Summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro at 19,341 Feet: A Journey Beyond Limits
What began as a simple conversation with friends and family 21 months ago has grown into a passion for high-altitude, multi-day hiking. Last October, I trekked to Everest Base Camp (EBC) at 17,600 feet, and this year, I set my sights even higher on the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro.
We chose the Machame route, a 6-day trek through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glaciers that tested our endurance. Each day presented new challenges, but the final push from 16,000 to 19,341 feet—hiking through the night—was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. With oxygen levels dropping to approximately 45% of those at sea level, every breath became a challenge. Yet, as the terrain steepened, my determination grew stronger. There’s something about the mountains that fuels my passion—each step, each breath connects me more deeply to my goals.
Summiting Kilimanjaro isn’t just about reaching the peak; it’s about embracing the journey. This adventure reinforced the importance of stepping outside of my comfort zone. The lessons—resilience, perseverance, and camaraderie—served as powerful reminders that achieving dreams requires dedication and hard work.
This experience was not just about the physical challenges; it was the camaraderie with my co-hikers: Archie Sharma, Atul Sharma, CFA, Manjula Reddy, and Abhishek Gupta —that made it unforgettable. We faced exhaustion and altitude sickness, but we also shared triumphs, breathtaking views, and the overwhelming sense of accomplishment that comes from pushing beyond our limits.
Memories from the trip:
- One Team, One Dream: This mantra kept us motivated, especially when one of us felt like giving up. It symbolized our commitment to support one another in achieving our goals.
- Pole Pole: Swahili for “slowly, slowly.” We learned that the key to reaching the summit was pacing ourselves and treating the trek as a marathon, not a sprint.
- Hakuna Matata: Meaning “no worries” in Swahili. Our guides lifted our spirits with songs during moments of fatigue and altitude sickness, reminding us that life’s challenges can be approached with a positive mindset.
- Empowered Together: Our team included two strong women—my co-hiker Manju Reddy and our junior guide, Fatima—whose leadership throughout the trek was truly inspiring.
Having lived at sea level all my life, I never imagined I would develop such a deep passion for high-altitude hiking. There’s something about being in the mountains, disconnected from the world, that brings unparalleled peace and fulfillment.
This adventure reignited my love for the outdoors and reaffirmed that pursuing dreams requires courage, perseverance, and tenacity. I’m excited for what’s next, but for now, it’s time to rest, reflect, and savor these incredible memories.
#Kilimanjaro #HighAltitudeHiking #FollowingPassion #AchievingDreams #Deloitte
