Devika: Speaking of mindset, how do you keep your mental focus during grueling climbs?

Yaashi: My mindset on the mountain is simple: “One step at a time.” Climbs can last 8 to 14 hours, which is physically and mentally exhausting. But instead of focusing on how far I still have to go, I concentrate on taking just the next step. It’s about breaking down the challenge into smaller, manageable pieces.

Devika: That’s a powerful approach. Now, I’d like to know if there are any particular life experiences that have shaped your mindset?

Yaashi: Definitely. In 2021, I attempted Mount Everest but had to turn back at 8,000 meters because of bad weather. I was just 850 meters away from the summit—it was heartbreaking. That season, I tried twice but couldn’t make it. Coming back after that was tough; I even struggled with depression. But over time, I realized it wasn’t my fault, and being alive to try again was a blessing in itself. That experience changed me profoundly. It taught me to focus on the journey, not just the destination.

Devika: That’s such a valuable lesson. How did you overcome the self-doubt that followed?

Yaashi: It wasn’t easy. I took on another challenge—climbing Mount Kilimanjaro—in October 2022. Even though it’s less demanding than Everest, I was filled with self-doubt after my earlier failure. But I pushed through, and reaching the summit renewed my confidence. It showed me that setbacks are a necessary part of success.

Devika: You’re absolutely right. It’s inspiring to hear how you turned that failure into a stepping stone. Now, what’s your “why”? What drives you to keep taking on these challenges?

Yaashi: It’s a mix of things. First, there’s the thrill of pushing my limits—it gives me an adrenaline rush like nothing else. But more than that, I want to make my parents proud. Their support has been my foundation, and I want to honor them by achieving my dreams.

Devika: That’s beautiful. Finally, what’s one thing about mountaineering that you feel no one talks about?

Yaashi: People often overlook the emotional rollercoaster of being in the mountains. It’s not just about the physical effort—you go through loneliness, self-doubt, exhilaration, and even moments of pure joy. The hardships, like living in minus 40-degree conditions or surviving on limited food, are also rarely discussed. Yet, all of these elements make the experience incredibly profound.

Devika: So, Yaashi, do you have any unique rituals that you follow before starting a climb? Something consistent that you always do before you head out?

Yaashi: Yes, absolutely. Before starting any climb, we seek permission from the mountain god. It’s something we hold dear. You see, the mountains are like a sacred space, and the mountain god decides whether we will succeed or fail. Whether we will return in one piece or not. So, we always begin with a Puja ceremony to worship the mountain god and ask for permission to climb. It’s important because we’re stepping into another world, and it’s essential to have respect for the territory we’re entering.

Devika: That’s fascinating! Now, many say the mountains teach us a lot. What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your climbs?

Yaashi: I would say the biggest lesson the mountains have taught me is patience. It’s not about the summit, it’s about the journey. You learn to be patient in all situations, especially in harsh conditions. There are mountain passes that create situations that only you can deal with, and through it all, patience is key. You just have to go with the flow.

Devika: That sounds like such a profound lesson. Now, I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of challenging moments. What would you say has been your scariest experience in mountaineering?

Yaashi: My scariest moment came last year when I attempted Everest in 2023. I had already climbed another 8,000-meter peak before Everest. After summiting Everest on the 17th, I went down to camp 4, and then straight away attempted Mount Lhotse, the fourth highest peak in the world. Imagine, climbing 8,000 meters on Everest, and then deciding to go straight for another 8,000-meter climb back-to-back. It was exhausting, and I was unsure I could take the next step. There were moments where I felt I might not make it, but you have to push past those thoughts. It was a battle between the negative and positive sides of my mind, but in the end, my belief in myself helped me keep going.

Devika: That sounds incredibly intense. The physical and mental endurance needed for such climbs is mind-boggling! How do you prepare yourself, both physically and mentally?

Yaashi: Well, for me, training for Everest was like a 5 to 9 job. My routine was all about physical fitness. I’d wake up at 5 AM, go for a run, do some cardio, followed by a yoga session. In the evening, I would go cycling or swimming. Then came strength and endurance training. I made sure to increase the distance and difficulty every day, whether it was running or stair climbing with a 10-15 kg weight. And the mental part of the training? On days when I didn’t feel like doing anything, I pushed myself even harder. Mental fitness is crucial. If your mind is strong, you can push through anything, no matter how hard it gets.

Devika: It seems like you really have to force yourself, especially on the tough days. That’s an incredible mindset! What would you say is more important—physical or mental fitness?