Bahrain-based mountaineer and mother of two, Deepa Siva, has once again pushed her limits, adding Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest peak in Africa – to her growing list of achievements.
The Indian expatriate and marketing executive successfully scaled the ‘Roof of Africa’, standing at 5,895 metres above sea level, last month.
“This is my third summit success after Kuari Pass in 2022 and Everest base camp in 2024, but the first two were more of a preparation,” Ms Siva told the GDN.
“Kilimanjaro was tough and challenging as I didn’t get enough time to prepare. I took the seven-day Lemosho route and summited the peak on December 24,” the 45-year-old added.
The terrain was demanding with rain, winds and cold weather and the final summit push was not easy either.
“We started at midnight and walking in the dark on the steep, rocky ground in minus 10C temperatures was exhausting, to say the least. One wrong foot and you could fall off the mountain. However, we walked non-stop and reached Uhuru Peak at 10am.”
Ms Siva, who works in the telecom sector, highlighted that despite the challenges, it was the ‘experience of a lifetime’.
“You get your reward only after pushing your limits. As the locals say, the secret to Kilimanjaro is ‘pole pole’ (trekking accessory), and pole pole I made it to the Roof of Africa.”
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1372418
