In an incredible feat of courage and determination, nine-year-old Tiana Budhia from Ranchi, Jharkhand, has achieved a remarkable milestone. Tiana is now one of the youngest girls in India to reach the base camp of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.
On October 5, 2023, Tiana, accompanied by her father Anirudh Budhia and a group of his friends, proudly hoisted the Indian Flag at the Everest Base Camp, situated at an astounding altitude of 5364 meters (17598 feet). This incredible journey covered a trek of over 130 kilometers in just 11 days.
The adventurous team embarked on their expedition from Lukla (2860 meters) on September 29, 2023. Their route took them through challenging terrains, including Phakding (2652 meters), Namche Bazaar (3440 meters), Tengboche (3870 meters), Dingboche (4400 meters), Labuche (4900 meters), and Gorak Shep (5170 meters). The final leg of their trek from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp involved navigating the formidable Khumbu Glacier.
During their expedition, Tiana and her team were rewarded with breathtaking views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Cho Oyu (8,201 meters), Mt. Makalu (8,470 meters), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 meters), and the majestic Mt. Everest (8,848 meters). Additionally, they marveled at the awe-inspiring Pumori (7161 meters) and Ama Dablam (6812 meters).
Undoubtedly, this trek posed significant challenges. The team ascended above the tree line by the fourth day, facing steep climbs and enduring oxygen levels dropping to 70-75 percent. Simple tasks like putting on clothes became arduous due to the thin air. Despite these difficulties, Tiana exhibited remarkable courage, overcoming breathing issues, headaches, and acute mountain sickness.
Tiana’s passion for trekking was ignited by her father Anirudh and his friends, who have been embarking on annual trekking trips to mountains in India and Nepal. Their previous expeditions included challenging treks such as the Hampta Pass trek (4270 meters) in Himachal, India, and the Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters) trek in Nepal.
Tiana diligently prepared for this expedition by regularly hitting the gym, focusing on enhancing her leg strength and cardio fitness. She even practiced climbing stairs in her apartment daily to acclimate herself to mountainous terrain.
This trek was not just an adventure; it was also an educational experience. Tiana and her companions stayed in tea houses with the Sherpa community, immersing themselves in the Sherpa culture, understanding their hard work, and appreciating their way of life. The expedition also included visits to the Tenzing Norgay Stupa and museum, a tribute to the legendary mountaineer who, alongside Edmund Hillary, was the first to conquer Mt. Everest.
Looking ahead, Tiana is determined to continue her trekking adventures, joining her father and his friends on all their future expeditions. Her spirit and determination serve as an inspiration to adventurers of all ages, proving that with passion and perseverance, the highest peaks can be conquered.
