PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/DehradunAn expedition from the Welham Girls’ School succeeded in reaching the Everest base camp at an altitude of 17,900 feet. According to the school, the trek started on May 20 with a seven girls’ team, accompanied by two teachers, and concluded on June 3, marking one of the first instances of an all-girls’ school team from the State to achieve this feat. The student contingent comprising Hitika Agarwal, Griva Bhalani, Mahi Sinhal, Varrtika Malani, Kripa Budhraja, Anwesha Sharma, and Tamanna Angel Bowen (Classes IX–XI) was led by teacher escorts Smitha Francis and Vani Singh. Aged between 14 and 16 years, these young climbers prepared rigorously for months, balancing academic demands with a challenging physical regimen. School principal Vibha Kapoor said, “At Welham, it is our commitment to provide an all-round conducive growth environment for the students to excel. However, considering the massive scale and implication of this expedition, it required a comprehensive plan of execution. After months of rigorous training and preparation, I am proud of what my Welhamites have accomplished. They have overcome every challenge with unwavering commitment and an indomitable spirit.” The trek began from Lukla following the team’s arrival in Kathmandu, and continued through perilous routes before finally reaching Everest base camp. Along the way, the team braved rain, physical exhaustion and altitude sickness. Increased altitude, plummeting oxygen levels, and acute mountain sickness posed a greater challenge, and Tamanna Angel Bowen from the group of seven began showing early symptoms of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) with nausea and fatigue. Midway to the trek, she was airlifted, accompanied by Francis. Regardless, the remaining six girls, accompanied by Singh, completedthe trek. The 23 kilometre descent was equally challenging, with steep trails and weather delays in Lukla. Prior to the expedition, the students were put through a rigorous medical screening to prepare them to withstand high altitudes, lower oxygen levels, and extreme weather conditions. It was followed by strategic workout sessions, swimming sessions, appropriate diet plans, and practice treks across the hills of Mussoorie and Dehradun.
