Kaamya Karthikeyan: The Youngest Woman to Conquer Seven Summits, Now Aiming for the Explorer’s Grand Slam

At just 17 years old, Kaamya Karthikeyan has etched her name in the annals of mountaineering history by becoming the youngest woman to scale the highest peaks on all seven continents—a feat known as the Seven Summits. Her journey, which began as a familial bonding activity, has evolved into an inspiring tale of passion, resilience, and ambition.​

A Journey Rooted in Family Adventures

Kaamya’s introduction to mountaineering was deeply intertwined with her family’s love for the mountains. What started as a means to spend quality time together soon blossomed into a profound passion for climbing. Reflecting on her beginnings, she shares, “My journey never started as a record-breaking mission. It began only as a way to spend time with my family in the mountains.”

Conquering Mount Everest: A Shared Dream

Among her numerous achievements, summiting Mount Everest holds a special place, not only because it’s the world’s tallest peak but also due to the shared experience with her father, Commander S. Karthikeyan. The climb presented formidable challenges, including adverse weather conditions that forced many climbers to turn back. However, Kaamya and her father persevered, fulfilling a long-held dream together. She recalls, “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!”
Hindustan Times

Overcoming Challenges on Mount Denali

While Everest was monumental, Kaamya identifies Mount Denali in North America as her most demanding climb. Facing skepticism due to her age and gender, she embarked on an unguided expedition, enduring harsh conditions and heavy loads. The experience tested her physical and mental endurance, underscoring her unwavering determination.

Balancing Academics and Mountaineering

A student at Navy Children School in Mumbai, Kaamya exemplifies the balance between academic pursuits and athletic passion. She attributes her focus and discipline to her sporting background, stating, “Being a sportswoman gives you a lot of focus, which shows up in different facets of life.”
The Tribune

Family Support and National Recognition

Kaamya’s accomplishments are deeply rooted in her family’s unwavering support. She acknowledges that her parents played a pivotal role in nurturing her dreams and facilitating her expeditions. Her achievements have also garnered national attention, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraging her to view her accolades as “a stepping stone to even more success in the future.”

Setting Sights on the Explorer’s Grand Slam

Not one to rest on her laurels, Kaamya is now aiming for the Explorer’s Grand Slam, which entails scaling the Seven Summits and skiing to both the North and South Poles. She aspires to become the youngest person to complete this formidable challenge, with plans to undertake polar expeditions in 2025.

Kaamya Karthikeyan’s journey from familial treks to global summits serves as a testament to youthful ambition and the heights achievable through dedication and support.​

For a visual insight into Kaamya’s remarkable journey, watch this video: