KATHMANDU: A 16-year-old girl from Haryana is all set to embark on a journey to the world’s highest peak this season aiming to become the India’s youngest woman to climb Mt Everest.

Shivangi Pathak along with a team of climbers arrived Kathmandu today to begin climbing activities in the Mt Everest region, Seven Summit Treks, the local organiser of her expedition, said.

Born in Hisar of Haryana in northwestern India, Pathak will leave for Lukla on April 5 after obtaining a climbing permit from the Department of Tourism, Pemba Sherpa, General Manager at Seven Summit Treks, said.

“I am here to fulfill my childhood dream,” Pathak, who is now 16 year and nine month old, said, “I have my only mission to conquer every mountain on this beautiful planet.”

Inspired by Arunima Sinha, the first Indian amputee to climb Mt Everest, Pathak said she wanted to explore a message that women could overcome every obstacle to achieve their goals. “My parents – Rajesh and Arati – are also quite supportive and understanding of the choices I make in my life.”

Pathak had successfully completed basic and advance mountaineering courses at Jawahar Institute of Mountain, Sherpa informed, adding that she also participated in different high-altitude trainings in Kashmiri glaciers.

“Fully trained high-altitude guides will accompany her on the top of Mt Everest,” he concluded