Bahrain-based mountaineer and mother of two, Deepa Siva, has once again pushed her limits, adding Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest peak in Africa – to her growing list of achievements.
The Indian expatriate and marketing executive successfully scaled the ‘Roof of Africa’, standing at 5,895 metres above sea level, last month.
“This is my third summit success after Kuari Pass in 2022 and Everest base camp in 2024, but the first two were more of a preparation,” Ms Siva told the GDN.
“Kilimanjaro was tough and challenging as I didn’t get enough time to prepare. I took the seven-day Lemosho route and summited the peak on December 24,” the 45-year-old added.
The terrain was demanding with rain, winds and cold weather and the final summit push was not easy either.
“We started at midnight and walking in the dark on the steep, rocky ground in minus 10C temperatures was exhausting, to say the least. One wrong foot and you could fall off the mountain. However, we walked non-stop and reached Uhuru Peak at 10am.”
Ms Siva, who works in the telecom sector, highlighted that despite the challenges, it was the ‘experience of a lifetime’.
“You get your reward only after pushing your limits. As the locals say, the secret to Kilimanjaro is ‘pole pole’ (trekking accessory), and pole pole I made it to the Roof of Africa.”
Mount Kilimanjaro is a large dormant volcano in Tanzania and offers surreal sunsets, starry nights, and a chance to walk through wildly contrasting landscapes. One of the Seven Summits, it attracts 1.5 million tourists and climbers annually, according to the Tanzania Tourist Board.
The avid traveller, who has been to 27 countries so far, aspires to conquer the Seven Summits – the highest mountains on each of the seven continents, with a varied list including Mount Everest, Kilimanjaro, Denali, Aconcagua, Vinson Massif, Elbrus and Kosciuszko.
For this, the adventure enthusiast will focus on training and continue to follow a healthy lifestyle, including regular workouts at the gym, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep.
Enjoying the views
Looking back, Ms Siva recalls how she embarked on her fitness journey after the Kuari Pass trekking experience.
“I used to be the most unfit person. When I did my first trek in Uttarakhand in 2022, the guide thought I might not last even an hour. It was sheer willpower that saw me through. However, after that experience, I realised the importance of training and good form, and more importantly, mental strength.”
She credits her success to the relentless support that she has received from her family, friends and colleagues.
“My husband and children are always encouraging me. I think I could not have done this without them. They have always been supportive – every summit they are there by me,” she said.
The Bahrain resident of 18 years lives in Juffair with her husband Kesore Kumar Gunasekaran, who works in the finance department in the telecom sector, and daughter Tanisha Kesore, 14, who attends the Asian School. Her son Siddhart, 20, is currently pursuing his degree in visual communication at Loyola College in Chennai, India.
Not one to rest on past laurels, Ms Siva plans to climb Mount Elbrus next year.
“I am looking at training institutes for the next adventure,” the biker, who rides with Bahrain Motorcycle Club, revealed, adding that her goal is to climb one summit every year.
“The world is much bigger out there and every time I climb a mountain, I am filled with gratitude. The higher I go, the smaller every trouble feels. I come down a new person,” she added.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))