Gangtok, May 11 – Three mountaineers from Germany have achieved a significant milestone by successfully scaling Mt Tenchenkhang, a towering 6,010-metre peak located in the Khangchendzonga range of West Sikkim. This marks the first-ever ascent of the mountain by German nationals.
The mountaineering team, consisting of Andre Handrack (61), Petra Handrack (51), and Rene Specht (58), embarked on their expedition from Yuksam in West Sikkim on April 28. After 13 days of challenging ascent, the climbers reached the summit of Mt Tenchenkhang on May 8 at 10 AM. Their journey concluded with a safe return to Yuksam on May 10.
Supporting the climbers throughout the expedition was a dedicated team of six local experts. Expedition leader Badal Rai, along with liaison officer Roshan Chettri from the Tourism and Civil Aviation department, mountain guide Passang D Sherpa, and support staff Shivam Rai, Nabin Gurung, Ranu Pegha, and Nima Bhutia, played crucial roles in ensuring the team's safety and success.
In an interaction with the media, Andre Handrack shared his appreciation for the region's natural beauty, emphasizing how the landscape and weather in Sikkim are perfect for mountaineering and adventure sports. "We were fascinated by the majestic peaks of Sikkim," he remarked, highlighting the allure of the region for outdoor enthusiasts.
This successful ascent of Mt Tenchenkhang not only showcases the mountaineering potential of Sikkim but also strengthens its position as a key destination for global adventure tourism.
