Adventurer says 'chase your dreams' after he climbs Seven Volcanic Summits in record time
Battling difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions and logistical nightmares, an Indian man broke a record by summiting the world’s highest volcanoes.
Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma completed his epic global challenge on 23 January 2025 to earn the record for fastest time to climb the Seven Volcanic Summits (male) in just 92 days 4 hours 45 minutes.
Beginning at Mount Elbrus in Russia on 23 October 2024, he went on to climb Mount Giluwe in Papua New Ginea, Damavand in Iran, Ojos del Salado in Chile/Argentina, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Pico de Orizaba in Mexico, and Mount Sidley in Antarctica.
They have a combined altitude of 37,871 m (124,249 ft), which is about four-and-a-half times as tall as the world’s tallest mountain Mount Everest and about five-and-a-half times as long as the Las Vegas strip.
“I've always been drawn to the raw power and beauty of volcanoes - they represent both creation and challenge in nature,” Anmish said.
“The idea of conquering the highest volcanic peaks on each continent appealed to me as a unique twist on the classic Seven Summits. It combines extreme adventure, diverse environments (from Antarctic ice to equatorial rainforests), and the thrill of pushing physical and mental limits.
“This project felt like the ultimate way to test myself while celebrating the planet's most dramatic landscapes.”
The 33-year-old, who has his own running adventure company called Anmish Adventures, said that once he decided to climb the Seven Volcanic Summits, the idea of climbing them faster than anyone else before him was just “too exciting to pass up”.
He said: “I wanted to prove that with smart planning, relentless preparation, and sheer determination, an Indian adventurer could set a global benchmark in such an elite field.
“It was also about inspiring others - especially young people in India - to dream big and pursue ambitious goals, no matter how remote or difficult they seem.”
Anmish went in to the challenge with some experience, having climbed both Kilimanjaro and Elbrus before.
But the entire trip required in-depth logistical planning and a lot of training. Thankfully, he had a wonderful support system around him, with his parents and siblings being his biggest cheerleaders throughout.
Looking back on his climbs, he told us: “Without doubt, Mount Sidley in Antarctica was the toughest. Its extreme remoteness, brutal weather, long approach flights, and unpredictable conditions made logistics a nightmare.
“The isolation - no nearby support, sub-zero temperatures, and the mental strain of knowing failure could mean days of delay - pushed me to my absolute limit. But reaching the summit after such effort made it incredibly rewarding.”
Anmish and his team found themselves stranded at the Sidley base camp for weeks due to the weather.
They had to ration the food supplies they had, meaning that for many days they could eat just one meal per day.
There were lots of other challenges too, such as arranging travel to remote locations, battling fatigue and extreme cold, and the delays brought on by extreme weather conditions.
Anmish said he had moments of doubt, but that the support from his loved ones and well-wishers got him through those tough times.
And the good times made it all worth it.
He said: “I loved Mount Sidley the most. No humans, no houses, no signals, no charging, no food, no current, no proper sleep, no dark, always light, no trees, no water sources, no living creature encountered - only me and my co-climber with a guide.”
Read about more amazing record-breaking journeys in our Sports and Fitness section.
Anmish said he learned a lot about life during that climb and that he really enjoyed working to overcome the obstacles thrown his way.
He said: “One standout memory is summiting Mount Sidley on 23 January 2025 - the final peak. After weeks of travel and anticipation, standing on that remote Antarctic volcano.
“Another highlight was sharing stories with local guides, learning new things from them, experiencing new cultures around the mountain, meeting like-minded people around the fire – I built bonds that carried me through tougher moments.
“Knowing I was representing my country made every step meaningful. I know it will be among the best and beautiful memories in my entire life.”
After achieving such an amazing feat, it’s no wonder that Anmish has some advice to pass on to others looking to tick something like this off their own bucket list.
He said: “Start with passion and patience, build skills gradually, research thoroughly, and prioritize safety over speed. Surround yourself with a reliable team, prepare for setbacks (they're inevitable), and stay adaptable.
“Most importantly, enjoy the process; the summits are incredible, but the journey of growth, resilience, and discovery is what truly transforms you. Believe in yourself, train consistently, and never underestimate the power of perseverance.”
Anmish, who has also climbed the Seven Summits and skied to the South Pole, is thankful for the support from his family, friends, sponsors, and the team of guides who helped him complete his record-breaking climbs.
He said: “I hope my story encourages more people - especially from underrepresented regions - to chase extraordinary adventures. If I can add one thing: adventure isn't just about records; it's about pushing boundaries and coming back stronger to inspire others.”