Cherthala: Thirteen-year-old Anna Mary from Cherthala has proven that age is no barrier to adventure! Anna recently participated in a technical climb of Friendship Peak of Pir Panjal range in Himalayas, a challenging expedition that saw her conquer a height of 15,748 feet, using ice climbing tools and snow boots to navigate the demanding terrain.
While speaking to News9, Anna Mary said that challenging expeditions has always been in her mind ever since her childhood.
“I always had a passion and interest for travelling and expedition. I used to follow the videos of travellers right from the beginning of my school days. However, off late i came up with a plan where I will set out for an expedition where I will climb the major mountain peaks in every continent. As a preparation towards it, I decided to climb the Friendship peak of Pir Panjal range in Himalayas”, she said.
This wasn’t just any ordinary team – Anna joined forces with twelve fellow adventurers from across India, forging new friendships while pushing her limits on the Himalayan mountain. Her story is an inspiration to young people in Cherthala and beyond, encouraging them to embrace the thrill of adventure sports.
It was on June 21st that Anna along with her father and 13 others began climbing the friendship peak. Climbing a distance of 4800 meters upwards the terrain braving the cold breeze and the rocky slopes the team returned back on June 26th.
“We had brought all the essential guards, jackets, sweaters and the necessary food packets. While climbing atop we did not face any major challenge. However, as I was reaching the top, I felt a bit uneasy and one of the official who had accompanied us advised us to stop and return back to where we began. However, we managed to climb 4800 feet of the 5890 feet high Friendship peak of the Pir Panjal range”, Anna said.
Anna, who just completed her first mission which she sees as a training for her next mission which is to conquer the Kilimanjaro mountain peak in Tanzania is now on the path of a journey that she has in her mind for a long time.
“I am blessed to have my full support of the family and my teachers who has been encouraging me throughout”, said Anna.
“My biggest advise to all is to ensure that sports and outdoor activities is equally important for the over all well being of a student. Hence sports should be made part of the syllabus and sporting activities should be encouraged”, she added.
The Friendship Peak expedition is a true test of grit. The route traverses demanding terrain, requiring technical climbing skills and the use of ice axes and crampons. The high altitude brings its own set of challenges: thin air with less oxygen makes every step an effort, and the unforgiving environment throws everything from extreme weather to icy streams at climbers. To survive, the team relied on melted glacier water for hydration and slept in mountain tents, braving the elements together.
Anna Mary’s accomplishment demonstrates that with dedication, perseverance, and a thirst for exploration, even young minds can achieve great things. Her story is a call to action for other children to step outside their comfort zones and discover the joys of adventure sports.
Thirteen-year-old Anna Mary from Cherthala has proven that age is no barrier to adventure! Anna recently participated in a technical climb of Friendship Peak of Pir Panjal range in Himalayas, a challenging expedition that saw her conquer a height of 15,748 feet, using ice climbing tools and snow boots to navigate the demanding terrain. Kerala States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
