Hyderabad: The mountaineering community in Hyderabad is scaling new heights, literally. Despite recent tragedies on the world’s highest peak, interest in Mount Everest has exploded, with trainers reporting a surge in enquiries for 2026. What was once a trickle from the city each year could swell to 40-45 next season, and women are driving the momentum.The deaths of two climbers from Telugu states – Arun Kumar Tiwari from Hyderabad and Sandeep Are from Andhra Pradesh – in May have not dampened enthusiasm; if anything, organisers say awareness of risks has sharpened preparation.“Earlier, we would get six to eight serious enquiries annually. This year alone, we’ve had nearly 35,” said Bharath Thammineni, co-founder of Boots and Crampons.The surge is being fuelled by post-pandemic lifestyle changes, growing fitness culture, and the power of social media. Climbers now share expedition journeys online, making Everest appear more accessible and inspiring. Successful summits by Hyderabad-based climbers have created local role models, further stoking ambition.Most aspirants are professionals in their late 20s and 30s, not students.“The youngest in this year’s batch is a 29-year-old woman,” Thammineni said. Everest demands not only fitness but years of technical training and a substantial financial commitment.Attempting Everest is no small investment. Climbers spend Rs 50-60 lakh per expedition, covering permits, Sherpa support, oxygen, insurance, and gear. Nepal’s permit fee alone jumped from Rs 11 lakh to Rs 15 lakh last year.“Permits are easier to obtain than the training required,” said Meda Venkata Suresh of Edge Adventures, stressing the need for advanced courses and prior climbs above 7,000 metres.Hari Charan Singh of WildWoods Adventure believes tragedies have increased awareness rather than reduced enthusiasm. “The risks are clearer now, but interest is stronger. We’ve had more calls this year than ever before,” he said.From CISF sub-inspector Geeta Samota to young professionals, women are increasingly visible in Hyderabad’s climbing batches. They face unique challenges — managing menstrual health at high camps, privacy concerns in remote tents, balancing training with family responsibilities — yet their numbers are rising. “Mountains don’t see gender. Today, more women are stepping into mountaineering than ever before,” she said.Bengaluru-based climber Sreesha Ravindran, who joined a Hyderabad expedition, noted a sharp rise in women in advanced climbing programmes. Waste management and environmental responsibility are also part of the training, with climbers required to carry out human waste or dig designated pits.An Everest expedition spans 6-8 weeks, moving through five camps before a summit push. Sherpas haul heavy supplies, while climbers carry personal gear and endure extreme conditions — melting snow for water, battling frostbite, and navigating narrow weather windows. For many, Everest represents years of disciplined preparation across continents, from Kilimanjaro to Elbrus, before daring the Himalayas.Thirty-two-year-old Hyderabad resident Tulasi Reddy Palpunoori exemplifies this preparation. He trained at institutes in Jammu and Kashmir, summited peaks in Africa, Europe, and Australia, before attempting Everest. “In our group, two climbers suffered frostbite and two others died. It was disturbing, but it reinforced the importance of preparation,” he said.Nepal has introduced stricter regulations: Climbers must have previously summited a peak above 7,000 metres before attempting Everest. Experts say this will ensure only adequately prepared mountaineers take on the challenge. Despite the hurdles, the dream remains alive. “The dream of Everest is very much alive,” said Suresh.With enquiries multiplying and training institutes buzzing, Hyderabad is emerging as a hub for serious mountaineering. The risks are real, the costs steep, but the dream of Everest — the ultimate summit — is alive and growing stronger in the city.
