Changabang

Changabang is a granite mountain in the Garhwal Himalayas reaching 6,864 meters and forming a steep northeastern barrier of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The peak features prominent rock faces that rise dramatically and are visible from multiple viewpoints across the surrounding region.

The peak was first climbed in 1974 by a team led by Lt. Col. Balwant Sandhu and Chris Bonington via the Southeast Face. This achievement opened the mountain to further exploration and climbing expeditions in the following years.

The name comes from local words describing the white granite face that catches and reflects sunlight across the surrounding valleys. Visitors can observe this bright rocky surface from various viewpoints throughout the region.

Climbers access the mountain through Upper Deodi base camp, which is reachable from Jumma and Ruing villages and best visited during June through September. The approach requires good physical fitness and climbing experience since the routes are technically demanding with significant exposure.

A Japanese climbing team completed the Southwest Ridge in 1976 over 33 days, establishing new standards for technical mountaineering at the time. This expedition demonstrated the high skill level and endurance needed to tackle this demanding route.