Feat of ExplorationThe expedition also featured Satyarup Siddhanta, who has climbed both the Seven Summits and the Seven Volcanic Summits. He has scaled Mount Everest and skied 111 kilometres to reach the South Pole.For Sonarpur Arohi, the four ascents represent more than a climbing achievement. They showcase the spirit of exploration, resilience and teamwork while bringing attention to lesser-explored Himalayan terrain.