Kalpetta: As a woman from a conservative community, a mother of two in her early 40s, and a working professional, Zuhra Cherukappalli fulfilled her dream of standing atop Mount Everest.

After her first attempt last year was aborted due to bad weather, Zuhra began her second expedition on April 10 this year. On May 20, her team successfully summited Mount Everest. "When we reached the top, it felt like pure ecstasy. There was an overwhelming feeling of gratitude - 'Thank God,'" she said. Years of preparation and an investment of nearly ₹40 lakh helped her achieve her dream.

Zuhra began climbing small hills and peaks in Wayanad in 2017. She later expanded her expeditions to Ladakh and Nepal. During one expedition in Nepal, she was captivated by Mount Everest - especially the sunrise she witnessed from a distant peak. That majestic sunrise planted the seed of a new dream: to one day watch the sunrise from the summit of Everest itself. This year, she finally witnessed what she describes as "the most beautiful sunrise" of her life - from the top of Everest.

Zuhra recalled passing the body of a deceased climber near the Hillary Step. "We were informed beforehand, but seeing it in person surrounds you with a sense of mortality. Yet the dream of reaching the summit pushes you forward," she said. Mountaineering presents immense challenges, including treacherous terrain, unpredictable weather, and high costs. The climbing permit from the Nepal government alone costs around ₹14 lakh, with gear and expedition fees adding several lakhs more.

Zuhra is the third woman from Kerala to climb Mount Everest, following Safreena Latheef and Sreeja Raveendran. She hails from Manjery in Malappuram district and is the daughter of retired PWD engineer Abdul Jaleel and retired nursing officer Ayshabi. The couple has two children, Emir and Ehab.

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