“My journey into mountaineering started when I was just 11 years old. It all began when my sister was preparing for a trek to Mount Rudugaira in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. I remember feeling an immense sense of curiosity and excitement as she packed her gear. My mother, who had connections in the mountaineering community, organized the trek for her, but I couldn’t resist the urge to join. I convinced my parents to let me tag along, and that experience sparked a fire within me that hasn’t dimmed since.
Born and raised in Hyderabad, I grew up in a family where my mother and grandfather were my biggest supporters. Mountaineering is not just physically demanding but also financially burdensome. Despite the challenges, my mother has worked tirelessly to provide for me, ensuring I have everything I need to pursue my dreams. Her unwavering support is the reason I’m where I am today.
Balancing school with my passion for mountaineering hasn’t been easy. I created a timetable that isn’t too strict but helps me stay on track. My best friend has been a huge help too. Whenever I miss classes due to expeditions, they make sure I understand the concepts I missed. My teachers have also been supportive, always willing to help me catch up.
I have successfully summited several notable peaks, including Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Elbrus in Russia, the highest mountain in Europe, and Mt. Denali in Alaska, the highest peak in North America.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the most difficult moments I faced was on Mount Kang Yatse 1. The blue ice was treacherous, and my crampons couldn’t get a grip. I slipped and found myself struggling to reach the Jumar Juma. It was a moment of fear and uncertainty, but I pushed through by using the rocks for support. Another tough experience was on Kang Yatse 2, where I found myself hungry, homesick, and in tears while climbing. But each of these challenges taught me resilience and determination.
The most important lesson I’ve learned from climbing other peaks is that the journey to your goal is just as important as the destination itself. People often only see the final achievement, not the hard work and dedication that went into it. To succeed, you have to give everything you’ve got, and sometimes even more.
Looking ahead, my next expeditions are to Vinson Massif, Antarctica’s highest peak, and Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak, followed by Mount Everest. My ultimate goal is to join the armed forces through the NDA, where I can continue challenging myself while serving my country.
Everything I’ve achieved so far is due to the support of my family and the guidance of my mentors and trainers. They’ve all helped shape me into the mountaineer I am today. And as I continue to climb higher, I know they’ll be with me every step of the way.”
- Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti, Mountaineer