Kolkata Mountaineer Arpita Patra Makes History on World's Highest Volcano
In a groundbreaking achievement, Arpita Patra, a climber based in Kolkata, has become the first Bengali woman to successfully summit Ojos Del Salado, the highest volcanic peak in the world. Standing at an impressive 22,615 feet, this formidable mountain straddles the border between Chile and Argentina. Patra reached the summit on March 7, marking a significant milestone in her mountaineering career.
From Setback to Success: A Year of Preparation
Patra, who is also a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, had previously attempted Ojos Del Salado a year earlier but was unable to complete the climb. Reflecting on that experience, she shared over a phone call from Chile, "I was preparing for Mt Aconcagua and thought of giving it a try. I couldn't make it, but I learned from the mistakes." This setback only fueled her determination, leading to a rigorous preparation phase that included scaling four additional volcanic peaks to build her skills and endurance.
Acclimatization and the Grueling Ascent
Her journey to the summit began on February 26 from Copiapo in Chile, where she undertook several preparatory climbs to acclimatize to the high altitudes. She first conquered Laguna Verde, which exceeds 14,000 feet, followed by Nevado San Francisco at over 19,700 feet. "I decided to take a rest for a day before starting for Ojos Del Salado. I did a climb till 6,300 metres (20,660 ft), primarily to further acclimatize myself," Patra explained. She emphasized the critical importance of acclimatization for this peak, noting that it demands rapid adjustment during the ascent due to the extreme conditions.
The final push commenced on March 6 from the base camp. Located in the Atacama Desert, Ojos Del Salado is known for its arid and high-altitude climate, requiring exceptional fitness to combat physical fatigue. Patra started her summit attempt at 2 am local time on March 7. "It was very cold and windy. I reached the Caldera area by midnight. I knew that the tough zone was about to come," she recounted.
Overcoming the Final Challenge
The most daunting part of the climb was the final 50-meter stretch before the summit, described as very steep and difficult at such a high altitude. Satyarup Siddhanta, a Guinness record-holder climber who summited Ojos Del Salado in 2018, highlighted the challenges: "Scrambling through a 50-meter steep slope may sound easy, but it is very challenging at nearly 7,000-metre altitude amid cold and strong winds. Physical fatigue starts to set in by that time."
Despite these obstacles, Patra persevered and reached the summit at approximately 3:45 pm local time on March 7. "I was having a headache and feeling nauseated. But the view from the peak made me forget every challenge I faced," she said, capturing the euphoria of her accomplishment.
A Trailblazer in Mountaineering
Arpita Patra's achievement not only sets a new benchmark for Bengali women in mountaineering but also inspires aspiring climbers worldwide. Her journey underscores the importance of resilience, preparation, and acclimatization in conquering some of the planet's most extreme environments. As she continues to push boundaries, her story serves as a testament to human endurance and the spirit of adventure.
