At just 18, Kaamya Karthikeyan has done something most people only read about in adventure books. The Mumbai-based teenager became the youngest Indian and the second-youngest woman in the world to ski all the way to the South Pole.

This is not just a personal win. It is a landmark moment for Indian exploration.

A Journey Few Dare to Attempt

Kaamya completed her South Pole expedition on December 27, 2025, covering 115 kilometers on skis in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Temperatures dropped to –30°C, icy winds cut through the open terrain, and she pulled her own sled the entire way.

There were no shortcuts. No rescue paths. Just endurance, discipline, and mental strength.

The South Pole is known for:

• Extreme cold and unpredictable blizzards
  
• Hard ice ridges that make skiing exhausting
  
• Isolation that tests mental resilience as much as physical fitness
  

Reaching it safely is considered one of the toughest challenges in modern exploration.

Backed by Grit and Discipline

Kaamya comes from a naval family and studied at Navy Children’s School, where discipline and resilience were part of everyday life. The Indian Navy publicly congratulated her achievement, calling her a symbol of determination and ambition for the younger generation.

Their message was clear: her journey is bigger than records. It’s about pushing limits.

Not Her First Historic Climb

What makes Kaamya’s story even more impressive is that this is not a one-time achievement.

Before skiing to the South Pole, she had already:

• Climbed Mount Everest in 2024 at age 17, becoming the youngest Indian and second-youngest woman to do so
  
• Scaled Aconcagua in 2020 as the youngest girl ever
  
• Skied down Mount Elbrus in Europe
  
• Completed a non-American ascent of Denali in North America
  
• Climbed Mount Vinson in Antarctica, completing the Seven Summits in record time
  

She began mountaineering at just 13 years old, inspired by global explorers like Felicity Aston.

Why This Achievement Matters

Kaamya’s South Pole expedition stands out because it proves that age is not a barrier to excellence when preparation meets purpose.

Her success highlights:

• India’s growing presence in global adventure sports
  
• The importance of mental strength alongside physical fitness
  
• How long-term planning and consistency beat overnight success
  

In a time when quick wins are glorified, her journey reminds us that real achievements take years of effort.

What’s Next for Kaamya?

With the South Pole behind her, Kaamya is now focused on completing the Explorers Grand Slam. This elite challenge includes:

• Climbing the highest peak on every continent
  
• Skiing to both the North Pole and South Pole
  

If completed, she will join a very small group of explorers worldwide.

A Story That Inspires a Generation

Kaamya Karthikeyan’s journey is not just about adventure. It’s about discipline, patience, and the courage to chase goals that seem impossible.

At 18, she has already redefined what young Indians can aspire to achieve on the global stage. And this feels like just the beginning.