At a time when many children are glued to screens and gadgets, an 11-year-old boy from Pune is capturing hearts with a rare blend of physical determination and emotional strength. Viraj Ajinkya Desai, a Class VI student from Sanskriti School, Undri, and resident of Prem Nagar Society in Market Yard, has successfully completed the challenging trek to the Everest Base Camp—located at a staggering 5,364 metres above sea level.
The expedition, conducted by SL Adventure, spanned from May 3 to May 18 and covered over 130 km of demanding Himalayan terrain. The journey tested trekkers with extreme conditions, including freezing temperatures that plunged to -15°C and dangerously low oxygen levels—posing real threats such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Viraj’s remarkable accomplishment was made possible through his training under experienced mountaineer Lahu Ughade, who summited Mount Everest in 2023 and is the founder of SL Adventure. With focused guidance and months of preparation, Viraj overcame the daunting challenges of high-altitude trekking with calmness and resolve.
His father, Ajinkya Desai, shared that Viraj’s passions extend far beyond the mountains. He trains in sport climbing at Pune’s Raje Shivaji Climbing Wall under coach Amol Jogdand and is learning traditional Indian martial arts like Lathi-Kathi and Shivkalin Yuddhakala—combat styles from the Maratha era—at Taljai, under the mentorship of Keshav Sir at the Ganimikava Shivkalin Yuddhakala Sankul.
Viraj’s mountaineering journey began early. By the age of 8, he had already rappelled down the 1,800-foot-high cliff of Kokankada in the Sahyadri range, an extreme challenge even for seasoned climbers. Since then, he has participated in over 25 treks across Maharashtra’s rugged mountains.
Beyond his physical pursuits, Viraj also nurtures his mental and emotional well-being through classical singing. He trains under Manjiri Khandekar in Bibwewadi, and his family credits music for helping him stay emotionally balanced and mentally strong.
In an age where many children struggle with screen dependency and sedentary habits, Viraj Ajinkya Desai is redefining what a dynamic and enriching childhood can be. His story of adventure, discipline, and balance is already inspiring young minds—and their parents—to embrace the outdoors and chase their passions with determination.
