Mumbai mountaineer Seema Mane has a hit and a miss as she summits highest peak in Australia; falls agonisingly short in Europe
Seema Mane flies the Indian flag at Australia mountain peak.
Mumbai’s Seema Mane is back at her Ghatkopar home, days after aborting a summit attempt on Mount Elbrus, Europe’s highest peak. Mane was originally scheduled to climb the mountain on September 4. However, unfavourable weather conditions pushed that back, and she began her ascent at 2 am on September 5 from Garabashi (3,800 metres).
Mane said, “By 11 am, I had reached an altitude of 5548 metres, just 94 metres short of the summit. At that point, my health began to deteriorate. My body no longer responded; my friend from Haryana, who was also attempting the climb with me, had moved ahead. Although I knew that pushing just a little further might have allowed me to reach the top, I also realised that I might not be able to return safely. Therefore, I made a difficult but wise decision to turn back. Before descending, I prayed to Mount Elbrus, promising to return next year with greater preparation, guided support and determination."
Descent decide
Mane, who works in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) garden department as horticulture assistant (a horticulturist studies, cultivates, and manages plants, particularly flowers, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants), descended to the Saddle — the point where the two peaks meet — using a fixed rope. She said, "I was fortunate to receive invaluable assistance from fellow climbers, Anton and Marina, who helped me descend safely."
A success
While slightly disappointed at falling agonisingly short, Mane can take solace in summiting Mount Kosciuszko less than a month before her Elbrus attempt, which she did on August 19. This mountain is located in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales (Australia) range, approximately 200 km from the Australian capital, Canberra. Mane said, “Mount Kosciuszko stands at 2228 metres (7310 feet) and is the highest mountain in Australia. It is also one of the renowned Seven Summits, the highest peaks of each continent.”
Seven scenes
The Seven Summits are the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. The list includes Mount Everest (Asia), Aconcagua (South America), Mount Kosciuszko (Australia), Mount Elbrus (Europe), Mount Vinson (Antarctica), Kilimanjaro (Africa), and Denali (North America). Mane successfully reached the Mount Kosciuszko peak on August 19, at 12.23 pm (Australian time), which was roughly 7.53 am (IST). Mane had already scaled Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa) in 2024, beginning her Seven Summits journey last year.
“My goal is to complete the Seven Summits, so I have Kosciuszko checked off the list,” the 38-year-old said. Crediting family and supporters, Mane made a special mention of her husband, Mithun Sarvagod, “who pushes me to reach for the stars,” she said. Speaking about her background, she said, “I have completed Basic and Advanced Mountaineering courses and have also scaled Friendship Peak, Himachal Pradesh, Mount Bhagirathi II, Uttarakhand, and done multiple pinnacle climbs in the Sahyadris. Every mountain presents unique challenges — weather and terrain — and while physical training is one aspect, one needs a tremendous amount of mental strength too, which is as important as oxygen mountaineers carry while climbing.”
Mane said about her Australia attempt, “I climbed solo because I wanted to independently apply the mountaineering skills I have gained through my training and courses. The terrain is moderate, but Australia is known for its extreme weather conditions — ranging from floods and droughts to hailstorms and bushfires. During my expedition, weather challenges were significant, reinforcing the lesson: ‘Don’t be a Gama in the land of Lama,’ she laughed. Decoded, the Gama-Lama is a slogan often seen painted on posts or boards in high-altitude places. It simply means be cautious and respect the environment.
Action caution
Mane added, “As a solo climber, the authorities issued me a beacon for emergencies. I also carried extra food, warm clothing, and other essential supplies in case I was stranded due to adverse conditions during the climb, which was self-funded. Reaching the summit was a deeply emotional and humbling moment. I felt as though the mountains themselves were blessing me.
Mane said, “At the summit, I proudly hoisted the Indian national flag (tiranga) along with and read aloud the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.” The climber said philosophically, “Koscuiszko is done. Although I did not stand on the summit of Mt Elbrus this time, the experience taught me humility, patience, and respect for the mountains. My journey continues, and Mount Elbrus awaits.”
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