Rina Charaniya, aka Rii, who is known for her songs such as Tera Zikr and Phir Mulaqat, climbed Mount Elbrus, Russia, on June 11, 2024. This was part of her Seven Summits project, and she is grateful to her parents for making her so brave and strong that she could do it despite her ankle injury.
“I reached the summit of Mount Elbrus on June 11, 2024, as part of my Seven Summits project. Elbrus, the highest mountain in Russia and Europe, is located in the western part of the northern Caucasus. This dormant volcano rises majestically 5,642 m (18,510 ft) above sea level, making it the highest stratovolcano in Eurasia and the 10th-most prominent peak globally,” she said. Talking about the hardships she faced during the climb, she said, “Elbrus is not technical to climb, but it is demanding due to meteorological conditions and its high altitude. We were supposed to attempt the summit on June 10, but due to sudden weather changes, the mountain was covered with 22 inches of fresh snow, and it was super windy that night. So, our team decided to wait for a better weather window, and luckily, the skies cleared up the next day. The trail to the summit of Mount Elbrus is tough, leading through steep mountain terrain to a rising traverse up to 5,642 m (18,510 feet). Then you have an easier section to the summit of Europe’s highest peak.”
“I had a serious ankle injury during my trek to Everest base camp in 2023, which is still in the process of healing, making expeditions a bit challenging for me as I have to be very careful setting my feet on steep terrain. During these expeditions, I felt extremely grateful for my parents and the challenging lifestyle we had. Growing up, they taught me to be fearless in tough situations and handle pain with grace at any given point. We used to work 10 to 15 hours doing farming in every season, be it rain, cold, or 50 degrees heat, and I guess that plays a huge part in the way I handle difficult situations on the mountains and in normal life,” she added. She shared that Mount Elbrus has finally opened for climbing this year after a long period of closure, and she is grateful to have the opportunity to climb such a majestic peak. “Considering the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the journey was quite adventurous. Many athletes from various countries faced challenges with visas, but once I arrived, I was welcomed with an abundance of love and care. It was truly a heartwarming experience to make new friends who offered invaluable assistance along the way. Interestingly, I underestimated the importance of carrying enough cash with me, assuming I could easily use ATMs or cards for transactions. However, upon reaching Elbrus, I discovered that only rubles were accepted, highlighting the importance of being prepared. Fortunately, I was fortunate to have a friend who also served as my expedition manager, providing support by purchasing a local SIM card and setting up a VPN for communication with my family throughout the climb,” she said.
“The climb itself was a remarkable adventure, starting with the acclimatization process through hikes in the picturesque Baksan Valley and visits to Cheget village and observatory. The training at the base camp at 3800 m, including practice with essential climbing gear, was both educational and exciting. Despite a delay in the summit push due to unfavorable weather conditions, we were blessed with a clear weather window the following day to continue our ascent towards the peak,” she added.
Rii was a part of a group of six climbers, not including the leader guides and the ground team. She added, “I had the pleasure of meeting some incredible individuals during the Elbrus climb, like Nik Toocheck, an American marathon runner and world record holder. He has completed marathons on every continent and in all 50 states, all while raising funds for Operation Warm and the Seva Foundation. It’s truly inspirational to encounter such accomplished and positive-minded people. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to meaningful projects and raising funds in collaboration with reputable organizations in the future.”
She stressed that embarking on extreme adventures can strengthen our minds significantly, and mentioned that there is so much to learn about practicing patience through the journey towards success.
“Personally, I find solace in solitude, and mountains offer the ideal setting for those who cherish moments of seclusion. The excitement of exploring unknown terrain instills unwavering faith in our ability to conquer life’s challenges. Mountain climbing, to me, is not merely an adventure but a transformative journey towards self-improvement. It has led me to perceive others and life in a different light, encouraging the cultivation of a peaceful and composed mindset,” she shared.
