Seven-Year-Old from Punjab Makes Mountaineering History in Nepal
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, Teghbir Singh, a seven-year-old boy from Ropar in Punjab, has become the youngest person in the world to complete Nepal's challenging Annapurna Circuit. The young mountaineer successfully crossed Thorong La Pass, the circuit's highest point at 17,769 feet (5,416 meters), setting a new global record for high-altitude achievement.
Breaking Records in Freezing Conditions
Teghbir, who is currently seven years and six months old, surpassed the previous world record held by Ivan Krushkov from Dubai, who achieved the feat in April 2025 at seven years and ten months. The third-standard student at Shiwalik Public School in Ropar began his monumental circuit walk on April 11, 2026, and reached Thorong La Pass on Saturday, April 18.
The ascent presented formidable challenges, including low oxygen conditions requiring special preparation to combat altitude sickness. The young adventurer faced a grueling high-altitude trek spanning approximately 230 kilometers, with temperatures averaging -8 degrees Celsius. On the final ascent day, Teghbir began his climb at 4 AM in freezing temperatures around -13°C, reaching the pass at 9:25 AM after approximately five and a half hours of continuous walking.
A Family Journey of Preparation and Achievement
Teghbir was accompanied by his father, Sukhinderdeep Singh, and two guides from Himalayan Social Journey (HSJ), a trekking company recognized by the Nepal government. Expressing his joy after the achievement, Teghbir said, "I prepared for this, I knew it was long and difficult and finally I reached and had a picture with my father there. I was walking first time on a long Circuit, my shoes were heavy, but I had practiced it back."
His father, a medical administrator at a private hospital in Ropar, revealed that Teghbir had been preparing for this feat for nearly six months under the guidance of retired Indian handball coach Bikramjit Singh Ghuman. "He was trained with exercises to increase cardiovascular health and lung capacity to deal with altitude sickness. As this trek involved covering longer distance, special emphasis was given on his durability and diet. They went on weekly treks to different hilly locations," Sukhinderdeep explained.
A Growing Legacy of High-Altitude Achievements
This remarkable achievement adds to Teghbir's already impressive mountaineering resume:
- In June 2025, at age six years and seven months, he became the youngest person to scale Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest peak
- In August 2024, he became the youngest Asian to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, earning places in both the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records
- In April 2024, at just five years and seven months, he reached Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal
Official Recognition and Family Support
Amrit Sapkota, Executive Director of Himalayan Social Journey, confirmed the achievement, stating that Teghbir would receive his official certificate during a ceremony in Kathmandu. "The circuit was different compared to Mount Everest Base Camp and other summits he did before. It was the first time he walked for longer duration covering more distance which tested his durability and strength. The trek was difficult, long and strenuous," Sapkota noted.
Teghbir's mother, Dr. Manpreet Kaur, a gynecologist, emphasized the crucial role of diet in his success. "Diet played a very major role in his journey, and he followed a strict diet schedule as laid out by his coach," she stated. The family is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on April 20, completing the downward trail, and will reach their home in Ropar on April 22.
For his previous achievements, Teghbir was honored at Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal seat, by acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj in July 2025. This latest accomplishment further cements his status as one of the world's most remarkable young adventurers, demonstrating extraordinary physical and mental resilience at an age when most children are just beginning their formal education.
