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Divya Singh Cycles Into History: First Indian Woman at Everest Base Camp on Bike

Divya Singh from Gorakhpur has made history as the first Indian woman to reach the Mount Everest Base Camp on a bicycle. Her 14-day journey began in Kathmandu and traversed challenging high-altitude terrain, including the Sagarmatha National Park. She was motivated to attempt the feat after learning no Indian woman had previously completed the route by bike. The expedition presented severe physical challenges due to the cold, low oxygen, and altitude sickness.

Key Points: First Indian Woman Reaches Everest Base Camp by Bicycle

  • Historic first for an Indian woman
  • 14-day cycling expedition from Kathmandu
  • Endured -12°C and altitude sickness
  • Inspired by lack of female cyclists on route
  • Trained intensely for the personal challenge
2 min read

Gorakhpur's Divya Singh becomes first Indian woman to reach Mount Everest Base Camp on a bicycle

Gorakhpur's Divya Singh becomes the first Indian woman to cycle to Mount Everest Base Camp, completing a grueling 14-day high-altitude expedition.

"It occurred to me that I should try this. - Divya Singh"

Gorakhpur, April 15

Gorakhpur's Divya Singh has created history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the Mount Everest Base Camp by bicycle and hoist the flag at an altitude of 17,560 feet.

On March 24, 2026, Divya became the first Indian woman--and the second woman globally--to reach the base camp of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest (at an altitude of 17,560 feet), by bicycle. At that time, the temperature at the Everest Base Camp stood at -12 degrees Celsius.

Divya's cycling expedition commenced on March 16, 2026, from Kathmandu. The journey took her through Kathmandu, Salleri, Surkhe, Phakding, Sagarmatha National Park, Namche Bazaar, Deboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep, before finally reaching the Mount Everest Base Camp. The entire cycling expedition took a total of 14 days.

Speaking to ANI, Divya shared that during her trek to Mount Everest Base Camp about a year and a half ago, she learned that no Indian woman had ever reached there by bicycle. This inspired her to take on the challenge herself.

"Ever since I got to know about Mount Everest, I have wanted to see it in person. About one and a half years ago, I went trekking to the Mount Everest Base Camp and got to know that no woman has ever reached there by bicycle, and it occurred to me that I should try this," she said.

She said the journey was challenging due to high-altitude conditions, which caused issues like motion sickness, low oxygen levels, rapid heartbeat, and other physical difficulties.

"It was not easy; there were difficulties. When you reach high altitude, the entire environment changes. Your body reacts differently. You experience motion sickness, lack of oxygen, fast heartbeat and other environmental challenges," said Divya.

Divya's mentor, Kumar Singh, reiterated that although many people have reached Mount Everest Base Camp, no Indian woman had done so on a bicycle. Taking it as a challenge, Divya took it as a personal mission and began intense training, preparing her body for the challenge and ultimately achieving remarkable success.

Notably, Divya hails from the village of Banauda, under the post office of Amtoura, in the Piprauli Block of Gorakhpur District. Divya's father, Santraj Singh, is a farmer, while her mother, Urmila Singh, is a government school teacher.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
This is fantastic news! But I do hope the government and sports authorities provide proper recognition and support to athletes like Divya. Often these stories fade away without any real backing for the athlete's future.
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Aman W
Cycling to 17,560 feet in -12°C? My scooter struggles on a slight incline in Delhi heat! 😅 Seriously though, the mental and physical strength required is unbelievable. Hats off!
S
Sarah B
As an adventure enthusiast, I know how brutal that terrain is. Doing it on a bicycle is a whole different level of endurance. Major respect. Hope this encourages more women in extreme sports.
K
Karthik V
Gorakhpur zindabad! We need more such positive stories from UP. Her parents must be so proud - a farmer and a teacher raising a history-maker. This is the real "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" in action.
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Nikhil C
While this is a great personal feat, I wonder about the environmental impact of such expeditions. The Everest region is fragile. I hope she and all adventurers follow strict 'leave no trace' principles.

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