Pune, 17 July 2026: An all-women Himalayan expedition organised by Pune-based mountaineering organisation Giripremi has successfully scaled Mount Mentok Kangri II (6,210 metres) in Ladakh's Rupshu region.
The team hoisted the Indian National Flag and Giripremi's flag at the summit, marking another milestone in promoting women's participation in adventure sports.
The summit team, led by Sonia Bhavsar, included Gayatri Damame, Chetana Shetye, Sharvari Paranjape and Sakshi Prabhune. The climbers began their summit push from the high camp at 2 am on July 13 and reached the peak after a demanding 10-and-a-half-hour climb through freezing temperatures, strong winds and snow-covered terrain.
After completing the ascent, the entire summit team safely returned to the base camp by 6 pm the same day.
Team members Tanishka Shinde, Devayani Wadnerkar and Anjali Katre decided to turn back from an altitude of 5,900 metres due to unfavourable weather conditions. Sheetal Mukadam and Anushka Dev were also part of the expedition.
The expedition received on-ground guidance from experienced mountaineer Skalzang Rigzin, while Shiv Chhatrapati Award recipient Ashish Mane mentored the team.
Mane said the achievement belonged to the entire team, adding that no Himalayan summit is conquered by an individual alone. He credited the success to every member's determination, discipline and teamwork.
Congratulating the team, Giripremi President Umesh Zirpe said the expedition reflects the organisation's commitment to developing women leaders in mountaineering and adventure sports.
He added that the successful climb proves women are capable of undertaking demanding Himalayan expeditions and will inspire more women to participate in such activities.
