SHIMLA, 06, October, 2026, Mountaineer Sachin Gangta, founder of Himalayan Gypsie and a native of Kathasu village in Jubbal, Shimla, has successfully completed Project Changthang, a 21-day high-altitude expedition across the remote Changthang region of Ladakh, scaling 25 peaks above 6,000 metres between 10 and 30 September 2026.Gangta undertook the expedition with Padma Namgayal, who accompanied him as guide, with both completing all 25 summit ascents. During the expedition, the team covered more than 200 kilometres, spent 16 days on summit climbs and recorded a cumulative elevation gain of more than 18,000 metres. The highest camp was established at approximately 5,560 metres, with the expedition involving prolonged movement and camping in extreme cold, strong winds, low oxygen availability and challenging terrain.For Gangta, the number 25 also carried a deeply personal meaning. Born on 25 February, he chose 25 peaks as the defining objective of Project Changthang.
Sachin Gangta, Founder, Himalayan Gypsie.said,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
The expedition took the climbers through the remote and challenging terrain of Changthang, a high-altitude plateau region of Ladakh with an average elevation of around 4,500 metres. The region’s vast and isolated landscape meant that altitude was a constant factor throughout the expedition, with the climbers repeatedly moving between remote mountain areas and preparing for successive climbs.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 during Project Changthang 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 a conventional expedition centred around one major summit, Project Changthang involved a continuous sequence of ascents, descents and summit attempts. Sixteen of the 21 days involved summit climbs, requiring the climbers to repeatedly manage acclimatisation, recovery, hydration, nutrition and equipment while moving through remote and demanding terrain.
The expedition also comes at a time of increased attention on high-altitude mountaineering in Ladakh. On 25 September 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.
Project Changthang was also undertaken in memory and inspiration of Nirmal Purja, popularly known as Nims Dai. Gangta has drawn inspiration from Purja’s approach to high-altitude mountaineering and his determination to take on demanding challenges in some of the world’s highest mountains. For Gangta, dedicating the expedition to Nims Dai added a personal dimension to an already demanding journey.
A native of Kathasu village in Jubbal, Shimla, Gangta is the founder of Himalayan Gypsie, an adventure and mountain-focused initiative working around trekking, expeditions and Himalayan experiences. He is also a member of Trek Yaari and remains actively 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 experiences.
