Muscat – At an age when many choose to slow down, Raju Bisht decided to aim higher – quite literally. The 58-year-old Indian expatriate, a resident of Oman since 2002, has successfully summited Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, completing a gruelling six-day expedition from January 20 to 25.

“Everything is a mind game. Commitment and consistency matter more than anything else,” Bisht told Muscat Daily.

The decision to attempt Kilimanjaro was taken at the last minute, encouraged by his wife, Anita, and supported throughout by his two sons, Aryan and Armaan. “They pushed me to stop postponing a dream,” he said, adding that the journey belonged to his family as much as to him.

Bisht was joined by two fellow Oman-based trekkers, Pankaj Gupta and Dr Juhi; the team completed the ascent via the scenic yet demanding Lemosho Route. The expedition began on Kilimanjaro’s western slopes at Lemosho, at an altitude of 3,400m above sea level, before progressing through five distinct climatic zones – from equatorial forest and dense rainforest to alpine desert and arctic conditions near the summit.

“It’s like hiking from the equator to Antarctica in a week,” Bisht said, describing the dramatic changes in terrain and temperature.

From the Shira Plateau, the team advanced to Shira 1 Camp at 3,610m and Shira 2 Camp at 3,850m, undertaking an acclimatisation hike to Cathedral Peak at 3,872m. Conditions grew more demanding beyond Shira 2, with repeated ascents and descents leading to Barranco Camp at nearly 4,000m, where temperatures dropped close to 1°C. Looming above was the iconic Barranco Wall, regarded as one of the mountain’s most physically and mentally challenging sections.

“The real challenge began there,” Bisht recalled.

From Karanga Camp, the climbers moved to Barafu Summit Camp, the final staging point for the overnight push. Summit night brought extreme conditions, with temperatures plunging to -14°C. Just after dawn, Bisht reached Uhuru Peak at 5,895m, the highest point on the African continent.

“As the sun rose, the glaciers reflected a soft peach glow. It felt surreal,” he said.

The Kilimanjaro summit marks Bisht’s second major high-altitude achievement, following his Mt Everest Base Camp trek in 2025. He hopes his experience will inspire others, particularly young people in Oman and India.

“Adventure isn’t limited by age or background,” he said. “With the right preparation and mindset, even the toughest challenges are achievable.”

Asked what lies ahead, Bisht was clear: “Next time, I want to climb with my wife. Our journey feels incomplete without her.”

For aspiring adventurers, his message is clear. “Dedication, willpower and consistency make the difference.”