Agartala, June 08. Where there is a will, there is a way. If the goal is clear, a little could external forces can do to deter a determined individual. Aritra Roy from Agartala has achieved something that many from the state might not have dreamt of. On May 19, Aritra’s expedition conquered the world’s highest mountain peak to become the first youth from Tripura to climb Mount Everest. In order to ensure lowest-possible carbon emission in this expedition, the 35-year-old lad cycled from the state to Nepal before the official treks began. In an exclusive interview with Tripura Times, Roy spoke in detail about his journey and achievements. He also suggested how youth should focus on sports for leading a disciplined life. Excerpts.
Q: Climbing Mount Everest is considered one of the toughest feats in the world. How would you describe your experience?
A: Climbing Mount Everest is quite difficult and, at the same time, a beautiful experience. It's one of the highest points on Earth — about 8,000 meters or 29,000 feet. Trekking up to the base camp is relatively easy, but once we start ascending from there, we face one of the most dangerous places in the world: the Khumbu Icefall. It's actually a glacier where the landscape constantly changes due to melting ice, so no one knows what could happen at any time. The less time spent there, the better.
After that comes Camp II; which is comparatively easier with a gentle slope. From Camp III, the real climb begins — steep slopes of 45 to 60 degrees, and we need to use jumars (rope climbing devices). When climbers look down from there, it's dizzying — a stunning but dangerous view. If someone slips, there’s no telling where they’ll end up. So yes, Everest is both beautiful and dangerous — an once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Q: You’re from Agartala, Tripura. How did the idea of climbing Mount Everest first come to you?
A: Climbing Everest wasn’t a sudden decision — it was part of my long-term plan to complete the Seven Summits, which are the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. For example, Everest in Asia, Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Elbrus in Europe. I had already climbed Kilimanjaro and Elbrus, so Everest was the next logical step. Now, four summits remain on my list.
Q: When did your mountaineering journey begin?
A: After entering professional life, I started traveling more and eventually got into trekking. With each small trek, I realized I could go farther and higher. That’s when I understood that I needed to learn proper skills, and from there, my mountaineering journey began.
Q: Mountaineering is a form of adventure sport, but in Tripura, the concept of adventure sports seems unexplored. What’s your view?
A: Yes, mountaineering is an adventure sport, but it's not very common in Tripura. Many still view it as a fun vacation — something to do casually. But I’d say it’s a serious and rewarding sport. India has five or six reputable institutes that teach mountaineering, like those in Jammu & Kashmir, Manali, Uttarkashi, and Darjeeling. These institutions teach basic and advanced techniques, as well as search and rescue operations.
I encourage people, especially the youth, to research more about mountaineering and even enroll in these institutes. The skills they teach — such as rope knots and climbing techniques — are fundamental life skills, not just for mountaineering, but for overall resilience and self-development.
Q: Tripura does have hills and forests. Do you think there’s scope to promote adventure tourism or sports here?
A: Absolutely. While we may not have towering mountains, Tripura has beautiful hills and many unexplored places. There’s now an adventure club in Tripura—Agartala Adventure Club—taking great initiative to promote these hidden gems. They organize treks and travel packages to these locations — waterfalls, forest trails, and more. Through such efforts, people will become aware of Tripura’s untapped natural beauty. I believe this will give a major boost to mountaineering and adventure sports in the state.
Q: You’ve become somewhat of a youth icon in Tripura after climbing Everest. How does that feel, and what message do you want to give to the youth?
A: More than being seen as a hero, I’d love to guide and support others on their journey. That would give me the most joy. Since I’m already involved in mountaineering, I encourage everyone to get involved in some form of sport. I genuinely believe sports play a vital role in character building. They teach discipline, motivation, and help people stay focused on a positive goal. When you're engaged in a disciplined routine, it creates positive energy. It helps keep youth away from drug abuse and other harmful influences. Sports help develop a positive attitude and allow us to contribute meaningfully to society.
I know there are already some mountaineers in Tripura, and many more might want to pursue it but don’t know how. I would be very happy to guide them in the right direction.
Q: Drug abuse is a major issue in Tripura right now. What’s your message to the youth in this context?
A: My message is clear: get involved in sports or any passion that gives you purpose. A positive routine and disciplined lifestyle can help you stay focused and away from negative influences. Sports — especially something as demanding as mountaineering — teach you how to be resilient, focused, and goal-oriented. That mindset is the best antidote to things like drug abuse.