The mountaineering talent of Himachal Pradesh has once again soared high. Mountaineer Sakshi Thakur from Solang village of Manali has hoisted the tricolor by successfully climbing Shinkun East Peak, about 6081 meters high above sea level, located in Lahaul region. Sakshi achieved this feat on 17 August.
Reaching this peak, which is more than six thousand meters high, is not considered easy. During the expedition, climbers have to face challenges like inaccessible terrain, low oxygen due to altitude, icy stretches and sudden changes in weather. Sakshi demonstrated her determination and mountaineering skills amidst these challenges and reached the summit.
Happy atmosphere in Solang village
There is an atmosphere of happiness in Manali and Solang village due to this achievement of Sakshi. Local people say that the daughters of Himachal are now bringing glory to the state in the field of education and sports as well as adventure sports. Hoisting the tricolor on a high and challenging peak like Shinkun East is a personal achievement for Sakshi as well as a matter of pride for the mountaineering sector of Himachal.
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The mountain is located near Shinkun La, a peak of 6081 meters.
Shinkun East peak is located around the famous Shinkun La/Shingo La in Lahaul region and falls in the hilly area connecting Lahaul with Zanskar region. The height of Shinkun East is recorded as 6081 meters in the records of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
The weather changes rapidly in this mountain region and climbing becomes technically challenging as altitude increases. Mountaineering expeditions may require crampons, ice axe, ropes and other technical equipment.
When was Shinkun East conquered for the first time?
To understand Sakshi's achievement it is important to also look at the mountaineering history of Shinkun East. According to available mountaineering records, the first recorded successful ascent of Shinkun East was made by a seven-member Indian team of the Himalayan Club in September 2008. The team was led by Subrata Chakraborty. The team made base camp at an altitude of about 4650 meters and established high camp at 5190 meters. After this the team crossed difficult rocky and snowy sections and reached the summit.
Indian Mountaineering Foundation records also list Shinkun East and Shinkun West as peaks of 6081 m and 6127 m height respectively.
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Even before Sakshi, many mountaineers have conquered the peak.
Available records show that climbers from different expeditions have reached Shinkun East before Sakshi. In 2024, the report of mountaineer Anjana Singh from Maihar, Madhya Pradesh conquering Shinkun East was published. Earlier he had also climbed the Friendship Peak of Manali.
After this, in 2025, mountaineers Prince Jacob and Abraham Selwyn from Munnar, Kerala also successfully climbed the 6081 meter high Shinkun East. About 60 members were involved in his expedition, out of which 18 were successful in reaching the summit.
Similarly, in 2025, during an advanced mountaineering course of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, a team of trainees also hoisted the tricolor on Shinkun East. 59 trainees and 15 training staff were involved in the campaign. In the same expedition, paragliding from the peak by an instructor was also reported as a special achievement.
Now why is Sakshi's achievement important?
The history of Shinkun East shows that it is not a peak that any climber has reached for the first time. But Sakshi Thakur's reaching this 6081 meter high peak on August 17 is definitely an important achievement as a daughter of Himachal.
Sakshi's success can act as an inspiration especially for the young talents emerging from hilly areas like Manali and Lahaul-Spiti. The increasing participation of local youth in mountaineering also strengthens the potential of adventure tourism and adventure sports in Himachal.