Shital Mahajan's Record-Breaking High-Altitude Skydives Over Everest

Indian Skydiver and Padma Shri recipient, the fourth highest Indian civilian award, Shital Mahajan, achieved a remarkable series of high-altitude skydives in the Everest region, including a jump with Mount Everest as a backdrop. At 41 years old, Ms. Mahajan holds multiple skydiving records and was added to her impressive list after skydiving near the world's highest peak on November 13th.

On November 11th, Ms. Mahajan took her first plunge from 5,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) at an astounding altitude of 17,500 feet. She landed successfully at 12,500 feet at Syangboche airport, accompanied by legendary New Zealand skydiver Wendy Smith as her in-flight instructor. This jump made Shital the first woman to skydive over Earth's three poles - the North Pole, the South Pole, and Mount Everest. In doing so, she also set national records as the first Indian civilian woman to skydive in front of Mount Everest and the first Indian woman to skydive over all three poles.

Ms. Mahajan continued her thrilling endeavor on November 12th with a flag jump at Syangboche airport from 8,000 feet, accompanied by renowned camerawomen Wendy Elizabeth Smith and Nadia Solovyeva of Russia. This courageous accomplishment set yet another national record for the highest flag skydiving landing performed by a woman.

Next, she daringly leaped from the Amadablam mountain base camp at a staggering altitude of 23,000 feet and landed at 15,091 feet (4,600 meters). French skydiving expert Paul-Henry de Baère guided her during this high-altitude jump; he is known as the "oxygen man" in such daring feats.

Shital's most exceptional accomplishment took place on November 13th when she leaped from 21,500 feet in front of Mount Everest, landing at the highest altitude of 17,444 feet (5,317 meters) at Kalapatthar. Paul Henry de Baere once again assisted her as a HALO instructor during this jump. This endeavor established not only the highest altitude skydiving landing by a woman but also set two additional national records, as confirmed by Anuj Pandey, the manager of Everest Skydive.

High-altitude skydiving comes with unique challenges, such as the necessity for supplemental oxygen and coping with thinner air. Shital was accompanied by legendary experts like Paul Henry de Baere, Omar Alhegelan, Wendy Smith, and Nadia Solovyeva who have over 12 years of collective experience in this specialized field.

Shital expressed great pride and gratitude in a Facebook post: "I performed the best jump of my life from 21,500ft in front of Mount Everest and landed at the highest altitude at Kalapatthar 17,444ft /5,317m. Along with 2 other national records." She credited Suman Pandey, the founder of Explore Himalaya and Everest Skydive for orchestrating this incredible adventure. Additionally, she acknowledged the unwavering support from Nita Ambani of Reliance Foundation and Anant Ambani, among others.

Each jump was conducted using Fishtail Air helicopters under the experienced guidance of senior Captain Kiran Pun and Captain Francois Favart.