IISc Professor Arpita Patra Summits World’s Highest Volcano Ojos del Salado

Arpita Patra Becomes Second Indian Woman to Climb Nevado Ojos del Salado

Arpita Patra , a professor at the Indian Institute of Science , has successfully climbed Nevado Ojos del Salado , reaching the summit at 6,893 metres on March 6 . With this achievement, she became the second Indian woman to scale the tallest volcanic peak on Earth. The accomplishment highlights an inspiring combination of academic excellence and extreme mountaineering.

Conquering the World’s Highest Volcano

Nevado Ojos del Salado lies in the Atacama Desert , along the border between Chile and Argentina . The mountain is widely recognised as the highest volcano on the planet and presents significant challenges due to its extreme altitude, strong winds and freezing temperatures.

During the expedition, Arpita Patra reached nearly 7,000 metres , the highest altitude she has ever climbed. The final stage of the ascent included a demanding rock-climbing section in the last 50 metres before reaching the summit.

Progress in a Global Volcanic Peaks Challenge

The climb forms part of Patra’s broader mountaineering goal of scaling the highest volcanic peaks across continents . Before summiting Ojos del Salado, she had already climbed:

• Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa

• Mount Elbrus in Europe

• Mount Giluwe in Oceania

• Pico de Orizaba in Mexico

Her ascent of Mount Giluwe in 2025 made her the first Indian woman to reach its summit, while the climb of Pico de Orizaba later that year placed her among a small group of Indian women to scale that peak.

Balancing Research and Mountaineering

Despite her demanding mountaineering schedule, Arpita Patra continues to serve as a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Automation at the Indian Institute of Science .

She has trained under Satyarup Siddhanta , a well-known Indian climber who has guided her preparation for high-altitude expeditions.

Inspiration for Science and Adventure

Patra’s achievement demonstrates that academic careers and demanding outdoor pursuits can coexist. Her journey across multiple continents reflects determination, rigorous training and scientific discipline. The accomplishment also highlights the growing participation of Indian women in global mountaineering , inspiring students and researchers to explore diverse ambitions beyond academic work.

Exam-Focused Points

• Nevado Ojos del Salado – height 6,893 metres .

• Located on the Chile–Argentina border in the Atacama Desert .

• Mount Kilimanjaro – tallest peak in Africa.

• Pico de Orizaba –