In a remarkable feat, a four-year-old girl named Zara has etched her name in the record books as the youngest person to conquer Mount Everest’s base camp. Accompanied by her adventurous dad and seven-year-old brother, Zara tackled the challenging 170-mile journey, reaching the base camp at an astounding elevation of 17,598 feet.

Zara’s father, David Šifra, ensured the safety of his intrepid children by regularly monitoring their blood oxygen saturation during the gradual climb. Captivating photos showcase Zara trekking alongside her older brother, surrounded by the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. David shared, ‘There was no problem during the march, the acclimatisation went above average, little Zara, thanks to her very good physical condition, even outpaced, with a few exceptions, hundreds of other trekkers.’

Curious minds might wonder, ‘How is it possible that a 4-year-old girl physically and mentally manages something like this?’ According to Mr. Šifra, Zara’s unique upbringing in Malaysia played a crucial role in preparing her for the challenging hike, ultimately allowing her to break the world record.

The previous record-holder for the youngest person to reach Mount Everest’s base camp was Prisha Lokesh Nikajoo, who achieved the feat at the age of 5 in 2023.

While the accomplishment is awe-inspiring, it’s essential to acknowledge the strenuous nature of the trek, which poses significant risks to climbers of any age. Severe altitude sickness, and even death, can occur due to extreme conditions. Symptoms typically manifest between six and 24 hours after reaching altitudes exceeding 9,800 feet, with Mount Everest towering at an astonishing 29,030 feet.

The dangers of the climb were notably highlighted in 2019 when overcrowding and a ‘traffic jam’ were blamed for the deaths of 11 climbers within ten days during the perilous ascent. At certain points in the climb, trekkers must pass the frozen bodies of past climbers.

Despite these risks, the allure of scaling the iconic mountain continues to draw adventurers, even those as young as Zara, who defied expectations and left an indelible mark on the world of mountaineering.