World Record at Six : Teghbir Singh Becomes Youngest to Climb Mount Elbrus
Teghbir Singh, a Class II student from Shivalik Public School in Ropar, Punjab, has done something extraordinary—something that even many adults only dream of. He has climbed Mount Elbrus in Russia, the tallest mountain in Europe, which stands at a breathtaking height of 18,510 feet (5,642 metres). And he did it at the age of just six. He began his journey on June 20, 2025, and after eight days of hard trekking through snow and ice, he stood at the top of the mountain on June 28. With this feat, Teghbir set a world record as the youngest person ever to climb Mount Elbrus.Mount Elbrus: Europe’s Highest PeakMount Elbrus, rising to 5,642 meters (18,510 feet), is the highest mountain in both Russia and Europe and the tallest volcano in Eurasia. It is known for its severe weather, heavy snow, low oxygen levels, and extremely cold temperatures. It is not an easy mountain to climb; even professional climbers find it challenging. The temperature at the summit often drops to minus 10 degrees Celsius or lower, and the lack of oxygen can make breathing difficult. But despite these dangers, little Teghbir remained determined and steady. He faced this enormous challenge with courage, supported by his loving family and a skilled team. The Preparation Behind the ClimbThis climb was not a sudden decision. Teghbir had been preparing for it for nearly a year. His father, Sukhinderdeep Singh, explained that they began his training with the help of retired coach Bikramjit Singh Ghuman. The training focused on building Teghbir’s stamina, heart health, and lung capacity to face high altitudes and thin air. He went on weekly treks to nearby hills, practiced long walks, and learned how to handle cold and fatigue. His coach also planned a strict diet to keep his body strong. His mother, Dr. Manpreet Kaur, who is a gynaecologist, ensured he followed the nutrition plan carefully. Everything from food to sleep was designed to prepare Teghbir’s body for the difficult journey ahead.The climb to Mount Elbrus is a test of strength and mental toughness. For Teghbir, this was the first time walking on snow. He had to wear heavy snow boots, crampons for walking on ice, and a harness and carry oxygen support. The equipment added almost 4 kilograms of extra weight to his small body. Yet, step by step, he moved forward. The team stayed in mountain huts and had to wait through snowstorms and strong winds. The summit push was cancelled twice due to bad weather. But finally, during a short window of clear skies, Teghbir and his team began their final climb at 1 am on June 27. The temperature was around minus 20 degrees Celsius, and they had to walk for six hours in complete darkness and cold. At exactly 7:56 am on June 28, Teghbir stood at the top of Mount Elbrus, holding his father’s hand and smiling for the camera. It was a moment of pure joy, one that the family will never forget. Recognition and RecordAfter reaching the summit, Teghbir received a certificate from the Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, and Sports Tourism Federation of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic in Russia. It confirmed him as the youngest summiteer of Mount Elbrus in the world at just 6 years, 9 months, and 4 days old. He broke the previous record held by Wagah Kushagra of Maharashtra, who reached the summit last year at the age of 7 years and 3 months. This is not the first time Teghbir has achieved something remarkable.In August 2024, he became the youngest Asian to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. His name was added to the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records. In April 2024, he also trekked to the base camp of Mount Everest in Nepal. A Message for the WorldTeghbir Singh’s achievement is a powerful reminder that with the right support, guidance, and belief, even the youngest among us can do amazing things. His journey will continue to inspire many other children and adults alike to aim high, work hard, and believe in themselves. Through snow and silence, on one of the highest peaks in the world, a six-year-old boy from Ropar showed us what it means to reach for the sky.
