Jyoti Sharma becomes fastest Indian to scale Mount Kilimanjaro solo

India’s mountaineering fraternity and the nation at large are celebrating a historic achievement after Indian climber Jyoti Sharma created history by completing the fastest successful solo ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 metres. The 42-year-old mountaineer, currently residing in Ghaziabad and originally from Sadatpur Extension in Delhi, reached Uhuru Peak at 8:18 am on January 26, 2026, coinciding with India’s 77th Republic Day, and completed the entire expedition in a remarkable 2 days, 19 hours and 44 minutes, setting a new benchmark for Indian climbers.

Jyoti Sharma began her expedition on January 23 at 12:31 pm , summiting via the Marangu Route, one of the most demanding trails on the mountain. Her climb took her across multiple ecological zones, starting from Marangu Gate through dense rainforest to Mandara Hut, crossing the moorland stretch to Horombo Hut, moving through the alpine desert up to Kibo Hut, and finally enduring the harsh arctic conditions during the gruelling push to the summit. With this feat, Jyoti Sharma surpassed the previous Indian record of 5 days, 6 hours and 50 minutes, establishing a new national benchmark for speed solo ascents on Kilimanjaro.

Jyoti Sharma’s record-breaking ascent has received official certification from the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority, Tanzania. The authority-issued certificate documents her entry time, summit time and trek completion details, supported by GPS-tracked verification data that recorded her precise coordinates throughout the expedition. The climb was monitored by a pioneering mountaineering company from Nepal, and the certificate includes a scannable barcode to ensure transparency and international credibility of the achievement.

Reflecting on her success, Jyoti Sharma said standing on the summit on Republic Day was deeply emotional for her. She described the climb not merely as an attempt to set a record, but as a powerful demonstration of discipline, preparation and belief, dedicating the accomplishment to the nation and to those who feel it is too late to pursue their dreams.

A marketing brand ambassador of LRS Services Pvt. Ltd., Jyoti Sharma has been actively involved in mountaineering for several years. Her journey includes climbing Sandakphu in 2023, reaching Everest Base Camp in 2024, and conquering Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the United Kingdom, in 2025, experiences that steadily strengthened her endurance, confidence and technical skills.

Acknowledging her support system, Jyoti Sharma credited her husband and son for their unwavering encouragement, saying their belief gave her the strength to push through the toughest moments of the climb. Her senior guide, Ramadhani Mohamedi Abedi, praised her determination, calling her an exceptionally strong and inspiring climber who never gives up and will motivate millions. Concluding her journey, Jyoti Sharma said her sole aim was to bring pride to her country and family and to honour the promise she made to herself that dreams have no age.