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Arjun Vajpai, the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest, has once again made India proud. On October 9, 2024, he reached the summit of Mt. Shishapangma, marking his 8th successful summit and adding to his impressive record of 4 achievements overall. Having embarked on his journey to scale all 14 peaks at the age of 16 in 2010, Arjun has successfully summited 8 of these towering mountains to date.
Milestones in Arjun’s Climbing Career
Upon completing all 14 peaks, Arjun will become the first Indian to join the elite list of mountaineers who have achieved this remarkable feat. His ascent of Mt. Shishapangma has not only made him the first Indian to summit this mountain but also established the record for the fastest ascent from Base Camp to Summit and back, all completed in under 72 hours. Additionally, he is the first Indian to successfully stand atop eight 8000m mountains and holds the record for the fastest Indian ascent of an 8000m peak in China.
Details of the Shishapangma Ascent
Arjun reached the summit of Shishapangma at 7:45 AM IST. He notified his father, Sanjeev Vajpayee, of his success via satellite phone, ensuring that the expedition details were shared with the China-Tibet Mountaineering Association. Climbing Shishapangma is notably perilous, with 25 climbers having lost their lives in the pursuit of this peak.
Recognitions and Previous Achievements
At just 30 years old, Arjun has already set a Guinness World Record for being the youngest climber to scale Mt. Everest in 2010 and Mt. Lhotse in 2011. His successful summit of Shishapangma further cements his legacy and showcases his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Overcoming Challenges
Arjun’s journey has been fraught with challenges, including a paralysis episode during an expedition to Choyu Peak, which required nearly six months of treatment. His determination and passion for mountaineering have propelled him forward, allowing him to overcome these hurdles and continue making his country proud. With 16 expeditions on 8000-meter peaks and 8 successful summits, his accomplishments are a testament to his unwavering spirit.
Summary of Arjun’s 8 Successful Summits
- Mt. Everest (2010)
- Mt. Lhotse (2011)
- Mt. Manaslu (2011)
- Mt. Makalu (2016)
- Mt. Cho Oyu (2016)
- Mt. Kangchenjunga (2018)
- Mt. Annapurna (2023)
- Mt. Shishapangma (2024)
With just six summits remaining, Arjun Vajpai is not merely climbing mountains; he is etching his name in history and carrying the hopes of a nation to the highest heights on Earth.
Read more: Nima Rinji Sherpa Becomes Youngest to Summit All 14 of the World’s Highest Peaks
