Summit of Dreams, Shade of Tragedy: The Story of Chhanda Gayen
- Tania Haldar
- Oct 15, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 19
From Humble Roots to High Altitudes
Born in 1979 in Kona, West Bengal, Chhanda Gayen grew up with limited resources. Yet from a young age, she was captivated by mountains—initially exploring local rock formations before enrolling in formal mountaineering training at Darjeeling’s premier Himalayan Institute. An athlete at heart, Chhanda also excelled in swimming, Taekwondo, and Karate.
A Record-Breaking Ascent
In May 2013, at 31, Chhanda became the second woman from Bengal, and first civilian from West Bengal, to summit Mount Everest.
Demonstrating extraordinary determination, she immediately pressed on—reaching the summit of Lhotse, the world’s fourth-highest peak, just 52 hours later. This back-to-back ascent set a national record.
From Ambition to Avalanche
Chhanda’s mountaineering path was paved with immense sacrifice.
Her mother sold jewelry to help fund the expedition. Left behind by her father, who’d believed in her from the start, Chhanda pushed forward through difficult terrain, extreme conditions, and gut-wrenching sight—climbers’ bodies frozen on the slopes.
A Legacy Beyond Limits
On May 18, 2013, Chhanda stood on Everest’s summit—“watching the sun come down below her feet.”
But that was just the beginning. After conquering Everest, she faced the more perilous climb of Lhotse and met her destiny—tragically disappearing in an avalanche on Kanchenjunga on May 20, 2014, along with two Sherpas.
Unforgettable Inspiration
Chhanda Gayen stands as a symbol of the heights we can scale—literally and metaphorically—when we dare to dream beyond limits, fight for every summit, and leave a legacy that outlives us. Her courage continues to inspire mountaineers and dreamers alike.
Climb. Conquer. Remember.
Chhanda's journey reminds us that reaching the summit requires more than strength—it demands unwavering spirit. May her legacy encourage us all to chase our greatest heights.