Sonarpur Arohi Climbers from Kolkata Record First Ascents of Monto 2, 3, and 4
A team of 11 climbers from Kolkata has scaled three previously unclimbed peaks, Monto 4 (6,030 m), Monto 2 (6,250 m), and Monto 3 (6,050 m) in the remote Monto Range of Southeast Ladakh, India. The month-long expedition combined technical alpine-style climbing with exploration. The Sonarpur Arohi Club achieved the rare feat of climbing three unclimbed peaks in a single expedition this month.
Unlike the eroded and near-vertical eastern cliffs that had turned back earlier teams from the Himalayan Club, the Kolkata climbers approached from the west after months of recce across Pangpo La Pass in the Rupshu region of Ladakh. With no contour maps available, the team relied on photographs and ground reccies to identify possible routes. Logistical challenges were constant: mules struggled on scree terrain, water sources were scarce, and continuous snowfall confined the climbers to base camp for days.
Between September 5 and 12, the team made five summit attempts, completing the first ascents of three unclimbed peaks. The climbs demanded technical skill, with unstable rock, unreliable anchors, and steep ice slopes pushing the climbers to their limits.
Naitik Nilay Naskar, Debashis Majumder, Satyarup Siddhanta, and Anirban Talukdar summited Monto 4 (6,030 m) on September 5. The following day, Rudra Prasad Halder, Bhaskar Halder, Soumya Kanti Biswas, Tuhin Bhattacharya, Wrik Raj Roy, and Niranjan Paul also reached the summit. On September 10, Rudra Prasad Halder, Bhaskar Halder, Soumya Kanti Biswas, Tuhin Bhattacharya, Wrik Raj Roy, Naitik Nilay Naskar, Debashis Majumder, Satyarup Siddhanta, and Anirban Talukdar climbed Monto 2 (6,250 m). Finally, on September 12, Naitik Naskar, Debashis Majumder, and Rudra Prasad Halder scaled Monto 3 (6,050 m).
“Every step was a gamble,” said team member Satyarup Siddhanta. “Snow kept us trapped for days, but in the end, that very snowfall gave us the conditions to climb. It was nature showing both its fury and its grace.”
Beyond the summits, the team explored five glacial streams and three gorges that feed into the Lingti Nala, documenting a rich diversity of Himalayan wildlife. They also observed alarming signs of climate change: shrinking lakes, vanishing water sources, and rapidly eroding mountain faces.
“This expedition gave us joy, thrill, and achievement,” Siddhanta reflected. “But it also left us with a sobering reminder of how vulnerable the Himalaya truly is.”
The Kolkata climbers returned to Kolkata on 21st September after the first ascents in the less-explored Monto Range.
Climbing Route- Monto 2
On the Summit of Monto 2
Expedition Timeline
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18 August – Team departed from Kolkata.
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22 August – Reached Korzok village on the banks of Tso Moriri Lake, East Ladakh.
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23 August – Conducted a lake-cleaning drive at Tso Moriri, declaring it a plastic-free zone. Distributed clothes, stationery, sports gear, and learning materials among students of Korzok Primary School.
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28 August – Basecamp established at 5,100 meters.
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30 August – 4 September – Heavy snowfall forced the team to remain confined to basecamp.
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5 September – Monto 4 (6,030 m) summited at 7 p.m. by Naitik Nilay Naskar, Debasish Majumder, Satyarup Siddhanta, and Anirban Talukdar.
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6 September – Second ascent of Monto 4 (6,030 m) at 4 p.m. by Rudra Prasad Halder, Bhaskar Halder, Soumya Kanti Biswas, Tuhin Bhattacharya, Wrik Raj Roy, and Niranjan Paul.
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7 September – Monto 3 (6,050 m) attempted by Naitik Nilay Naskar and Debasish Majumder; reached a high point but not the true summit.
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10 September – Monto 2 (6,250 m) successfully summited at 2 p.m. by Rudra Prasad Halder, Bhaskar Halder, Soumya Kanti Biswas, Tuhin Bhattacharya, Wrik Raj Roy, Naitik Nilay Naskar, Debasish Majumder, Satyarup Siddhanta, and Anirban Talukdar.
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12 September – Monto 3 (6,050 m) finally summited by Naitik Naskar, Debasish Majumder, and Rudra Prasad Halder.
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15 September – Team returned to Korzok.
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16 September – Reached Manali.
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21 September – Arrived in Kolkata.
Climbing Route-Monto 3
On the Summit of Monto 3
Climbing Route- Monto 4
On the Summit of Monto 4
Geo Coordinates of the peaks
