Hyderabad mountaineer Vishwanath sets new record

The 16-year-old Vishwanath completed the 7- Summits challenge, climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents

HYDERABAD: Vishwanath Karthikey Padakanti of Hyderabad set a new record by becoming India’s youngest and the world’s second youngest to complete the 7 Summits across all the continents, which is the ultimate dream for any mountaineer.

The 16-year-old Vishwanath completed the 7- Summits challenge, climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents. With this extraordinary achievement, he becomes “India’s youngest and the world’s second youngest” to complete one of the most prestigious feats in mountaineering.

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His final summit was the iconic Mt. Everest (8,848 metres) — a moment that marked the culmination of years of rigorous training, endurance, and sheer determination. The full list of his summits includes:

Asia – Mount Everest (8,848 m / 29,029 ft)

South America – Aconcagua (6,961 m / 22,838 ft)

North America – Denali (6,190 m / 20,310 ft)

Africa – Kilimanjaro (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)

Europe – Mount Elbrus (5,642 m / 18,510 ft)

Antarctica – Mount Vinson (4,892 m / 16,050 ft)

Australia – Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 m / 7,310 ft)

“This journey tested every part of me — physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said Vishwanath Karthikey. “But standing on the summit of Everest and completing the 7 Summits is a dream comes true. I am deeply grateful for the love and support I’ve received throughout this journey,” he said.

He thanked his parents Padakanti Rajendera Prasad and Padakanti Laxmi, and his grandparents, who have been his pillars of strength throughout his mountaineering journey.

“I owe a lot to my mother in particular who worked tirelessly to ensure I could pursue my dreams. Her belief that ‘doing what you love leads to a fulfilling and successful life’ has been a guiding force,” he said.

Over the past five years, Vishwanath has been training under the expert guidance of Bharath and Lt. Romil Barthwal, an Indian Army veteran and an accomplished mountaineer. Their mentorship has played a critical role in shaping his climbing skills and mindset.

“Vishwanath’s achievement is not just a mountaineering milestone — it reflects his strength of character, humility, and determination,” said mentors Bharath and Lt. Romil Barthwal.

“Guiding him has been a privilege. He exemplifies what young people can achieve with the right discipline, attitude, and purpose,” he said.