15-Year-Old Hyderabad Boy Holds Three World Records in Mountaineering

Hyderabad: Vishwanath Kartikeya, a 15-year-old mountaineer from Hyderabad, has set three world records in mountaineering, demonstrating exceptional resilience and determination at a young age. In a conversation with the media, Kartikeya shared his journey, challenges, and future aspirations.

Journey into Mountaineering:

At age 11, during the 2020 lockdown, Kartikeya started his mountaineering journey despite being overweight. He convinced his parents to join his sister’s trek to Mount Rudugaira, although he couldn’t reach the summit.
He then attended a 10-day adventure course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, where he learned essential skills.
Inspired by his initial experiences, he attempted to climb Mount Elbrus at age 13 but had to turn back when a teammate fainted.
Kartikeya trained rigorously and went on to complete the Everest Base Camp trek, climb Nangkartshang Peak, and tackle Friendship Peak, gaining significant experience.
His notable achievements include climbing Kang Yatse II and Dzo Jongo within 72 hours, making him the youngest person to accomplish this feat.

Overcoming Challenges:

Climbing Kang Yatse II and Dzo Jongo was extremely exhausting. Kartikeya faced emotional and physical challenges, including hunger and homesickness, but persevered to set a new record.

Denali Expedition:

During his Denali expedition, despite favorable weather, Kartikeya dealt with food monotony and heavy logistics, carrying a 40kg pack and pulling a 40kg sled. The repetitive diet of instant meals became tiresome quickly.

Preparation for Mount Vinson:

For his upcoming expedition to Mount Vinson in Antarctica, Kartikeya is focusing on quality gear and training for endurance and lean muscle mass to handle the extreme cold and isolation effectively.

Environmental Concerns:

Kartikeya emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility in mountaineering. He shared how they managed waste in Denali and criticized improper waste disposal by trekkers in India.

Scariest Experience:

Kartikeya recalled the descent from Denali as particularly harrowing, with constant daylight causing unstable snow and hidden crevasses. He managed a fall into a crevasse and navigated blue ice with careful crampon placement and frequent rest breaks.

World Records:

Kartikeya holds records for being the youngest to climb Mount Elbrus’ east and west peaks within 24 hours, the youngest to summit Kang Yatse II and Dzo Jongo within 72 hours, and the youngest to summit Kang Yatse I at age 15 in September 2023.

Message and Philosophy:

Kartikeya believes age can be both a barrier and a motivator. He advocates for discipline in all life aspects and emphasizes mental strength in achieving one’s dreams. He also stresses the importance of environmental stewardship and proper conduct.

Kartikeya’s journey highlights his remarkable spirit and commitment to mountaineering, serving as an inspiration to many aspiring climbers.

Daily Quote

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right.

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