In a world where most teenagers are concerned with their smartphones, Kaamya Kartikeyan, a 16-year-old from Mumbai, is scaling the world's highest peaks. But how did a young girl from a bustling city become a record-breaking mountaineer? The answer lies in a single unforgettable adventure that began when she was just seven.
Kaamya’s journey started with a challenging trek to Chandrashila in Uttarakhand. "I was seven when I went hiking with my mother for the first time," Kaamya told India Today. "That initial adventure sparked a passion in me, leading to many more treks in the following years."
Fast forward to 2024, and Kaamya has already conquered six of the world's tallest mountains, including the majestic Mount Everest. She reached Everest's summit at just 16, becoming one of the youngest climbers to do so. Her journey has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with challenges that test both physical and mental endurance.
The young climber attributes much of her success to her father, Commander S Karthikeyan. "The Naval discipline of my father always allowed me to maintain focus during my climbs. You don't die when you lose physical strength; you die when you give up in your mind," she reflects.
Despite the daunting nature of her expeditions, Kaamya’s achievements extend beyond mountaineering. She is also a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, an NCC cadet, and a passionate advocate for underprivileged children’s education. During her visit to Everest Base Camp in 2017, she was inspired to support local children by collecting and donating school shoes to support their education.
In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Kaamya's achievement of scaling Mount Aconcagua, which motivated her to continue her climb. Looking ahead, Kaamya has set her sights on her final challenge: climbing Mount Vinson Massif in Antarctica. If successful, she will become the youngest person to complete the Seven Summits, a feat that involves conquering the highest peak on each of the seven continents.
“I am still on my journey to achieving my goal of climbing the seven peaks of the seven continents," Kaamya shares. "The final challenge awaits in Antarctica. It’s a daunting task, but I am determined to succeed."
