Oldest North Indian to Climb Everest

Age is just a number – and Navdeep Sood is living proof of that. The 59-year-old adventure enthusiast from Panchkula, Haryana, successfully summited Mount Everest on the morning of May 18, becoming the second oldest Indian to scale the world’s highest peak and the oldest climber from North India to do so.

The expedition was led by Pioneer Adventure, a well-known guiding company based in Kathmandu. Speaking about the achievement, Nivesh Karki, Managing Director of Pioneer Adventure, said:

“He is the oldest person from North India to summit Everest, and we are proud to have supported his journey. His determination and fitness were truly commendable.”

Sood is no stranger to hard work. A retired Assistant General Manager from the State Bank of India, he stepped away from a successful banking career to pursue a life of adventure. With a background far from the climbing world, he worked his way up, summiting several 6,000+ meter peaks across India and Tibet. It was his climb of Satopanth (7,300 meters) in Uttarakhand that gave him the confidence to attempt Everest.

What makes Sood’s journey even more inspiring is his multi-faceted approach to adventure. He is a licensed solo paraglider, an experienced skier, and a passionate cyclist. In one of his most impressive feats, he cycled solo from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, covering over 4,000 kilometers in just 19 days. On top of that, he’s a dedicated marathon runner, a habit he credits for helping him stay fit for high-altitude climbs. When asked about age being a barrier, Sood replied with a smile:

“Age is just a number. If your will is strong and you stay focused, anything is possible.”

Sood expressed heartfelt thanks to Pioneer Adventure for their expert support, seamless logistics, and guidance throughout the expedition. With Everest behind him, his sights are now set on another major dream: cycling around the world.

His story is not just about reaching the top of the world – it’s about perseverance, passion, and proving that it’s never too late to chase big dreams.