Baljeet Kaur, an accomplished mountaineer from Solan, Himachal Pradesh, has etched her name in history with remarkable achievements. As the first Indian woman to conquer Mount Pumori Peak (7161m) and Mount Dhaulagiri Peak (8167m) in Nepal, Baljeet set a precedent. In 2022, she accomplished an unprecedented feat by becoming the first Indian to summit seven peaks above 8000m, achieving five of them within a remarkable 30 days.
Beyond her mountaineering skills, Baljeet excels in a variety of sports, demonstrating her skill in marathons, rock climbing, skiing, theatre, kabaddi, volleyball, and hockey. Her commitment to fitness is highlighted by a notable World Record — completing the longest relay marathon run against depression in 2022, covering an astounding 9490 km.
Baljeet’s mountaineering expertise is further underscored by the successful ascents of iconic peaks like Mount Everest and Mount Trishul. Her unwavering determination shines through in impressive world records, including scaling three peaks above 8000m in just seven days and achieving the unprecedented feat of ascending Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse in a remarkable 25 hours and 20 minutes.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Baljeet was honored with the Gold Medal by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation in 2023.
Key themes emerging out of our conversation:
- Daring to Dream Big
- Mental resilience in challenges
- Being one's own advocate and supporter
- Self-awareness and listening to one's body
- Preparedness and being ready for opportunities
- Mountaineering was a calling; mountains chose her
- Advocated for paving the way for others in mountaineering
- Defying impossibility, embracing audacious goals amidst naysayers
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