JNS I Ranchi: Tiana Budhia, a 9-year-old from Ranchi, Jharkhand, has etched her name in the annals of mountaineering history by becoming the youngest girl from Jharkhand and one of the youngest in India to reach the base camp of the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest.
On October 5, 2023, Tiana achieved this extraordinary feat by reaching the base camp of Mount Everest, nestled at an altitude of 5364 meters (17598 feet). Accompanied by her father, Anirudh Budhia, and a group of friends comprising Mayank Arya, Aditya Budhia, Dr Kushagra Mahansaria, Abhishek Taneja, Hitesh Bhagat, and Kanishka Poddar, Tiana completed the challenging trek spanning over 130 kilometres in just 11 days. She proudly raised the Indian flag to mark her triumphant moment at the Everest Base Camp.
The trek commenced on September 29, 2023, as Tiana and her team embarked on their journey to Everest Base Camp from Lukla (2860 meters). Their trekking route took them through picturesque locations, including Phakding (2652 meters), Namche Bazaar (3440 meters), Tengboche (3870 meters), Dingboche (4400 meters), Labuche (4900 meters), and Gorak Shep (5170 meters). The final leg of the journey from Gorak Shep to Everest Base Camp unfolded entirely on the Kumbhu Glacier. On October 8, 2023, the team safely returned to Lukla, concluding their remarkable adventure.
Throughout the trek, the group had the opportunity to witness the grandeur of nature, gazing upon four of the world’s six highest mountain peaks, namely Cho Oyu (8,201 meters), Mt. Makalu (8,470 meters), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 meters), and the towering Mt. Everest (8,848 meters). Additionally, they marvelled at the majestic Pumori (7161 meters) and Ama Dablam (6812 meters) from close quarters.
This challenging expedition involved ascending above the tree line within just four days, with the average elevation staying above 4,000 meters. The journey presented numerous stages with long, steep climbs, where the average oxygen levels dipped to 70–75%. Even simple tasks like donning clothing and shoes became arduous due to the high altitude. However, Tiana’s determination and resilience enabled her to overcome breathing difficulties, headaches, and the effects of acute mountain sickness.
Tiana’s father, Anirudh Budhia, and his friends from Ranchi have been embarking on annual trekking expeditions to mountains in India and Nepal for several years. They have completed notable treks like the Hampta Pass trek (4270 meters) in Himachal Pradesh, India, and the Annapurna Base Camp (4130 meters) trek in Nepal. After completing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek last year, Tiana expressed her desire to join the Everest Base Camp Trek in 2023. Her fascination with trekking grew as she looked at her father’s trek photos and listened to mountain stories, mentally preparing herself for nearly a year.
To prepare for the rigorous journey, Tiana diligently trained by regularly visiting the gym, focusing on strengthening her leg muscles and cardio fitness. She even practiced climbing stairs in her apartment daily to acclimate herself to the demands of mountainous terrain.
The trek was not only an adventure but also an enriching educational experience. Over 11 days, Tiana and her companions stayed in tea houses alongside the Sherpa community, learning about their culture, dedication, and way of life. They also explored the Tenzing Norgay Stupa and museum, a tribute to the legendary mountaineer who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, was the first to conquer Mount Everest.
With this remarkable achievement under her belt, Tiana has set her sights on future treks alongside her father and his adventurous friends, promising more awe-inspiring adventures in the years to come.
