Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Youngest Indian Completes Seven Summits Challenge
Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti, a 16-year-old boy from Hyderabad, has achieved something amazing.
He is the youngest Indian and the second youngest person in the world to climb the highest mountains on every continent.
This is called the Seven Summits Challenge.
The mountains he climbed include Mount Everest in Asia, Aconcagua in South America, and five others.
He started climbing when he was just 11 years old and has climbed 23 mountains so far.
For his incredible achievement, he received a special award from the President of India.
Vishwanath also cares about keeping the mountains clean and wants to inspire others to do the same.
He plans to study further and continue his work in mountaineering and environmental awareness.
Similarly, Kaamya Karthikeyan, an 18-year-old daughter of a naval officer, became the youngest Indian to ski to the South Pole.
She braved harsh weather conditions and covered approximately 60 Nautical Miles to reach the South Pole.
Kaamya is on a quest to become the youngest person to accomplish the Explorers Grand Slam, which includes climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents and skiing to both poles.
Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti, 16, is the youngest Indian to complete the Seven Summits Challenge.
He received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 for his achievement.
The challenge involves climbing the highest peaks on each continent, including Mount Everest.
Vishwanath began mountaineering at 11 years old and has climbed 23 mountains across continents.
Kaamya Karthikeyan, 18, became the youngest Indian to ski to the South Pole, braving harsh weather conditions.
- Who
- Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti, a 16-year-old mountaineer from Hyderabad and Kaamya Karthikeyan, an 18-year-old daughter of a naval officer
- What
- Completed the Seven Summits Challenge and skied to the South Pole respectively
- When
- Vishwanath finished the challenge on May 27, 2025; Kaamya reached the South Pole on December 27, 2025
- Where
- Vishwanath scaled the highest peaks on each continent, including Mount Everest; Kaamya skied to the South Pole
- Why
- Vishwanath was inspired by patriotic movies and a desire to serve his country; Kaamya aims to accomplish the Explorers Grand Slam
Achievement
Challenges
Age and Record
Achievement
Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti, at 16, is the youngest Indian to complete the Seven Summits Challenge, receiving the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 for his achievement.
Challenges
Kaamya Karthikeyan, at 18, became the youngest Indian to ski to the South Pole, braving harsh weather conditions.
Mountaineering Achievements
Achievement
Vishwanath has climbed 23 mountains across continents and plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree while continuing his work in mountaineering and environmental awareness.
Challenges
Kaamya is on a quest to become the youngest person to accomplish the Explorers Grand Slam, which includes climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents and skiing to both poles.
- Name
- Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti
- Age
- 16 years
- Achievement
- Youngest Indian to complete Seven Summits Challenge
- Award
- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025
- Mountains Climbed
- 23 across continents
- Training
- Dream Fitness Gym and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering
- Future Plans
- Bachelor’s degree in Digital Science and Management, Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative
- Name
- Kaamya Karthikeyan
- Age
- 18 years
- Achievement
- Youngest Indian to ski to the South Pole
- Conditions
- Braved -30 degree Celsius temperatures and gale force winds
- Distance Covered
- Approximately 60 Nautical Miles (nearly 115 Km)
- Quest
- Explorers Grand Slam
Sources
Mt Everest toughest ascent, says youngest conqueror of seven summits
Surviving on Chocolates, Studying with AI: Meet Telangana’s Bal Puraskar Winner
Naval officer’s daughter becomes ‘youngest Indian’ to ski to South Pole at 18
18-Year-Old Skis To South Pole In -30 Degrees Celsius, Sets National Record
‘Mountaineering prodigy’: Kaamya Karthikeyan batters -30°C winds to become youngest Indian to ski to South Pole, wins hearts
Kaamya Karthikeyan, 18, becomes youngest female mountaineer to conquer seven summits and ski to south pole
