Kavita, a daughter of Almora, has made history by conquering the highest peak in Antarctica, bringing glory to the nation
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Kavita Chand (40), a native of Dhara Naula, Almora, Uttarakhand, has brought glory to India by successfully scaling Mount Vinson (4,892 meters), the highest peak in Antarctica. Kavita achieved this feat on December 14, 2025, by reaching the summit.
Almora’s Kavita Chand Conquers Antarctica’s Highest Peak
Kavita currently resides in Mumbai. The echoes of this historic achievement are resonating in her home state of Uttarakhand, where her journey from the mountains of her homeland to the world’s most challenging peaks is being celebrated with pride. The ascent of Mount Vinson is a significant step towards Kavita’s prestigious ‘Seven Summits’ goal, which involves conquering the highest peaks on all seven continents. She had previously successfully climbed Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe, putting her in a strong position to complete this challenge.
Kavita Departed from India on December 3rd
Mount Vinson, considered one of the world’s harshest and most challenging peaks, presents formidable conditions including extreme cold, complete isolation, and unpredictable Antarctic weather. Kavita’s expedition began with her departure from India on December 3rd. She arrived in Punta Arenas, Chile, on the evening of December 4th and flew to Union Glacier on the afternoon of December 7th. Later that day, she reached the Vinson Base Camp, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters. The final leg from Union Glacier to the base camp was completed in about 40 minutes by a ski-equipped small aircraft, highlighting the complex logistics involved in Antarctic expeditions.
The Expedition was Led by High-Altitude Guide Mingma David Sherpa
The expedition was led by renowned high-altitude guide Mingma David Sherpa. The Indian team received support from experienced mountaineer Bharat Thammineni and his expedition company, ‘Boots and Crampons’. Under his guidance, the nine-member Indian team successfully reached the summit, where meticulous planning, proper acclimatization, and strong coordination on the ground played a crucial role in overcoming the extremely challenging Antarctic conditions.
Hoisting the Indian Tricolor on Mount Vinson’s Summit is an Honor Beyond Words: Kavita
Reacting to her achievement, Kavita Chand said, “Hoisting the Indian tricolor on the summit of Mount Vinson is an honor beyond words. I hope this achievement will inspire professionals to believe that fitness, ambition, and career success can go hand in hand.”
Besides mountaineering, Kavita has also made a name for herself in the field of endurance running. She is a dedicated marathon runner and has won the Delhi and Mumbai Hyrox 2025 competitions in her age group. She has also completed three of the six marathons in the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Challenge.
Kavita was formerly associated with the media industry
Kavita, who previously worked in the media sector, made the decisive move in 2024 to leave her corporate career and dedicate herself entirely to fitness, a decision she considers a transformative turning point in her life. She started running in 2017 and took up mountaineering in 2024, reflecting her relatively recent but rapidly evolving athletic journey. Having embraced serious fitness after becoming a mother, Kavita has emerged as an inspiration for professionals seeking balance, mental fortitude, and long-term health. Kavita’s husband, Deepak Chand Thakur, CEO and co-founder of NPST, has been a constant source of support and encouragement throughout her journey.
