Himachali Mountaineer Sachin Gangta Completes 25 Peaks Above 6,000 Metres in 21-Day Ladakh Expedition

Project Changthang covered more than 200 km across Ladakh’s Changthang region, with 16 summit days and over 18,000 metres of cumulative elevation gain

Mountaineer Sachin Gangta, founder of Himalayan Gypsie and a native of Kathasu village in Jubbal, Shimla, has completed a 21-day high-altitude expedition in Ladakh, scaling 25 peaks above 6,000 metres across the remote Changthang region between September 10 and 30, 2026.

Named Project Changthang, the expedition was completed by Gangta and his guide and climbing partner, Padma Namgayal. During the expedition, the duo covered more than 200 kilometres, spent 16 days on summit climbs and recorded more than 18,000 metres of cumulative elevation gain.

The highest camp during the expedition was established at approximately 5,560 metres as the climbers moved through remote mountain terrain in Changthang.

25 Peaks Linked to Gangta’s Birth Date

The target of 25 peaks had a personal significance for Gangta, who was born on February 25. He selected 25 peaks as the central objective of the expedition.

“I come from a place where the mountains are part of who we are. For me, this expedition was never just about counting summits. I wanted to take something personal from my place and carry it into the high mountains of Ladakh — 25 peaks for 25 February, my birth date. When you are standing above 6,000 metres, the number stops being important; what matters is whether you have the strength, discipline and humility to take the next step. Completing all 25 is something I will always carry with pride, especially as someone from Shimla and Himachal,” said Sachin Gangta, Founder, Himalayan Gypsie.

Project Changthang was also undertaken in memory and inspiration of Nirmal Purja, popularly known as Nims Dai. Gangta has cited Purja’s approach to high-altitude mountaineering and his work on demanding mountain challenges as an inspiration for the expedition.

Expedition Across Changthang

The expedition covered Changthang, one of Ladakh’s high-altitude regions, with an average elevation of around 4,500 metres. The climbers faced prolonged exposure to high altitude, extreme cold, strong winds, low oxygen availability and difficult terrain.

The summit objectives included Karzok Kangri, Mentok Kangri Trio 1, 2 and 3, Gyama South, Gyama South East, Gyama Central, Gyama East, Yalung Nong, Pologonka, Yalung Nong South, Kyagar Kangri, Chalung North, Spangnak Kangri, Spangnak Kangri North, Thugje, Chomo Chonkar 1 and 2, Sirsi Kangri, Zes Ri, Point 6250, Point 6270 and Point 6075, followed by the final climbs of UT Kangri and NDS Kangri.

Among the highest points reached were Chalung North at 6,405 metres, Pologonka at 6,390 metres, Spangnak Kangri North at 6,380 metres and Spangnak Kangri at 6,370 metres.

Unlike an expedition centred on a single major summit, Project Changthang involved a sequence of climbs across multiple peaks. The climbers had to repeatedly ascend, descend, recover and prepare for subsequent summit attempts.

Sixteen of the 21 days involved summit climbs, requiring attention to acclimatisation, recovery, hydration, nutrition and equipment while travelling through remote terrain.

“There were moments when the mountains made us slow down, and that is when you learn that mountaineering is not about defeating a mountain. It is about understanding when to push, when to wait and when to respect the conditions. The biggest achievement for me was not reaching the 25th summit; it was making the right decision on every mountain and returning safely,” Gangta said.

Expedition Follows Other High-Altitude Activity in Ladakh

Project Changthang was conducted amid increased activity in high-altitude mountaineering in Ladakh.

On September 25, 2026, the Ministry of Defence announced that a 20-member expedition of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS) had completed first ascents of 20 previously unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres in Ladakh in 23 days. The achievement was officially announced by the Press Information Bureau.

Project Changthang had a different objective, with Gangta completing 25 summit ascents above 6,000 metres in 21 days across the Changthang region.

The achievement has been submitted to India World Records and other record bodies for formal consideration and verification.

Gangta’s Mountaineering Activities

Gangta is a native of Kathasu village in Jubbal, Shimla, and is the founder of Himalayan Gypsie, an adventure and mountain-focused initiative associated with trekking, expeditions and Himalayan experiences.

He is also a member of Trek Yaari and remains connected with the trekking and mountaineering community.

Through Himalayan Gypsie and his association with Trek Yaari, Gangta works on trekking, mountain exploration and adventure experiences across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Nepal, with a focus on organised expeditions and outdoor activities.