Tag: mountaineering

International

At 102, Kokichi Akuzawa Becomes the Oldest Person to Climb Mount Fuji

Tanisha Cardozo

In an extraordinary display of resilience and determination, Kokichi Akuzawa, a 102-year-old Japanese man, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest person ever to climb Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest and most iconic peak.

Born in 1923, Akuzawa isn’t new to mountains — but this time, he scaled Fuji under extraordinary circumstances. Just months before his climb in August, he was hospitalised with shingles and heart failure following a fall during a local mountain walk near his home in Gunma Prefecture.

Despite concerns from his family and doctors, Akuzawa was determined to bounce back. And he did.

Akuzawa began a strict self-devised training regimen:

  • Daily 1-hour morning walks
  • Weekly mountain hikes
  • Gradual rebuilding of stamina and altitude tolerance

His daughter Yukiko, 75, said doctors were astonished by how quickly he regained strength:

“The recovery was so fast that his doctors could not believe it.”

Mount Fuji stands at 3,776 meters (12,388 feet). Akuzawa tackled the ascent over three days, spending two nights in mountain huts. The altitude nearly made him give up, but with the support of his granddaughter — a trained nurse — and other companions, he pushed through to the summit.

Despite the effort, Akuzawa remained modest:

“I’ve been there and seen the view many times. It wasn’t anything special.”

A retired livestock farmer, Akuzawa continues to lead a full life. He volunteers at a local elderly care center and teaches painting — activities that show his active lifestyle isn’t limited to hiking trails.

Asked whether he would climb Mount Fuji again, he replied with a chuckle:

“No.”

Akuzawa’s story is a testament to the human spirit, aging with grace, and the power of persistence. In a world where age often becomes a barrier, Kokichi Akuzawa is a reminder that passion and preparation can truly move mountains — even at 102.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa’s Sandesh Pednekar Summits Europe’s Highest Peak — Mount Elbrus

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Chapora / Mount Elbrus, July 2025 — In a moment that has filled Goa with pride, Sandesh Pednekar, a youth from the vibrant coastal village of Chapora, has scaled the mighty Mount Elbrus — standing at 5,642 metres, the highest point in Europe.

His expedition, marked by extreme weather, thin air, and relentless gradients, was not just a physical feat but a powerful testament to his mental resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Sandesh’s climb adds his name to the growing list of Indian mountaineers taking on global peaks, but what makes his journey special is how it began — with humble roots by the sea and a relentless spirit that refused to be contained.

“It’s not just about the summit — it’s about carrying Goa with me to the top of the world,” said Sandesh, with the tricolour wrapped proudly across his chest.

🌍 Why This Matters:

  • Inspires youth across Goa and India to pursue adventure sports and mountaineering
  • Highlights the untapped potential of talent from smaller communities
  • Strengthens India’s growing presence in global expeditions

As celebrations erupt back home, Sandesh’s journey reminds us that true altitude is measured in attitude.

📖 Stay tuned to allycaral.com for an exclusive interview and more behind-the-scenes from his ascent.

Human Interest

Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate Becomes First Indian Mayor to Conquer Mount Kilimanjaro

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Panaji | July 2025 – Allycaral Desk

In a record-making achievement that has elevated both state and national pride, Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserrate has become the first Indian mayor to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain and one of the world’s most iconic mountaineering challenges known as the Seven Summits.

Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro stands at a staggering 19,341 feet (5,895 metres) above sea level and is famed for testing both physical stamina and mental strength. Mayor Monserrate completed the demanding 7-day expedition, trekking across a variety of terrains — from lush rainforest and alpine desert to glacial summit — before finally standing atop the “Roof of Africa.”

“This climb was more than just a physical goal,” said Mayor Monserrate. “It was a test of resilience and a reminder that no peak is too high if one stays focused and determined. I’m proud to bring this achievement home to Goa and to inspire others to take on their own challenges — whether on the mountains or in life.”

The milestone makes Monserrate the first Indian political leader in office at the municipal level to conquer Kilimanjaro, joining an elite group of international achievers who have completed one of the famed Seven Summits — the highest mountains on each continent.

His feat has drawn admiration not just from Goans across the globe, but also from India’s adventure and fitness communities, which see the climb as an inspiring message on the importance of health, courage, and visionary leadership.

The Government of Goa and Tourism Department are expected to honour the Mayor’s accomplishment in the coming weeks.