Indian mountaineer Kavita Chand summits Denali, moves closer to Seven Summits goal
Former corporate professional summits North America's highest peak after gruelling Alaska expedition; fourth success in Seven Summits challenge
Battling sub-zero temperatures, fierce winds and carrying more than 50 kg of equipment through some of the world’s most unforgiving terrain, Indian mountaineer Kavita Chand has successfully summited Denali (6,190 metres), the highest peak in North America, moving a step closer to completing the coveted Seven Summits challenge.
For Chand, the achievement is more than just another mountain conquered. Born in Uttarakhand’s Almora, and now based in Mumbai, the mother of a 10-year-old left her corporate career in 2024 to pursue endurance sports and mountaineering full-time. Less than two years later, she has added one of the toughest mountains on Earth to her list of accomplishments.
Denali, located in Alaska, is considered among the most demanding peaks in the Seven Summits challenge. Unlike many major expeditions where support teams help transport equipment, climbers on Denali are required to carry everything themselves, including food, fuel, tents and survival gear.
The expedition tested endurance as much as climbing ability. Participants hauled between 80 and 125 pounds of equipment, dragging sleds across glaciers before carrying heavy backpacks up steep slopes. The mountain’s unpredictable weather frequently forces climbers to pause their ascent for days.
Chand’s expedition began on May 19 in Alaska. Poor weather delayed her team’s arrival at the Denali Base Camp by two days, foreshadowing the difficult conditions ahead.
The team followed Denali’s gruelling “double carry” system, repeatedly moving supplies up the mountain, burying them in snow caches, descending and then climbing back to retrieve the remaining gear.
After nearly two weeks of battling harsh conditions and steadily gaining altitude through four camps, Chand and her team launched their summit push on June 5 and successfully reached the top of North America.
The climb marks the fourth peak in Chand’s Seven Summits journey. Over the past year, she has successfully climbed Mount Elbrus in Europe, Vinson Massif in Antarctica and Aconcagua in South America.
Reflecting on her journey, Chand said balancing motherhood, endurance sports and high-altitude mountaineering demanded discipline, resilience and perseverance.
“Consistent effort and determination can help individuals achieve ambitious goals regardless of the challenges they face,” she said.
