Bengaluru brothers Sahas Disan, 11, and Samarth Disan, 8, have successfully summited Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and Africa’s highest peak, after completing a challenging seven-day expedition.

The brothers trekked approximately 60 km via the Lemosho Route, crossing rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert and rugged high-altitude terrain before undertaking the final summit push. The expedition culminated in a demanding night ascent, with temperatures dropping to -20°C and the brothers gaining nearly 1,200 metres in altitude on the final day.

For the brothers, trekking was not new. They have been hiking since the age of three, with family vacations often involving treks. Their parents, Divya Kalva and Sandeep Gudibanda, have also participated in challenges including Everest Base Camp, Ironman competitions and multiple marathons, inspiring the brothers to take on a challenge of their own.

Sahas Disan said, “We have been trekking since we were three, so being outdoors and walking long distances was something we were familiar with. But Kilimanjaro was completely different. We prepared for two months by hiking Nandi Hills, doing inclined treadmill sessions, climbing 16 floors of stairs twice a day and continuing our tennis training. The toughest part was the summit night. It was around -20°C; we were climbing in the dark, and every step felt difficult. But we knew that preparation was the only thing in our control. We were also ready to turn back if our health deteriorated. Reaching the summit taught me that mountains should be embraced with humility, not conquered.”

The physical demands of the expedition were compounded by difficult nights in basic tents, long days of trekking and the effects of altitude. On one particularly challenging day, a 12-hour climb over hot, rocky terrain left Sahas battling a severe headache and nausea. During the final summit night, Samarth struggled with severely cold toes and questioned whether he could continue.

Samarth Disan, 8, said, “The summit night was the hardest for me. My toes were almost frozen and I wondered if I could keep moving. We kept rubbing our feet and encouraging each other. When the sun came up, I felt much better and knew we could make it. I learned that you don’t have to think about the whole mountain at once. You just take one step at a time and go at your own pace. That is what helped me reach the top.”

The brothers’ preparation extended beyond physical training. Sahas read Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air before the expedition to understand the risks involved in high-altitude climbing, while both brothers practised Pranayama and strength training. They also continue to train competitively in tennis, putting in more than 50 hours of training a month.

Their experience has also shaped how they view challenges. Rather than describing the achievement as “conquering” Kilimanjaro, the brothers believe the mountain taught them humility and appreciation for simple things.

For the brothers, the summit represents more than a mountaineering achievement. It is a lesson in preparation, resilience, teamwork and knowing when to push forward and when to respect one’s limits.