“On December 3, 2024, I became the youngest Indian to summit Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak at 16,050 feet. The climb wasn’t easy. Temperatures dropped to -40°C, and the terrain was extremely challenging. But after months of training and the support of my family, I reached the summit.

I first discovered my love for mountaineering at the age of 11 when I joined my sister on a trek to Mount Rudugaira in Uttarakhand. Since then, I’ve climbed other major peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Elbrus, and Mount Denali. Each climb taught me the importance of discipline in the training period.

The opportunity to climb Mount Vinson came with the Boots & Crampons-Elite Exped team, led by Nirmal Purja whose guidance was crucial in guiding us through the harsh conditions of Antarctica. Preparing for the climb required physical training and learning how to survive in extreme cold.

None of this would have been possible without my parents. My mother, in particular, worked hard to ensure I had the resources and support to pursue my passion. I am extremely grateful for my mentors Romil Barthwal , Bharath Thammineni and everyone else who has supported me in my mountaineering journey.

Balancing my studies with mountaineering hasn’t always been easy. It’s a demanding routine, but it’s part of the process. Next, I plan to climb Mount Aconcagua and, eventually, Mount Everest. Beyond mountaineering, I hope to join the armed forces through the NDA, where I can continue challenging myself and serving the country.”

• Padakanti Vishwanath Karthikey, Mountaineer from Hyderabad