Itanagar, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Two women mountaineers from Arunachal Pradesh have created history by becoming the first women from the state to successfully summit the 7,077-metre Mt Kun in Ladakh’s Zanskar range, marking a landmark achievement for adventure sports in the northeastern state.
January Tali of Upper Siang district and Hachu Lombo of Dibang Valley district reached the summit at around 6 a.m. on July 27 after negotiating one of the most technically demanding high-altitude climbs in the Indian Himalayas.
Congratulating the duo, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) described their accomplishment as a proud moment for the state. In a statement issued by the Raj Bhavan, he said the two climbers had etched their names in history through their courage, determination, endurance and mental resilience.
The Governor said their success would inspire young people across Arunachal Pradesh, particularly women, to pursue ambitious goals and explore opportunities in adventure sports. He expressed confidence that the feat would encourage the state’s youth to embrace physical fitness, perseverance and mountaineering.
Mt Kun, one of the highest peaks in the Zanskar range, is regarded as one of India’s toughest mountaineering challenges due to its steep snow-covered slopes, treacherous glaciers, thin air and unpredictable weather.
The expedition included nine climbers—seven men and two women, excluding Sherpas. Only four members of the team successfully reached the summit, highlighting the demanding nature of the climb.
For January Tali, the ascent adds another milestone to an impressive mountaineering career. She had previously scaled six Himalayan peaks within two weeks, including double summits of UT Kangri (6,080 metres) and Mentok Kangri-III (6,126 metres), besides climbing Mentok Kangri-I (6,268 metres) and Mentok Kangri-II (6,218 metres).
Officials said both Tali and Lombo will receive official summit certificates from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), New Delhi, recognising their successful ascent of Mt Kun.
Their achievement is being hailed as a significant boost for mountaineering in Arunachal Pradesh and a source of inspiration for aspiring climbers across the region.
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