Indian mountaineer Kavita Chand completes the Kilimanjaro round trip in 22 hours 36 minutes, reaching Uhuru Peak in 12 hours 46 minutes
New Delhi: Indian mountaineer and endurance athlete Kavita Chand has completed the Mount Kilimanjaro round trip in 22 hours and 36 minutes, setting a new milestone for Indian mountaineering, according to her expedition team.
Chand followed the Mweka Gate–Uhuru Peak–Mweka Gate route on Africa’s highest mountain. She reached Uhuru Peak, which stands at 5,895 metres, in 12 hours and 46 minutes before completing the descent and returning to Mweka Gate.
A conventional Kilimanjaro expedition generally takes five to nine days for the ascent and descent. Climbers usually spread the journey over several days to adjust to the increasing altitude. Chand’s attempt required intensive preparation and a coordinated support team.
Her expedition was organised with support from Bharath and Romil of Boots & Crampons and a local team in Tanzania. The advance team established a camp at Barafu Camp, situated at 4,673 metres. Guides and a summit porter accompanied Chand during different stages of the climb.
Chand said Kilimanjaro already featured on her list of mountains to climb as part of her Seven Summits journey. Suggestions from others encouraged her to attempt a speed climb.
She described completing the ascent in 12 hours and 46 minutes and the full round trip in 22 hours and 36 minutes as a special achievement. She also thanked the Boots & Crampons team and local support staff for helping make the expedition possible.
Bharath from Boots & Crampons praised Chand’s determination and preparation. He described the sub-24-hour round trip as a significant achievement.
Kilimanjaro is the fifth mountain Chand has climbed as part of her Seven Summits journey. Her previous climbs include Elbrus, Denali, Vinson and Aconcagua. She has also completed five of the six World Marathon Majors.
