Team of Welham Girls’ School scales new heights

Students of Welham Girls’ School, Dehradun, one of the premier legacy all-girls’ residential schools in Uttarakhand, successfully carried out an expedition to the Everest Base Camp (EBC), reaching a height of 17,900 ft (5,364m approx). The seven-member girls’ team started the trek on May 20. The students were accompanied by two teachers. They completed the trek on June 3, marking one of the first instances of an all-girls’ school team from the state to achieve this goal.

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Hard training

The student contingent — Hitika Agarwal, Griva Bhalani, Mahi Sinhal, Varrtika Malani, Kripa Budhraja, Anwesha Sharma, and Tamanna Angel Bowen (classes IX-XI) — was led by teacher escorts Smitha Francis and Vani Singh. Aged between 14 and 16, these young climbers prepared rigorously for months, balancing academic demands with a challenging physical regimen.

The students had to undergo medical screening and practiced strategic workout sessions, swimming sessions, appropriate diet plans, and practice treks across the hills of Mussoorie and Dehradun.

Test of grit & determination

The students started the trek from Lukla and continued through perilous routes, before finally reaching the Everest Base Camp. Along the way, the team braved rain, physical exhaustion and altitude sickness. Increased altitude, plummeting oxygen levels, and acute mountain sickness posed a greater challenge, and a team member had to be airlifted because of symptoms of HAPE (high altitude pulmonary edema). Regardless, the remaining six girls, accompanied by Vani Singh, showed remarkable grit and continued the trek. The descent, at 23 km downhill, was equally challenging, yet the girls turned every obstacle into an opportunity.

I am proud of what my Welhamites have accomplished. They have overcome every challenge with unwavering commitment and an indomitable spirit. Vibha Kapoor, Principal