The story of Saanika Shah, a Mumbai-based endurance athlete and Bharatanatyam dancer, is one of them.
In 2021, during the pandemic lockdown, 17-year-old Saanika watched a film about the 1996 Everest tragedy. Instead of being terrified, she made a decision that would change her life completely: she would stand on top of Mount Everest.
She wasn’t exaggerating when she called it an obsession. She ordered photos of Everest online, framed them, and hung them in her bedroom so they were the first thing she saw every morning.
On May 20, 2026, at just 22 years old, Saanika Shah finally stood at 8,849 meters above sea level – on top of the world.
But getting there nearly broke her.
A Journey of Challenges and an Unforgettable Moment
1. Five Years of Preparation: From Photos on the Wall to the Summit
Saanika Shah spent five years preparing for her dream. She trained relentlessly, balancing studies, sports training, and Bharatanatyam classes. She became the first Indian woman to summit Himlung Himal as part of her preparation.
2. The Final 50 Days and 21 Hours in Snow
The final push to Everest itself took a brutal 50 days. At one terrifying point, she was trapped in snow for 21 straight hours, unsure if she would make it out alive.
“It was one of the scariest moments of my life,” she recalled.
3. The Hillary Step Moment – Where One Wrong Move Could Be the End
At the Hillary Step – one of the most feared points on the entire mountain – Saanika faced a 2,000-meter drop while completely exhausted. She thought that one wrong move meant it was over.
4. Bharatanatyam Performance at 5,364 Meters
Amid all the danger, Saanika made time for something deeply personal: Bharatanatyam. She asked her expedition team for permission to perform the classical dance at Everest Base Camp, at an altitude of 5,364 meters, in full traditional costume and jewelry.
“It was a very special moment for me. I’ve trained in Bharatanatyam since I was four, and performing it in such a sacred place was a dream,” she shared.
5. The Summit Moment: A Bow and a Gesture of Gratitude
When she finally reached the summit, Saanika didn’t throw her arms up or scream in victory. She simply touched her forehead down in Namaskar – a quiet gesture of gratitude to the mountain that had tested her in every possible way.
Conclusion: From a Girl with Photos on Her Wall to a Symbol of Perseverance
Saanika Shah proved that the biggest dreams can become reality if you’re persistent and determined. She transformed a childhood obsession into an incredible achievement.
Her story is a reminder that no dream is too big, and that even the seemingly impossible can become reality if you’re willing to work hard and never give up.
As Saanika said: “Everest didn’t just test my body. It gave me a completely different perspective on life itself.”