Kaamya Karthikeyan, 18, becomes youngest female mountaineer to conquer seven summits and ski to south pole

The Indian Navy has hailed 18-year-old Kaamya Karthikeyan for yet another historic feat. The daughter of a naval officer and an alumna of the Navy Children School (NCS), Kaamya became the youngest Indian, and the second-youngest female in the world, to ski to the South Pole.

She braved bone-chilling temperatures of -30℃ and fierce gale-force winds. With this, she trekked nearly 60 nautical miles (about 115 km) on foot from 89º South.

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During the expedition, she carried sled loaded with her entire expedition gear. She reached the South Pole on 27 December 2025.

History made at the South Pole! ❄️

Kaamya Karthikeyan, 18, braved freezing temperatures and fierce winds to become the youngest Indian and second-youngest woman to ski to the South Pole. She is now on her way to achieving the Explorers Grand Slam!#KaamyaKarthikeyan… pic.x.com/BolARb8DTI

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) December 30, 2025

Completing the seven summits challenge

Kaamya is on a mission to achieve the Explorers Grand Slam, the ultimate adventure challenge that involves climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents and skiing to both the North and South Poles.

Recently, she summited Mount Vinson Massif in Antarctica completing her Seven Summits Challenge. This milestone makes her the youngest female climber globally to have conquered all highest peaks on all seven continents.

Reflecting on her journey, Kaamya said, “Summiting Mount Vinson still feels surreal. And I am beyond grateful for the support I have received in reaching this highly challenging and final milestone of the Seven Summits. With this climb, I have become the youngest female mountaineer in the world to achieve Seven Summits Challenge. I am excited for what is next. I look forward to setting new goals for myself. I also hope this fuels young Indians of my generation to dream big and turn their dreams into reality.”

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