At just five years old, Teghbir Singh from Ropar, Punjab, has made history by becoming the youngest Asian to successfully summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. The mountain, located in Tanzania, rises to an impressive height of 19,340 feet (5,895 meters).
Teghbir embarked on his journey on August 18, 2024, and reached Uhuru Peak on August 23. His achievement is particularly remarkable as he faced challenges such as altitude sickness and frigid temperatures that dipped to minus 10 degrees Celsius. In April of this year, he had already trekked to the base camp of Mount Everest, showcasing his adventurous spirit.
In recognition of his accomplishment, Teghbir received a Mountain Climbing Certificate from the Conservation Commissioner of Tanzania National Parks, which includes Kilimanjaro National Park. He shares this world record with Serbian boy Ognjen Zivkovic, who also summited the mountain at the age of five on August 6, 2023.
Teghbir credits his success to his family and coach, Bikramjit Singh Ghuman, who prepared him for this challenge over the past year. His training included cardiovascular exercises and regular treks in hilly areas, where he walked 8-10 kilometers daily while acclimatizing to lower oxygen levels and cold temperatures.
Accompanied by his father, Sukhinderdeep Singh, and a team of guides, Teghbir initially faced setbacks due to severe weather conditions that forced them to turn back on their first attempt. However, they persevered and reached the summit on their second try. Teghbir’s mother, Dr. Manpreet Kaur, a gynecologist, emphasized the importance of a strict diet in supporting his physical endurance.
After his historic climb, Teghbir expressed his joy and gratitude, stating that chanting “Waheguru” helped him during the trek. The family is set to return to India on August 30, celebrating this incredible milestone.
