Achievements

On May 15th, 2022, at the age of 49, I turned an 11-year dream into reality by summiting Mount Everest. From a spark in 2011 to the pinnacle of achievement in 2022, this journey demanded unwavering dedication, relentless training, and overcoming countless obstacles, all while accumulating the necessary funds. Standing on top of the world was more than a personal triumph—it was a powerful testament to perseverance, positivity, patience, and the belief that no challenge is too great to conquer, no matter your age.

On October 22nd, 2022, I realized a dream a year in the making by summiting the majestic and beautiful Ama Dablam (6856 M). It was love at first sight when I first got a glimpse of Ama in October 2021 during my trek forwards EBC, and I knew then that I had to stand on its peak within a year. Ama Dablam is known for its highly technical climb, and it required several months of rigorous training to build muscular endurance and hone my climbing skills. My perseverance paid off as I became the 19th Indian to summit this awe-inspiring mountain, marking another milestone in my mountaineering journey.

At the age of 49, I embarked on an extraordinary fast trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, covering a challenging 52 kilometers and gaining an altitude of 2,518 meters. The journey began on March 6th at 5:00 AM, with determination fueling each step through the rugged terrain. Trekking through the night, I faced freezing temperatures, the biting cold seeping into my bones, and the ever-present risk of losing my way in the darkness. Yet, I pressed on, driven by sheer willpower and the desire to push my limits.

After nearly 24 hours of relentless effort, I arrived at Everest Base Camp on March 7th at 5:04 AM, exhausted but exhilarated. This incredible feat not only tested my physical and mental endurance but also earned me a place in the India Book of Records. The trek stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved with determination, perseverance, and the refusal to give up, no matter the obstacles.

At the age of 50, it was my first mountaineering expedition outside of the Himalayan ranges, aiming to conquer the formidable Mount Elbrus, the tallest peak in Europe and one of the Seven Summits. On August 15th, 2023, I successfully summited Elbrus West, standing proudly at 5,642 meters. This climb was particularly challenging as I chose not to take the typical snow cat ride to 5,000 meters. Instead, I started my summit push from the Gari Bashi base camp at 3,800 meters, making the ascent to the peak a true test of endurance.

The climb was gruelling, with a massive elevation gain in a short span, high winds whipping across the mountain, and thick clouds that added to the intensity of the challenge. Despite these obstacles, the thrill of reaching the summit made every step worthwhile. This expedition not only marked a significant milestone in my mountaineering journey but also demonstrated that age is no barrier to taking on such formidable adventures.

My passion for cycling dates back to my school days when the thrill of riding through the streets gave me a sense of freedom and adventure. After years away from the sport, I reignited this passion in 2021, diving into the world of ultra-distance cycling. This led me to the challenging discipline of randonneuring, where cyclists aim to complete long-distance rides, known as brevets, within specified time limits.

In 2022, I proudly secured two Super Randonneur (SR) titles, a prestigious recognition in the randonneuring community that requires completing a series of four brevets (200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and 600 km) within a single season. My commitment to pushing my limits continues as I earned my third SR title in 2024. The journey of ultra-distance cycling has become a significant part of my life, and I am now setting my sights on participating in and completing an international event in the coming years, further fuelling my passion for endurance and adventure.

On May 16th, 2022, I achieved a remarkable speed descent from Everest's Camp-4 at 8,000 meters down to Base Camp, completing the journey in just 13 hours. This feat stands as a record by a quadragenarian, a testament to both my endurance and determination. The descent was fraught with challenges, including navigating the treacherous Khumbu Icefall late in the evening, battling whiteouts that obscured visibility, and enduring intense winds that made every step a struggle. Despite these formidable obstacles, I pressed on, driven by sheer willpower to safely and swiftly return to Base Camp, marking this as one of the most intense and exhilarating experiences of my mountaineering career.

On April 22nd, 2023, I successfully summited Island Peak at 6,119 meters, a climb that was part of a larger expedition and served as an essential acclimatisation ascent. The experience was both challenging and exhausting, especially as the weather took a turn for the worse with heavy snowfall. My Sherpa and I found ourselves breaking the trail during the night of the summit push, as no other teams were ahead, and the route was completely covered in snow. The climb was long and it seemed never ending, but reaching the peak was an absolutely jubilant moment, marking this my third 6000 Mt climb after Lobuche E and Ama Dablam.

My climb of Lobuche East on October 22nd, 2021, marked my very first venture into high-altitude mountaineering. As a novice, I was also learning the essential skills of using ropes and climbing gear. Despite being physically and mentally fit, the task was daunting, and there were countless moments where I felt like quitting. But something deep inside kept pushing me forward. Reaching the summit was an emotional experience; standing at 6,000 meters above sea level and seeing the world from that height for the first time brought tears to my eyes. This climb was not just a significant achievement but also a crucial precursor to my Everest expedition planned for 2022.

Leading teams to Everest Base Camp (EBC) has been one of my most fulfilling experiences. The groups I’ve led have had an average age of 45 years, with the oldest participant being 67. I’ve also had the privilege of training kids aged 7-11 to take on this challenging trek. What makes my treks unique is the emphasis on thorough preparation, where I train participants to handle the rough journey and acclimatization issues effectively.

For me, the true success of these treks isn’t just reaching the EBC rock; it’s about enjoying the journey, cherishing every moment, and returning to family safe and sound. Fortunately, the two groups I’ve led so far have seen tremendous success, and I’m committed to continuing this journey, training, and leading people on high-altitude treks. Each trek is also a learning experience for me, allowing me to connect with and learn from people from all walks of life.