Fri May 23 19:02:02 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Safrina Latheef, a Keralite banker and baker residing in Qatar, has become the first woman from Kerala to successfully scale Mount Everest. The ascent, which began on April 28th and culminated on May 18th, was described as both physically and mentally challenging. She highlighted the difficulties of witnessing avalanches, rock falls, and the remains of deceased climbers. While the view from the summit was breathtaking, removing her goggles to fully experience it resulted in temporary snow blindness. She trained for four years with her husband, Shameel Musthafa, who sadly suffered injuries preventing him from joining the ascent this year. Safrina emphasized the importance of physical and mental fitness. Although she has no immediate plans to climb other major peaks, she hopes to complete the Seven Summits in the future.

**News Article:**

**Keralite Woman Conquers Everest, Battling Challenges and Realizing a Long-Held Dream**

**Thiruvananthapuram, May 24, 2025:** Safrina Latheef, a Kannur native residing in Qatar, has made history as the first woman from Kerala to successfully summit Mount Everest. The former banker and baker accomplished her lifelong ambition after a grueling climb, reaching the peak on May 18th.

Latheef described the expedition as “the toughest thing” she’s ever done, emphasizing the crucial role of mental strength alongside physical fitness. The climb, which commenced on April 28th after reaching base camp on April 19th, involved navigating treacherous conditions including avalanches, rock falls, and encountering the remains of previous climbers.

“It is a mental struggle,” Latheef said in a voice note from Nepal, recounting the unexpected dangers. However, she emphasized that the view from the summit was worth the effort, describing it as standing “on top of the world.”

The accomplishment wasn’t without its setbacks. Removing her goggles to fully appreciate the view resulted in temporary snow blindness during the descent, requiring hospitalization.

Latheef’s journey to Everest began during the COVID-19 pandemic when she and her husband, Shameel Musthafa, prioritized their health and fitness. Following a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, the couple dedicated the past four years to training for Everest, facing injury setbacks that ultimately prevented Shameel from joining this year’s ascent.

Despite the solo climb, Latheef expressed gratitude for her husband’s support and shared ambition. She currently has no immediate plans for further major climbs but aspires to complete the Seven Summits.

“We need to find our own happiness and we cannot depend on others for that,” said Latheef, reflecting on her remarkable achievement.

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