In the world of high-altitude mountaineering, courage, resilience, and raw determination often go unnoticed behind the towering peaks and deafening silence of snow-capped ranges. But 29-year-old Baljeet Kaur from Himachal Pradesh is not just climbing mountains—she’s breaking boundaries and making history with every step.
Baljeet Kaur etched her name in global mountaineering history after becoming the first Indian to scale five 8,000-meter peaks within a month—an extraordinary feat that culminated with her recent summit of Mount Lhotse, the fourth-highest mountain in the world. Known for her fearless pursuits and unwavering resolve, she has quickly emerged as one of India’s most celebrated adventurers.
The Summit Streak
Baljeet’s mountaineering journey has been nothing short of cinematic. Over the years, she has collected achievements that most only dream of, and 2022 marked a particularly groundbreaking milestone. On 30th September 2022, she made history by becoming the first Indian to reach the true summit of Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the world’s eighth-highest peak, without using supplemental oxygen. This was a moment that resonated globally and earned her admiration from mountaineering communities across continents.
Her awe-inspiring climbing spree includes multiple Himalayan giants: Mount Annapurna (8,091m) and Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m)—both summited in a remarkable span of just 14 days in 2022. She also became the first Indian woman to scale Pumori Peak (7,161m) in 2021 and followed it up with an ascent of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) later that year. The record for climbing three 8000m+ peaks in seven days? That’s hers too.
Today, she holds the distinction of being the only Indian to have climbed seven 8000-meter peaks, with five of them conquered in under 30 days—an almost superhuman feat that places her among the top echelon of elite mountaineers globally.
Humble Beginnings
Baljeet’s journey did not begin with luxury gear or elite sponsorships. Her story starts in the small village of Panjrol in Himachal Pradesh. At 20, she was selected for a National Cadet Corps (NCC) expedition to Mount Deo Tibba. That climb ignited a lifelong passion, and later that year, she went on to summit Mount Trishul (7,120m)—a turning point in her life.
But passion alone couldn’t sustain her dream. To make ends meet and support her family, Baljeet juggled multiple jobs. She worked as a yoga instructor, theatre artist, acting coach, and dance teacher for differently-abled children. She even cooked and cleaned in homes after teaching classes, all while training for the next expedition. Her daily grind was powered by the sheer belief that one day, she would stand tall among the world’s tallest peaks.
Life at the Edge
Climbing mountains that pierce the sky is as dangerous as it is exhilarating. The risk of avalanches, frostbite, oxygen deprivation, and sheer exhaustion is constant. For Baljeet, every expedition is a confrontation with death—but also a powerful reminder of life.
She doesn’t climb for records alone; she climbs for the spirit of adventure, for the representation of Indian women in global mountaineering, and to prove that no dream is too big when matched with grit and heart.
Her recent achievements include scaling Mount Everest (8,848.86m), followed by Mt Lhotse (8,517m) and Mt Makalu (8,485m)—all within weeks of each other. These climbs are not just high in altitude but high in difficulty, requiring peak physical endurance and precise mental fortitude. Yet Baljeet’s calm confidence and indomitable willpower have helped her defy both the elements and the odds.
Challenges Off the Mountain
Even as she garners global recognition, Baljeet remains grounded. She is still fighting financial limitations, still hustling to fund future expeditions. There is no red carpet or corporate luxury awaiting her return—just the village, the modest home, and perhaps more odd jobs.
Despite this, her spirit remains unbroken. In interviews, she often speaks about empowering young girls, advocating for gender equality in adventure sports, and encouraging the government and private sponsors to invest in aspiring mountaineers from underrepresented regions. She dreams not only of summiting more peaks, but of seeing more women from rural India dare to dream like she did.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Baljeet’s expeditions often double as awareness campaigns. She has raised attention to climate change, the melting glaciers, and the need to protect the fragile mountain ecosystems she calls her second home. Her social media platforms reflect both the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas and the looming environmental threats these regions face.
By sharing her journey openly, she’s inspired a new generation of climbers who see their reflection in her struggles and triumphs. Her story resonates because it is real—unfiltered, raw, and deeply human.
What’s Next for Baljeet?
While she has already achieved what many would consider a lifetime’s worth of accolades, Baljeet is far from done. Her sights are set on scaling all 14 of the world’s 8000-meter peaks, and with her current pace, that dream no longer feels out of reach.
More than just numbers and records, her story is about reclaiming agency, rewriting narratives, and showing the world what sheer determination looks like when matched with purpose.
As she continues to climb higher, Baljeet Kaur doesn’t just carry gear—she carries the hopes of millions, the dreams of girls in villages like Panjrol, and the flag of a rising India pushing its limits in every arena, including the roof of the world.
Do follow her on Instagram:- mountain_daughter_baljeet
For more information, click here
Meet Raunak Singh: The Teen Humanitarian Powering India’s Crisis Relief Movement
