Welham Girls’ School, one of the premier legacy all-girls’ residential schools from Uttarakhand, successfully carried out an expedition to the iconic and gruelling Everest Base Camp (EBC), reaching a height of 17,900 ft (approx. 5,364m) from sea level. The Trek started on May 20 with a seven girls’ team, accompanied by two teachers, and concluded on June 3, 2025, marking one of the first instances of an all-girls’ school team from the state to scale this feat.
The student contingent—Hitika Agarwal, Griva Bhalani, Mahi Sinhal, Varrtika Malani, Kripa Budhraja, Anwesha Sharma, and Tamanna Angel Bowen (Classes IX–XI)—was led by teacher escorts Ms. Smitha Francis and Ms. Vani Singh. Aged between 14 and 16, these young climbers prepared rigorously for months, balancing academic demands with a challenging physical regimen.
Vibha Kapoor, Principal, Welham Girls’ School said, “At Welham, it is our commitment to provide an all-round conducive growth environment for the students to excel. However, considering the massive scale and implication of this expedition, it required a comprehensive plan of execution. After months of rigorous training and preparation, I am proud of what my Welhamites have accomplished. They have overcome every challenge with unwavering commitment and an indomitable spirit.”
The trek began from Lukla following the team’s arrival in Kathmandu, and continued through perilous routes, before finally reaching Everest Base Camp at 5,364m. Along the way, the team braved rain, physical exhaustion and altitude sickness. Increased altitude, plummeting oxygen levels, and Acute Mountain Sickness posed a greater challenge, and Tamanna Angel Bowen from the group of seven began showing early symptoms of HAPE – High Altitude Pulmonary Edema with nausea, and fatigue. Midway to the trek, she was airlifted, accompanied by Ms. Smitha Francis.
Regardless, the remaining six girls, accompanied by Ms. Vani Singh, showed remarkable grit and unity and continued the trek. The descent, at 23 km downhill, was equally challenging, with steep trails and weather delays in Lukla, yet the girls turned every obstacle into an opportunity for bonding and reflection.
Prior to the expedition, the students were put through a rigorous medical screening to prepare them to withstand high altitudes, lower oxygen levels, and extreme weather conditions. It was followed by strategic workout sessions, swimming sessions, appropriate diet plans, and practice treks across the hills of Mussoorie and Dehradun. Each practice trek served as a mini-mission, building up the stamina, technique, and mental toughness the Himalayas would demand. For most of the girls—first-time trekkers given their age—these weekend climbs were both a learning ground and a confidence booster. The experience became a powerful lesson in endurance, teamwork, and self-belief—etched into their memory as a defining chapter of their school years.
