Arjun Vajpai Becomes First Indian to Conquer Mt. Shishapangma

Arjun Vajpai, the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest, has once again made India proud by accomplishing another historic feat. On October 9, 2024, Arjun Vajpai stood atop Mt. Shishapangma, completing his 8th successful summit of a peak over 8,000 meters. With this accomplishment, he set four new records, adding another milestone to his illustrious mountaineering career.

Journey

• Vajpai, who began his journey to conquer all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks at just 16 years old in 2010, has now summited 8 of the 14 tallest mountains on Earth.
• When Vajpai eventually completes all 14 summits, he will become the first Indian to join the elite list of mountaineers who have achieved this incredible feat. 
• His recent success on Mt. Shishapangma not only marks him as the first Indian to scale the mountain, but also includes the record for the fastest ascent from Base Camp to the summit and back in under 72 hours. 
• Additionally, he now holds the title of the first Indian to stand atop eight 8,000-meter peaks, and has set the record for the fastest Indian ascent of an 8,000-meter peak in China.

Highlights of Arjun’s Achievements on Mt. Shishapangma

• 1st Indian to summit Mt. Shishapangma (October 9, 2024)
• Fastest ascent of Mt. Shishapangma (Base Camp to Summit and back in under 72 hours)
• First Indian to climb eight 8,000-meter peaks
• Fastest Indian ascent of an 8,000-meter peak in China

Arjun Vajpai’s Climb of Mt. Shishapangma

• Arjun successfully reached the summit of Mt. Shishapangma at 7:45 am IST. His team had informed the China-Tibet Mountaineering Association before the expedition.
• He communicated his success to his father, Sanjeev Vajpayee, through satellite phone after enduring the challenges of the climb.
• Climbing Mt. Shishapangma is highly dangerous, with 25 climbers having lost their lives attempting to conquer this peak.

Arjun’s Mountaineering Legacy

At just 30 years old, Arjun Vajpai had already earned recognition in the Guinness World Records for being the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest (2010) and Mt. Lhotse (2011). 

His recent victory on Mt. Shishapangma is yet another chapter in his relentless pursuit of mountaineering excellence.

Challenges Along the Way

• Arjun Vajpai’s journey has not been without its challenges. During an expedition to Cho Oyu, he suffered paralysis and underwent treatment for nearly six months.
• Despite this setback, Arjun’s unbreakable spirit led him to overcome these challenges, and his determination continues to inspire the nation.

Arjun Vajpai’s 8 Successful Summits (So Far)

• Mt. Everest (2010)
• Mt. Lhotse (2011)
• Mt. Manaslu (2011)
• Mt. Makalu (2016)
• Mt. Cho Oyu (2016)
• Mt. Kangchenjunga (2018)
• Mt. Annapurna (2023)
• Mt. Shishapangma (2024)

With six summits remaining, Arjun Vajpai is on his way to achieving one of mountaineering’s greatest honors. His journey is not just about climbing peaks it’s about making history and carrying India’s hopes to the world’s highest mountains.