Jaipur’s Neelima Arora becomes first woman with thalassaemia to summit Everest

Rajastan: Neelima Arora, 45, from Jaipur, has become the first woman in the world with thalassaemia minor to summit Mount Everest.

The IIT Mumbai B.Tech graduate and former silicon valley engineer reached the 8,849m peak on May 25, 2026, after a nearly 50-day expedition.

Living with thalassaemia minor, a blood disorder that limits oxygen carrying capacity, made the climb far riskier. During the expedition Neelima suffered HAPE – High Altitude Pulmonary Edema – three times. Doctors repeatedly advised her to turn back, but she recovered at lower altitudes and continued.

She began mountaineering only a few years ago after a knee surgery. Since then she has climbed Mont Blanc, Matterhorn, Aconcagua, and Ama Dablam — becoming the first Indian woman above 40 to summit Ama Dablam in 2025.

“For me, Everest was about discovering what is possible despite limitations,” Neelima said. “If even one person decides not to give up because of my story, it was worth it.”