In an extraordinary feat of courage and determination, Prakriti Varshney etched her name in history as the first Indian female vegan to conquer Mount Everest on May 12, 2022. Since then, she has continued to defy limits by summiting three of Africa’s tallest peaks: Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kenya, and Mt. Stanley. As she gears up to conquer nine more mountains across various countries in the coming year, she reflects on her relentless pursuit of dreams. “I am chasing dreams like no other,” she asserts. Yet, for this intrepid mountaineer, the biggest hurdle lies in securing the necessary funds. “All my plans and dreams hinge on whether I can amass sufficient financial support,” she candidly explains.
Prakriti’s odyssey is marked by a profound love for animals, prompting her to relinquish all meat-based products and embrace a vegan lifestyle. She actively volunteers with an animal rescue NGO and leverages her social media platform to advocate for the welfare of all creatures. Additionally, her affection for the mountains led her to forsake a conventional 9-to-5 job and relocate to Manali. Here, she established a homestay for travelers, seamlessly intertwining her entrepreneurial spirit with her fervor for mountaineering.
The realm of mountaineering is often regarded as a male-dominated domain, attributed to the demanding physical prowess it necessitates. However, Prakriti, a 26-year-old dynamo, is determined to catalyze a gradual transformation. “Many still find it hard to fathom that I scale peaks with over 15 kilograms of equipment in tow. Perhaps it’s due to my stature – standing at 5 feet, and being petite, or perhaps simply because I am a woman,” she muses. Yet, these preconceptions have failed to deter her.
When asked for advice she’d offer to women embarking on their own metaphorical ‘Everest’, Prakriti’s response is as steadfast as her ascents: “Just persevere, take a deep breath, and start anew when faced with adversity,” she imparts.
Prakriti Varshney’s journey is not just one of personal triumph, but a testament to the power of unwavering determination and the breaking of barriers. As she forges ahead, she not only conquers mountains, but challenges stereotypes and inspires a new generation of women to follow their dreams, no matter how audacious they may seem.