An Indian expatriate teenager from Oman converted the recent 9-day long Eid break into an opportunity to realise his dream of trekking to the Mt Everest base camp along with his mother, a yoga therapist, as a tribute to the all-encompassing spirit of the sultanate

Through fog and mist, snow and hail, flickering light and treacherous terrain, he made his way ahead with an unflinching spirit – a spirit of accomplishment against all odds – and an ambitious attitude with no room for despair.

While most teens spent the recent school break during Eid al Fitr relaxing indoors, 13-year-old Shiva Kochale, a student of Indian School Bousher, chose to celebrate his entry into teenage with an ambitious feat to test his endurance through snow, freezing winds, and sub-zero temperatures all the way to the Mt Everest Base Camp.

Accompanied by his mother, Sonal Kochale, a yoga therapist and trekking enthusiast, the mother-son duo completed the 130km journey from Ramechhap to the base of the world’s tallest mountain in Nepal. Residents of Oman since 2019, the mother and son undertook the expedition between March 29 and April 11.

“I enjoyed every step of this expedition. It wasn’t just a trek, but an adventure of a lifetime, where every step teaches you something new. I’m sure, this will be the first of many more adventures I will want to undertake in years ahead – and the summit of Mt Everest will see me there someday!” Shiva said, sharing his  high-flying ambitions.

“This journey wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a tribute to the all-encompassing spirit of Oman, where our love for adventure truly took root,” Sonal told Muscat Daily. She described the trek as a shared test of physical endurance and emotional resilience, rather than an item on their bucketlist. “It was about challenging ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually — and doing it together, as a family.”

The journey to 5,364m above sea level, often in temperatures below minus 20°C, left many fellow trekkers surprised at the presence of a 13-year-old. “People were stunned to see a young boy making this climb with his mother. We got a lot of encouraging words along the way it was really touching,” Sonal said.

Though the summit was in Nepal, the story of the trek began in Oman’s mountains and wadis. Sonal credits the late Hussam al Balushi of ‘Adventure Zone’ in Muscat for introducing her to trekking. “Hussam introduced me to Oman’s beauty — from Jebel Shams to Wadi Shab. His encouragement laid the foundation for this dream. We owe him a lot,” she said.

Building a new bond

What started with casual weekend hikes, soon became a shared passion. “It was a mix of a long-held dream and a recent decision — once we committed, we were all in,” she said.

The mother-son team didn’t rely on high-altitude gym training. Instead, their preparation was grounded in yoga. “Our training revolved around breathing techniques, endurance, and static yoga poses. Sun salutations, mountain walks, and pranayama became part of our routine,” she said.

Despite the preparation, the trek came with its share of challenges. “There were moments when we doubted ourselves — heavy snowfall, steep climbs, low oxygen, and one day I even had a fever. But the bond between us helped us push through. Shiva supported me when I was down, and later, I was his rock when he struggled.”

Reaching the base camp, surrounded by Himalayan peaks, was a moment of quiet reflection. “It wasn’t just a check mark on a list. We hoisted the flag of Oman there with pride. That moment surrounded by nature’s grandeur — was humbling. Climbing Everest Base Camp together has deepened our bond. We had to rely on each other more than ever. Every step was a reminder of how far love, discipline, and belief can take you.”

Message for dreamers

As a yoga therapist, Sonal said the experience reaffirmed her core beliefs. “This trek tested every ounce of that belief. It’s something we’ll cherish forever.” She hopes the experience inspires other families across India and Oman.

“I want young people — especially from India and Oman — to know that adventure is for everyone. With the right mindset and preparation, you can move mountains, quite literally.”

When asked about what’s next, she didn’t hesitate. “This is just the beginning. We want to continue exploring and inspiring others, one peak at a time.”

Her advice to those uncertain about pursuing their dreams, she said, “Dreams come with risks. But real accomplishment lives on the other side of fear. Prepare, stay grounded, and trust your every breath. Great things happen when courage meets consistency.”