Meet Arishka Laddha: The 6-Year-Old Who Became the Youngest Indian to Reach Everest Base Camp

At six years and five months old, Arishka Laddha from Pune, India, became the youngest person to reach the Mount Everest Base Camp, situated at an elevation of over 17,500 feet. This remarkable feat was accomplished in April 2023, when Arishka and her mother, Dimple, embarked on a 15-day expedition, enduring temperatures between -3°C and -17°C.

Arishka, a second-grade student, has been actively involved in trekking since the age of four, regularly hiking hills around Pune. Her mother, Dimple, a marathon runner, noted that Arishka could easily walk 7-8 kilometers from a young age. The duo’s journey to the Everest Base Camp was spontaneous, with minimal prior training, relying on their regular trekking experiences.

During the expedition, Arishka wore seven layers of clothing to combat the harsh weather conditions. Despite the challenges, she expressed joy upon reaching the base camp, stating her aspiration to summit Mount Everest in the future.

Dimple highlighted that their achievement serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that motherhood need not hinder one’s aspirations. She hopes their journey encourages other women to pursue their dreams post-motherhood.

Arishka’s accomplishment has been widely recognized, with the Ministry of Culture’s ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ praising her on social media for making history.

This achievement not only showcases Arishka’s determination and resilience but also emphasizes the importance of familial support in realizing one’s dreams.