Karthikeyan, a trained polar adventurer and environmental scientist, reached the geographic South Pole after a grueling 25-day expedition across harsh icy terrain. She battled sub-zero temperatures, whiteouts, and high winds to complete the journey, demonstrating extraordinary endurance and planning.

“This has been the most challenging expedition of my life,” Karthikeyan said in a statement from Antarctica. “Standing at the South Pole, knowing that I am the first Indian woman to achieve this, fills me with immense pride and responsibility. I hope my journey inspires more women to explore uncharted territories.”

The expedition began in early December 2025 from Union Glacier Camp in Antarctica. Kamya traveled alongside a team of international and Indian explorers, covering over 1,200 kilometers using skis and sleds to transport supplies. She followed strict environmental and safety protocols, as Antarctic regulations limit human impact on the fragile ecosystem.

Kamya’s journey is not only a personal achievement but also a symbolic representation of India’s growing role in global polar research. India’s Antarctic program, managed by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), has seen increasing participation of women in scientific and exploratory missions over the past decade. Kamya’s success underscores this trend and opens doors for more female explorers in extreme environments.

Experts highlight that the South Pole, situated at an altitude of 2,835 meters and temperatures plunging below –50°C during the austral summer, remains one of the most inhospitable regions on Earth. The expedition required months of rigorous physical and mental training, survival simulations, and logistical planning to ensure safety in extreme conditions.

Kamya, who holds multiple records in high-altitude mountaineering in the Himalayas, has also dedicated her journey to raising awareness about climate change in polar regions. She documented her expedition to study ice patterns and the effects of global warming on Antarctica’s glaciers.

Indian government officials, scientists, and the mountaineering community have congratulated Kamya for her historic accomplishment, calling it a milestone for women in exploration and science. Her achievement is expected to encourage more Indian women to take up polar expeditions and high-altitude research initiatives.