From Pune to the Himalayas: All-Women Team Completes Mount Mentok Kangri-II at 6,210 Metres
Pune, 25th July 2026: Giripremi felicitated the members and mentors of its successful All-Women Mount Mentok Kangri-II Expedition 2026 at a felicitation and experience-sharing programme held at Apte Hall in Pune on July 22.
The expedition team successfully attempted Mount Mentok Kangri-II, which stands at 6,210 metres, with the programme highlighting the challenges faced during the climb, the importance of teamwork and the role of women in mountaineering and adventure sports.
The event was attended by Bharti Bhagwani, Director of GG International School, and Dhruvi Bhatia, Principal of GG International School, who felicitated the expedition members and mentors.
In her welcome address, Ushahprabha Page, Founder-President of Giripremi, spoke about the background of the expedition and the organisation’s efforts to promote women’s participation in mountaineering, adventure education and leadership development.
Ashish Mane, an Everest summiteer and recipient of the Shri Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award, presented an overview of the expedition, covering its planning, training, acclimatisation and the challenges encountered during the climb.
The expedition members also shared their experiences from the Himalayas, speaking about adverse weather and mountain conditions, teamwork, perseverance, confidence and the mental resilience required during the expedition. A promotional film on the expedition was screened during the programme. Giripremi also announced that a detailed documentary on the expedition will be released soon.
Senior mountaineer and Everest summiteer Bhushan Harshe, while introducing the chief guests, congratulated the team and emphasised the importance of decision-making in mountaineering.
“There is no failure in mountaineering—you either reach the summit or learn something valuable. Equally important is the ability to make the right decision to turn back when safety demands it,” Harshe said.
He praised the team’s courage, discipline and teamwork.
Umesh Zirpe, President of Giripremi and recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, congratulated the expedition members and mentors through a video message from the United States. He said the all-women team had carried forward Giripremi’s Himalayan legacy and could encourage more young women to take up mountaineering and outdoor adventure activities.
The programme was compered by expedition member Anushka Dev, while Manoj Kulkarni, Secretary of Giripremi, delivered the vote of thanks.
Giripremi founder member Anand Palande, senior mountaineers Chandan Chavan, Shripad Gokhale, Avinash Kandekar and Sanjay Doifode, and Everest summiteers Ganesh More, Bhushan Harshe, Krishna Dhokale, Vivek Shivde and Akhil Katkar were among those present.
The Giripremi All-Women Mount Mentok Kangri-II Expedition 2026 team comprised:
- Expedition Leader: Sonia Bhavsar
- Team Members: Gayatri Damame, Sharvari Paranjape, Sakshi Prabhune, Chetana Shetye, Devyani Wadnerkar, Sheetal Mukadam, Anjali Katre, Tanishka Shinde and Anushka Dev.
The programme highlighted the expedition team’s experience and the broader participation of women in mountaineering and adventure sports.
