Karnataka duo climbs Mount Everest, warns against climbing without adequate training

Chinmayee Trishulamurthy and Santosh Devarajappa who scaled Mount Everest on May 12, 2026. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Battling freezing temperatures, winds strong enough to sweep climbers off their feet and some of the toughest terrain in the world, Chinmayee Trishulamurthy and Santosh Devarajappa scaled Mount Everest at 29,031 feet on May 12, 2026.

Climbers who have scaled several peaks in Karnataka, including Kumaraparvata and Skandagiri Hills, have taken mountaineering courses in the Himalayas. Their training regimen included running, weight training and yoga.

Midnight exit

The duo chose the South Col route from Nepal for their expedition. Every day they started climbing between 11pm and 12pm. Due to the harsh weather conditions on the mountains during the day, they preferred to climb at night, stopping to rest between 7 and 8 o’clock.

The most dangerous part of their summit was on the Khumbu Glacier, a glacier they described as ‘as tall as a building’. But for Ms. Trishulamurthy, who was mesmerized by the glowing colors of the ice in the sunlight, it was also the favorite part.

Needless to say, there were darker moments.

“One of our friends was injured when ice fell on him. Fortunately, he was saved, but it really made me question my way forward,” Ms. Trishulamurthy recalled.

Chinmayee Trishulamurthy and Santosh Devarajappa who scaled Mount Everest at 29,031 feet on May 12, 2026. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

“Keeping emotions in check”

For Mr. Devarajappa, it was his guide’s advice to carry on with a neutral mind and emotions in check that saved him in such dire situations.

Highlighting the role of Sherpas during the summit, he recalled how when his oxygen level dropped to zero at 8,800m, his Sherpa carried him to the nearest oxygen center and saved his life.

“Moving through mountain storms helps you build strong mental resilience. Being in the Himalayas, surrounded by mother nature, gives you a sense of solitude,” said Ms. Trishulamurthy.

Training essential

Mr Devarajappa encouraged more people to take up mountaineering, while the two climbers advised aspiring Everest climbers to undergo proper mountaineering training and climb peaks above 6,000 meters before attempting Everest.

Although their summit was completed in 46 days, preparations for it had started years ago, Ms. Trishulamurthy and Mr. Devarajappa pointed out.

They warned young climbers not to choose Everest as their first major peak, stressing that inexperience can endanger not only themselves, but everyone on the expedition.

Published – 29 May 2026 22:55 IST