At the tender age of 10 months, I had my first brush with mountaineering. My father, trainer and inspiration, Dr. Krishna Rao took me along in a specially designed backpack, carrying me on his back and climbing the rough terrains, for hours on end.
Having been exposed to the harsh beauty of the hilly regions, I fell in love with it all, the tough climatic conditions, the freezing cold, rough roads and strenuous climbs. It all become a part of my personality and thus was born my passion to conquer the heights.
I spent my early childhood watching my parents practise a strict workout routine where he would go for morning walks, cycling expeditions and follow diet restrictions. I think I kind of grew up with this whole aura around me that was healthy, tough, adventurous and more than anything, extremely passionate.
The Training:
I underwent physical training to toughen up and took up adventure sports along with mountaineering. Long-distance running, cycling, climbing and load ferrying (training for climbs with heavy backpacks on the back) for six to seven hours in a day became a routine for me. I couldn’t avoid it, I had a bigger vision and my father never left my side whilst my journey. He was there to support me, encourage me and pull me through. As enthusiastic as I am, so is my father and his enthusiasm never allows me to fail or give up.
My daily routine will surely shock you all. I wake up at 4.30 AM everyday and start with running or cycling (alternate days) till 7.30 AM. Then attend school, lectures, classes and continue with training in the evening where I practise for load ferrying.
First Tryst:
At the age of eight, along with my father I ventured into Roopkund. Roopkund is a high altitude glacier lake in Uttarkhand, India. It is famous for the hundreds of skeletons found near the Trishul lake at the lap of which this glacier is situated. Scarry isn’t it? But at that age I didn’t think much about it as I hardly understood much and went on.
The strenuous trek took me around 15 days to complete. With severe muscle spasm, pain in my legs and a stiff body due to the cold weather I faced great trouble but managed to keep going till I successfully completed the climb. It was such a brilliant experience. I still remember the moment when I reached the destination. It was a different kind of high. So surreal, I cannot describe it in words.
Trekking Away:
Two years later at the age of 10, I explored the winter Himalayan expedition and this year (I am 13 now) I conquered the Stok Kangri in Ladakh. Stok Kangri is the highest mountain range in the Himalayas in Ladakh region.
I am proud to be the youngest girl in the world and the first Asian to have scaled the Kilimanjaro. I reached the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in in Tanzania in October 2014 and created a global record. I now hope to scale all the seven summits in the world soon.
More than Mountaineering:
You must be wondering what kind of a life I live.
If you think all I do is climb mountains, your wrong. I train alot but that doesn’t mean I’ve given my studies and other interests a miss. My school (name of school) is cooperative and allows me to study without attending classes. So wherever I go, I always carry my books with me and study as much as I can.
I am a trained Bharatnatyam dancer and go for professional painting classes too. I love art and it gives me great joy to express myself with dance. It helps me de-stress.
Adventure sports too play an important part in my life. In Hyderabad, where I am based, there isn’t much opportunity but I try to make the most of it.
The Prep for 7 Summits:
To prepare for the seven summits mission which is my next big goal, I recently went to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to train for 20 days. The institute based in Darjeeling is one of the best in India and the experience was enriching. Apart from the usual (but more strenuous) trainings I had to live alone which was different.
I want to complete the seven summits mission for a cause. I want girl children to be educated. Training them for self defence and preparing them to fight for themselves is another of my dreams.
Someday I want to start my own Martial Arts and Adventure Sports Training Academy.
Life’s Motto:
I believe life is an adventure and one has to live it fully, without any fear. The adrenaline rush is what I enjoy the most and it’s my active interest in these sports that has helped me eradicate my fears. I think one can enjoy life only by take up new challenges and striving hard to achieve new goals.
While on my treks, I have often seen my father (A mental health doctor) help the poor and needy on our way. This has inspired me to do good.
Jaahnavi is currently trying to raise funds for her seven summits mission. To know more about her or contribute to her mission click here.
As told to Zahra Z. Motorwala
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