Manita Pradhan has successfully scaled Mount Vinson Massif in Antarctica, becoming one of the few Indian women to conquer the continent’s highest peak. This remarkable achievement places her one climb away from completing the esteemed Seven Summits challenge. Pradhan reached the summit at 8:30 PM local time on December 12, after enduring several days of climbing in frigid sub-zero temperatures. With this ascent, she has now completed six of the seven continental high points, with only Mount Kosciuszko in Australia remaining in her ambitious global mountaineering project.
The expedition began on December 1, when Pradhan left her home in Gangtok, Sikkim, embarking on an extensive journey to Antarctica via New York and Punta Arenas, Chile. Upon arriving in Punta Arenas on December 4, her team spent two days acclimatizing and preparing for the logistical challenges of Antarctic travel.
After acclimatization, the climbers flew to Union Glacier Camp, the primary logistical hub for mountaineering activities in Antarctica, and then proceeded to the Base Camp at Mount Vinson. The initial phases of the expedition were fraught with challenges, including extreme cold, high winds, and vast icy expanses that defined their approach to the mountain.
The final push for the summit commenced on December 10, 2025, amidst temperatures plummeting to minus 31 degrees Celsius. The strong winds and steep icy slopes presented significant tests of both physical endurance and mental toughness. Undeterred by these harsh conditions, Pradhan successfully reached the summit after several challenging days on the mountain.
While flags are not allowed at the summit due to expedition regulations, Pradhan displayed a flag representing the 50th Statehood of Sikkim at the base camp, symbolizing her pride and connection to her home state throughout the expedition.
Achieving the summit of Vinson Massif is a pivotal moment in Pradhan’s mountaineering journey and positions her among a select group of Indian climbers who have conquered all but one of the world’s seven continental peaks. Her upcoming climb of Mount Kosciuszko will complete her Seven Summits circuit.
The expedition was facilitated by international logistics teams operating in Antarctica, who ensured the safety and transportation of the climbers in one of the planet’s most remote environments.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/sikkim/story/sikkims-manita-pradhan-conquers-antarcticas-mount-vinson-completes-sixth-seven-summit-1317175-2025-12-14?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-12-14 13:23:00
