At just 17, Kaamya Karthikeyan has accomplished a feat that many seasoned mountaineers can only aspire to—becoming the youngest woman to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents, including the formidable Mount Everest. Yet, for Kaamya, mountaineering began as something much more personal: a way to bond with her family in the mountains.
A Passion Born from Family Adventures
“My journey never started as a record-breaking mission. It began only as a way to spend time with my family in the mountains. Over the years, it grew from just that to my passion!” Kaamya shares, emphasizing that her love for climbing was never about setting records, but about cherishing the experience.
Of all her climbs, summiting Mount Everest was a particularly memorable challenge—not just because it is the tallest peak in the world, but because she did it alongside her father, Commander S. Karthikeyan.
“The most challenging part of climbing Mt. Everest was the day we went from Camp 3 to Camp 4, our summit camp. We had very bad weather, with constant whiteouts, and about 200 of the 250 climbers that day turned back to Camp 3. But we braved through it to reach Camp 4… It was even more special because I was climbing with my dad. Summiting Mt. Everest has been a dream both of us have seen for a very long time, and it was amazing to have climbed it together!” she recalls.
The Toughest Climb: Denali
While Everest was a monumental achievement, Kaamya considers Mount Denali in North America to be the most demanding climb due to its extreme conditions and lack of support.
“I think Mt. Denali (the highest peak in North America) was the most demanding climb. There are only seven companies that are allowed to guide expeditions on the mountain, and none of them were ready to take me since I was young, Indian, and a girl. So, we had to climb as an unguided expedition of just four climbers. Additionally, since there are no porters on the mountain, we had to carry not just our 20kg backpacks but also a 50kg sled with everything we needed to sustain the 20-day-long expedition,” she explains.
Despite the immense physical and mental endurance required, Kaamya credits her sporting background for instilling the discipline necessary for success.
“Being a sportswoman gives you a lot of focus, which shows up in different facets of life. Academics have always been a priority for me, and mountaineering has been my passion, so I’ve found time for both,” she says.
A Family’s Support and National Recognition
Kaamya acknowledges the crucial role her family has played in her journey.
“My parents’ role in my journey is very important. If my dad hadn’t started climbing in the Himalayas, I never would’ve even stepped into the Himalayas. And if not for my mother partnering with me and taking me on my initial climbs, my dreams would not have turned into reality.”
Her achievements have gained widespread recognition, including appreciation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During an interaction with national awardees, Modi told her that the accolade should serve as a “stepping stone to even more success in the future.” Reflecting on his words, Kaamya says, “That is something I strive to follow and live up to.”
The Next Challenge: Explorer’s Grand Slam
Kaamya is now setting her sights on an even bigger challenge—completing the Explorer’s Grand Slam, which involves scaling the Seven Summits and skiing to both the North and South Poles.
“I aim to become the youngest person in the world to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam by climbing the Seven Summits and skiing to the North and South Poles. To complete this mission, I hope to ski to both Poles in 2025,” she declares, demonstrating her unwavering determination.
With her impressive achievements and clear vision for the future, Kaamya Karthikeyan is redefining what’s possible for young mountaineers, proving that passion, perseverance, and family support can turn dreams into reality.
