Jyoti Ratre, an entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast from Madhya Pradesh, India, has etched her name in history by becoming the oldest Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest. The 55-year-old achieved this remarkable feat on Sunday, May 19, 2024, reaching the summit at 6:30 a.m.
Ratre’s journey to the top of the world’s highest peak was not without its challenges. In 2023, she had to turn back from 8,160 meters due to harsh weather conditions. This year, she faced similar obstacles, spending four nights at Lhotse Camp at 7,800 meters altitude and one night at Everest Camp 4 above 8,000 meters before making her final summit push.
Despite these setbacks, Ratre remained determined to reach her goal. She was part of a 15-member expedition team led by Bolivian climber David Hugo Ayaviri Quispe. Together, they faced the treacherous conditions of Mount Everest, including high winds and extreme cold.
Ratre’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as she is not only an entrepreneur but also a mother of two. She is an inspiration to women everywhere, demonstrating that age and gender are no barriers to achieving their dreams.
Before embarking on her mountaineering journey, Ratre was a successful entrepreneur running a school uniform business in Bhopal. However, her passion for adventure led her to pursue her dream of becoming a mountaineer. She utilized the time during the COVID-19 pandemic to improve her fitness and prepare for her Everest expedition.
Ratre’s ascent of Mount Everest is not her first mountaineering achievement. She has previously conquered other peaks such as Island Peak, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, and Kosciuszko. Her determination and unwavering spirit have made her a role model for aspiring mountaineers and adventurers alike.
