Chennai’s Nisha Sasikumar Becomes Youngest Woman in the World to Summit Mount Everest via Nepal Route
Chennai: Chennai has added another remarkable achievement to its growing list of sporting milestones, with 16-year-old mountaineer Nisha Sasikumar becoming the youngest woman in the world to summit Mount Everest via the South Col route from Nepal.
Nisha reached the summit of the world’s highest mountain on May 25, 2026, at the age of 16 years and 80 days. She completed the climb as part of an expedition organised by Elite Exped and is currently descending safely. Throughout the expedition, she was supported by Sherpa guides Tenji Sherpa, Phura Dorji Sherpa and Phursang Sherpa.
Born and raised in Chennai, Nisha’s achievement has brought pride to the city and placed her among the youngest climbers globally to conquer the 8,848.86-metre peak.
Speaking about the achievement, Nisha said reaching the summit was a surreal experience and that the journey reinforced the importance of resilience, preparation and self-belief.
Her father, Sasikumar Gendham, said the family was proud to see Nisha overcome immense challenges through determination and perseverance.
Nisha’s Everest journey began on April 15, 2026, when she arrived in Lukla from Kathmandu. The expedition included an eight-day trek to Everest Base Camp, acclimatisation, technical training and rotational climbs through the Khumbu Icefall to Camps 1, 2 and 3 before the final summit push.
The Chennai teenager’s Everest success is part of her larger goal of completing the prestigious Seven Summits challenge, which involves climbing the highest mountain on each continent.
Since April 2025, Nisha has successfully summited Mount Elbrus in Europe, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, Carstensz Pyramid in Oceania, Aconcagua in South America and now Mount Everest in Asia.
In October 2025, she became the youngest female to summit Carstensz Pyramid, a feat later confirmed by the India Book of Records.
Nisha is next scheduled to attempt Denali in North America in June 2026 and Vinson Massif in Antarctica in November 2026 as she continues her quest to complete the Seven Summits challenge.
With this achievement, Chennai’s young mountaineer has earned a place in global mountaineering records while inspiring aspiring adventurers across the city and beyond.