Arunachal's January Tali, Hachu Lombo become first state women to scale 7,077-metre Mt Kun
Itanagar, Aug 3
Two women mountaineers from Arunachal Pradesh have scripted history by becoming the first women from the state to successfully scale the 7,077-metre-high Mt Kun in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, bringing laurels to the border state, officials said on Sunday.
January Tali and Hachu Lombo reached the summit at around 6 a.m. on July 27, marking a significant milestone for mountaineering in Arunachal Pradesh.
January Tali hails from Yingkiong in Upper Siang district, while Hachu Lombo belongs to Anini in Dibang Valley district. Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik (Retd) on Sunday congratulated the two mountaineers on their remarkable achievement, describing it as a moment of immense pride for the state.
According to a statement issued by the Lok Bhavan Secretariat, the Governor said that Tali and Lombo have etched their names in history by becoming the first women from Arunachal Pradesh to conquer the formidable Mt Kun.
"Their successful ascent reflects extraordinary courage, determination, endurance and mental strength," the Governor said, adding that their achievement has brought honour to Arunachal Pradesh and would inspire countless young people, especially women, to dream big and pursue excellence in every field.
Lt Gen Parnaik (Retd) expressed confidence that the feat would encourage Arunachali youth to embrace physical fitness, adventure sports and a spirit of perseverance while motivating them to push beyond conventional limits.
He noted that Mt Kun, one of the highest peaks in the Zanskar range of the Indian Himalayas, is regarded as one of India's most demanding high-altitude technical climbs because of its steep snow-covered slopes, treacherous glaciers, thin air and highly unpredictable weather conditions.
The expedition comprised a mixed team of nine climbers, including two women and seven men, excluding Sherpas. Highlighting the extreme difficulty of the climb, only four of the nine climbers successfully reached the summit.
For January Tali, the latest accomplishment adds another chapter to her growing list of mountaineering achievements. She had earlier scaled six Himalayan peaks within two weeks, including double summits of UT Kangri (6,080 metres) and Mentok Kangri-III (6,126 metres), besides conquering Mentok Kangri-I (6,268 metres) and Mentok Kangri-II (6,218 metres).
Officials said that both January Tali and Hachu Lombo would receive official summit certificates from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), New Delhi, in recognition of their successful ascent of Mt Kun.
The Governor said that the historic achievement of the two women mountaineers stands as a testament to the growing spirit of adventure and resilience among the youth of Arunachal Pradesh and is expected to inspire many more aspiring climbers from the state to take up mountaineering and other adventure sports.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is what women empowerment actually looks like - not just slogans but real courage and hard work. From the remote districts of Arunachal to the top of a 7,077-metre peak in Ladakh! These young women are role models for every girl in India who dreams big. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Respect to these brave women! However, I wish the government would invest more in adventure sports infrastructure in the Northeast. We have so much potential but limited facilities. Still, this achievement proves that talent doesn't need luxury facilities - it needs determination. 🏔️
Amazing! January Tali had already done 6 Himalayan peaks in 2 weeks earlier? That's superhuman! These women are putting Arunachal Pradesh on the mountaineering map of India. So inspiring for all of us who think our dreams are too big. Congratulations to both of them and their support teams! 👏
This is absolutely fantastic! But let's be honest - our media gives so much coverage to Bollywood gossip but barely covers such genuine achievements from the Northeast. These women deserve national recognition, not just state-level congratulations. Hope the IMF certificate brings them more opportunities. 🌟
What incredible determination! Scaling Mt Kun, one of the most technically challenging peaks in India, is no joke. These women from Arunachal have shown that our border states are full of bravehearts. The Governor is right - this will inspire so many young people to take up adventure sports. Proud moment for India! 🎉