Expressnews
Chennai, Tamil Nadu | June 2026:
Chennai’s Sixteen year old mountaineer Nisha Sasikumar has successfully summited Mount Everest, becoming the youngest woman in the world to climb the highest peak on Earth via the South Col route from Nepal at the age of 16 years and 80 days.
Nisha reached the summit on 25 May 2026 as part of an expedition organised by Elite Exped and is currently descending safely. She was supported throughout the climb by Sherpa guides Tenji Sherpa, Phura Dorji Sherpa, and Phursang Sherpa.
Born in Chennai in March 2010, Nisha’s achievement marks a major milestone in Indian mountaineering and places her among the youngest climbers globally to conquer the 8,848.86-metre peak.
Speaking about the achievement, Nisha said, “Standing at the top of the world felt surreal. In that moment, I realised that the biggest limitations are often the ones we place on ourselves. This journey taught me the importance of resilience, preparation, and believing in yourself even in the toughest conditions.”
Her father, Sasikumar Gendham, said, “It has been an incredibly proud moment for our family to watch Nisha take on such immense challenges with courage and determination. She pushed beyond her limits, stayed committed to her goal, and proved that belief and perseverance can make the impossible achievable.”
Nisha’s Everest expedition began on 15 April 2026 with her arrival at Lukla from Kathmandu. The climb involved an eight-day trek to Everest Base Camp, followed by extensive acclimatisation, technical training, and rotational climbs through the Khumbu Icefall to Camp 1, Camp 2, and Camp 3 before the final summit push.
Her Everest ascent is part of an ambitious mission to complete the renowned Seven Summits challenge, climbing the highest mountain on each continent. Since April 2025, Nisha has successfully summited Mount Elbrus, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kosciuszko, Carstensz Pyramid, Aconcagua, and now Everest.
In October 2025, Nisha also became the youngest female to summit Carstensz Pyramid, a record later confirmed by the India Book of Records.
She is next set to attempt Denali in June 2026 and Vinson Massif in November 2026 as she continues her Seven Summits journey.
