Chirbas. A 15-man Calcutta expedition led by Indra Nath Mukherjee made the first ascent of Chirbas (6529 meters, 21,420 feet). The trek began from Bhairon Ghati on May 26. The weather was unfavorable during the approach march along Nelang and Gulli Gad. Base Camp was set up at 13,000 feet at Sirkata on May 30. Emergency and intermediate camps at 15,600 and 15,800 feet were set up on the left bank of Gulli Gad. Thereafter the weather improved. After Advance Base was established at 16,500 feet, temporary camps were set up at 17,500 and 18,500 feet. The summit camp at 19,000 feet was pitched on the Chirbas-Kalidhang Col. From there Goutam Dutta and high-altitude porter Sher Singh gained the virgin summit via the west ridge on June 8.

Kamal K. Guha, Editor, Himavanta, India