In an age where most 8-year-olds are only beginning to explore the world around them, little Arishka Laddha is scaling the highest summits of continents. Arishka, alongside her mother, Dimple Laddha, reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). What makes this journey even more powerful is that it wasn’t just about reaching a summit; it was about carrying a message, honoring courage, and living a purpose.

Trekking with a Mission: Honouring Operation Sindoor

Upon reaching the summit, the mother-daughter duo held up a banner of Operation Sindoor, a mission that deeply resonated with them. Launched by the Government of India and led by two daring women officers, Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Operation Sindoor was a powerful symbol of strength, leadership, and service. To honor these fearless women in uniform, Dimple and Arishka made the symbolic gesture of holding up the Operation Sindoor banner at the roof of Africa. It was their heartfelt tribute to the Indian Armed Forces and the spirit of Nari Shakti.

The Climb: Lemosho Route, Frozen Nights, Fierce Determination

The expedition wasn’t easy. They took the Lemosho Route, known for its beauty but also its length and physical demands. Covering a distance of 51 kilometers, they trekked through extreme conditions, braving freezing temperatures between -10 and -15°C, thin air, and rugged terrains. 

Ascent: 6.5 challenging days 

Descent: 1.5 days 

Elevation Gain: Over 19,000 ft 

Despite the biting cold, thin oxygen levels, and high-altitude fatigue, both mother and daughter pressed on with grit and smiles. The journey was tough, but their cause was stronger than the challenge.

Arishka’s Record-Breaking Mountaineering Timeline

For most people, climbing Kilimanjaro would be the highlight of a lifetime. But for Arishka, it’s just the latest in a string of record-breaking achievements. At 6 years old, she trekked to Everest Base Camp (17,598 feet). At 7 years old, she summited Mount Elbrus in Russia (18,510 feet), the highest peak in Europe. At 8 years old, she conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa (19,341 feet). This makes her one of the youngest girls in the world to have climbed three of the Seven Summits by the age of 8. These are not just physical accomplishments but mental and emotional victories, showing the world what a child can do when nurtured with belief, love, and courage.

A Mother's Belief: Dimple Laddha’s Guiding Hand

Behind every brave child is a stronger guardian. For Arishka, that guardian is her mother, Dimple, who not only accompanied her on every expedition but also shaped her journey with love, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose. This isn’t just a mother supporting a hobby; it’s a mother leading by example, walking beside her daughter, and ensuring that the mountains she climbs are filled with meaning and mission.

Why This Matters: More Than Just a Summit

What Dimple and Arishka have accomplished goes far beyond the physical challenge of mountaineering. Through their journey, they have honored the bravery of India’s defence heroes, paying tribute to the spirit of service and sacrifice. They’ve shown the world that courage has no age limit—that even an eight-year-old girl can stand tall against nature’s toughest tests. In doing so, they’ve redefined parenting as a shared adventure of growth, belief, and discovery. 

Their expedition has sparked meaningful conversations about purpose, resilience, and the power of dreams. Most importantly, they’ve reminded us all that the spirit of patriotism and national pride isn’t confined to uniforms; sometimes, it wears hiking boots and climbs 19,000 feet into the sky. In a world obsessed with speed and success, the story of Dimple and Arishka Laddha reminds us that true achievement lies in meaning, mission, and memories. Their Kilimanjaro climb wasn’t just about reaching the top; it was about rising above limits, doubts, and stereotypes. They showed us that patriotism, purpose, and parenting can all come together in the most powerful of ways.