Safrina Latheef Creates History as the First Indian Woman Based in Doha to Conquer mount Everest

Safrina Latheef Becomes First Doha-Based Indian Expat Woman to Conquer Mount Everest

Braving freezing temperatures and powerful winds, long-time Qatar resident Safrina Latheef reached the summit of Mount Everest—the highest peak in the world—at 10:25 a.m. Nepal time yesterday, marking a historic milestone in her mountaineering journey.

Standing at a staggering 8,848 metres, Latheef completed the grueling climb after more than 20 hours of continuous ascent. With this extraordinary feat, she has become the first Indian expat woman based in Doha and the first woman from Kerala to reach Everest’s peak.

Latheef has lived in Qatar since 2001 with her husband, Dr. Shameel Musthafa, a surgeon at Hamad Medical Corporation, and their daughter, Minha. Her Everest summit is the result of years of rigorous training and unwavering passion. Prior to this, she successfully scaled other major peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (5,895m), Aconcagua in Argentina (6,961m), and Mount Elbrus in Russia (5,642m)—all alongside her husband. She also underwent high-altitude ice training in Kazakhstan as part of her preparation.

After safely descending to Camp 2, Latheef expressed heartfelt thanks to her family, friends, and Elite Exped, the expedition team that supported her through every step of the climb.

More than just a personal achievement, her triumph has become a source of inspiration across Qatar, especially for women and young girls. Her journey stands as a powerful reminder that with enough determination, even the world’s highest peak can be conquered.