Who Is Arishka Laddha? 6-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Girl To Climb Everest Base Camp

6-Year-Old Arishka Laddha recently made the country proud after she became the youngest Indian female to have climbed Mount Everest Base Camp, which is at an elevation of about 17,598 feet.

Arishka Laddha climbed Mount Everest Base Camp with her mother Dimple Laddha, who was on a 15-day trek. The girl and her mom travelled 130 kilometres in temperatures ranging from -3 to -17 degrees Celsius.

Arishka Laddha

Arishka Laddha is a resident of Kothrud, Pune, India, and lives with her family. She wore about eight layers of clothing and travelled for 15 days with her mother for the expedition. "I was overjoyed. It was far too cold. I wish to get to Mount Everest's top someday. We also saw Yak and Mule," Arshika stated.

Dimple, the girl's mother, stated that she has been involved in athletics since she was a toddler. She stated that she has been cycling, trekking, and running for many years. While she was advised that she would be taking her child at her own risk since it's usually the norm that children above the age of 12 climb up the camp, she decided to pursue it nevertheless. "My daughter is an energetic child in general. We climb forts around Pune on alternate Saturdays and Sundays, and have climbed Sinhagadh several times," she shared.

Dimple stated that she intends to professionally train her daughter. She added that she will prepare to climb Mount Everest in the future if Arishka wishes to do so and is fully prepared physically and mentally.

Meanwhile, Arishka's father, Kaustubh Laddha, seemed overjoyed. He claimed how it was a moment of sheer pride for them when they heard the news. "She has made India proud, we are happy and will be there to support her in whatever she does." Arishka's father shared how he and his family were deeply concerned in the beginning considering the obstacles that came in the mountains the past few days but, he added, the mother-daughter duo persevered and conquered.

Photo credit: Ryan International School

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