Punjab boy becomes youngest to complete Annapurna circuit, reach Thorong La pass

Ropar: Teghbir Singh, a seven-year-old from Ropar in Punjab, became the youngest in the world to scale and cross Throng La Paas, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, at over 17,769 ft (5,416 metres). Teghbir surpassed the previous world record holder Ivan Krushkov from Dubai, who scaled the peak in April 2025 at the age of 7 years and 10 months. Teghbir is 7 years and 6 months at present. With this achievement, he became the youngest person ever to Complete Annapurna circuit in Nepal, which is over 235 kms in length.A third standard student at Shiwalik Public School, Ropar, Teghbir began his circuit walk on April 11 this year, and reached the Thorong La Paas on Saturday. The ascent involved a low oxygen trek, requiring preparation to address altitude sickness. Despite the challenges, including a long high-altitude trek spanning around 230 kms, temperatures averaging -8 degrees, he successfully reached the pass and fulfilled his dream.He set for the Thorong La pass on early morning of Saturday at 4 am in freezing temperatures around -13 °C. The team, consisting of his father and two guides, reached the pass at 9.25 am on April 18-2026 after walking for approximately 5.30 hours in the freezing temperatures. Expressing his joy, Teghbir said, "I prepared for this, I knew it was long and difficult and finally I reached and had a picture with my father there. I was walking first time on a long Circuit, my shoes were heavy, but I had practiced it back", he added.Prior to this, Teghbir became the youngest person in the world to scale Mount Elbrus (highest peak in Europe) at the age of 6 years and 7 months in June 2025, while in August 2024, he became the youngest Asian to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, earning a place in the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records.Additionally, he reached Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal in April 2024 at the age of 5 years and 7 months.Delighted over his fresh achievement, his father, Sukhinderdeep Singh, a medical administrator in private hospital hospital in Ropar, expressed pride in his son's achievement. "Teghbir started preparing for this feat almost six months back. He was trained by Ropar based Bikramjit Singh Ghuman, a retired handball coach of Indian handball team, who helped him with exercises to increase cardiovascular health and lung capacity to deal with altitude sickness. As this trek involved covering longer distance, special emphasis was given on his durability and diet. They went on weekly treks to different hilly locations," he stated while adding, "We'll return to Ropar on April 22."Confirming the development over phone, Amrit Sapkota, Executive Director of Himalayan Social Journey (HSJ) - a Trekking company based in Nepal, said, "Tegbir will be handed over certificate of the achievement on Monday evening during distribution certificate at Kathmandu after he returns to the city. We have been operating trekking and tours since 2008. Teghbir Singh, a seven-year-old from Ropar in Punjab, submitted the Throng La Paas, the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, at over 17,769 ft (5,416 metres) yesterday (18th April) with the support of our guide", he said. The HSJ is the trekking agency recognised by Nepal Government.He further noted, "The circuit was different compared to Mount Everest Base Camp and other summits he did before. It was the first time he walked for longer duration covering more distance which tested his durability and strength. The Trek was difficult, long and strenuous. He walked and stayed at a low oxygen altitude in minus-grade temperatures for more than a week in high winds". "Our stays were in mountain lodges, and it took eight days to reach the Thorong la pass, the highest point on the circuit", added Sukhinderdeep, who is working as an administrator at a hospital in Ropar.Teghbir's mother, Dr Manpreet Kaur, a gynaecologist, emphasised the importance of diet in his journey. "Diet played a very major role in his journey, and he followed a strict diet schedule as laid out by his coach," she said. His father also informed that they would return to Kathmandu on April 20 completing his downward trail. He will reach back home on April 22. For bringing laurels to the community, Teghbir was earlier honoured at Akal Takht, the highest Sikh temporal seat, by its acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj in July 2025. MSID:: 130369307 413 |