Prakriti Varshney interview in Exhibit sharing her experience about mountains

Ex: Where did you go for your first solo trip, and why did you choose that destination?
I went to Spiti Valley. To be honest, I don’t know why I chose it, but I am guessing, that maybe it was like a calling to me, it was just meant to be.

Ex: Can you tell us about your first introduction to mountaineering? What inspired you to take up this adventurous path?
The idea of hiking in the mountains was generally very appealing to me, the first time I really got into it was in 2018 when I climbed a 6000m peak in Spiti Valley during my 3 month long solo backpacking trip. I did it in 10 hours, a record time then and I was 23 only. It definitely gave me a push, after which I hiked and climbed many treatable peaks nearby Manali.

Ex: How do you think solo travel has contributed to your growth as a person and a mountaineer?
It definitely made me a strong woman, mentally especially. Mountaineering isn’t for faint hearted or a comfort sport at all. Plus, it is highly dominated by men around in very hostile and tough terrains. Solo travelling in India about 7 years back has given me so many teachings that a book or person couldn’t have. It has made me who I am today.

Ex: Can you share any cultural experiences you’ve had while mountaineering in different regions?
I am not the best person to talk about cultural things, but definitely, the climbing sherpa and their culture is beautiful. We do Puja before climbing it, to ask for permission and access to a safe passage, it is amazing.

Ex: What were some of the unexpected challenges you faced during your solo travel, and how did you deal with them?
Since I like to travel to very far off place with hardly anything available, I find it challenging in putting it across online as these places are in raw form and instagram tourism ruins places we all know it. So for my profession it gets very tricky to not do things like “ location in 3.2.1” or “wait for the location”, rest my travels are usually very interesting and I like the challenges which I don’t consider even, they become a part of my experience .

Ex: What has been the most beautiful view or moment you’ve experienced while climbing?
While climbing there is nothing I have seen so beautiful other than the last 20 minutes of my climb to the top of the world. I mean, it was something, shadow of everest, sunrising, moon setting, the curve of the earth, it was epic.

Ex: How do you train and prepare for high-altitude climbs, both physically and mentally?
I train 3-5 months in advance at 2500m to train physically and to train my mind, I do meditation and breathing exercises.

Ex: Being a vegan, how do you manage your diet during expeditions? Are there any specific challenges you face because of your dietary choices?
No, I go very prepared. I get my full body check up done before every big climb. I carry a lot of vegan food that I know would not be available for the next two months. But I also can easily survive well on dal rice.

Ex: What tips would you give to someone planning their first solo travel adventure?
Be open, try to live in now, learn to enjoy your company, don’t be scared for the many hiccups that will come your way, overall you will sail through everything alone if you have faith.

Ex: What advice would you give to young aspiring mountaineers in India who look up to you?
Mountaineering isn’t for faint hearted, you climb mountains in weeks and months. You need to practice minimalism, get into a great discipline and should love mountains in and out. The love hate with cold and mountains can’t work here. I have seen a lot of young trekkers, they say will hate cold but we would love to climb mountains. I mean, it can’t work that way, you must absolutely love cold or build a strong tolerance for it. Cold and mountains are inseparable.

Quick Bites

Favourite mountain you’ve climbed?
Ama Dablam
One word to describe mountaineering?
Strength
Essential item in your backpack?
My LifeStraw
Best meal you’ve had on an expedition?
Khichdi on Makalu @camp3
Most challenging climb?
Makalu and Ama Dablam
What is your favourite piece of mountaineering gear?
Glove if clothing, Helmet from technical gear
Your go-to music for motivation?
Arziyan by AR Rahman
First thing you do after returning from an expedition?
Eat a big vegan meal
Dream mountain to climb?
Kanchenjunga
Favourite hobby outside of mountaineering?
Scuba Diving
One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers?
Don’t be in a rush, take it slow.
Who has been your biggest inspiration in the world of mountaineering?
My friend Kristin Harley, she climbed all 14 8000m in 3 months and broke the world record