Geeta Samota: The Trailblazing CISF Officer Who Conquered Mount Everest

Geeta Samota's ascent to Mount Everest is a testament to her unwavering determination and strength. Hailing from a small village in Rajasthan, she transitioned from a promising hockey career to mountaineering after an injury. As the first female mountaineer from the CAPF to reach Everest's summit, Geeta has set records and inspired many with her achievements. Her journey includes conquering multiple peaks and receiving prestigious awards, all while advocating for women's empowerment in sports. With plans for a dedicated CISF mountaineering team in the future, Geeta's story continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2025, 11:22 IST

From Rajasthan to Everest

Geeta Samota's remarkable journey from a small village in Rajasthan to the peak of Mount Everest symbolizes extraordinary determination and resilience. On May 19, she reached the summit of the world's tallest mountain, standing at 8,849 meters, marking a significant milestone that showcases the strength and commitment of women in India.

A New Path After Sports

Initially a promising hockey player in college, Geeta faced a major setback due to a serious injury that ended her sports career. However, this challenge led her to join the CISF in 2011, where she redirected her ambitions towards mountaineering. She underwent rigorous training, starting with the ITBP in Auli and advancing her skills through various programs.

Aiming for the Seven Summits

In 2019, Geeta made history by becoming the first female mountaineer from the CAPF to scale Mount Satopanth and Mount Lobuche. This achievement propelled her into her ambitious 'Seven Summits' mission, where she aimed to conquer the highest peaks across all seven continents. Remarkably, she completed four of these summits—Kosciuszko, Elbrus, Kilimanjaro, and Aconcagua—in just six months and 27 days, setting a record as the fastest Indian woman to do so.

Rupshu's Peaks Conquered

Geeta's prowess was further demonstrated when she climbed five peaks in the Rupshu region of Ladakh within three days, including three over 6,000 meters. This feat reaffirmed her belief that 'impossible' is merely a word.

Recognition and Awards

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed; Geeta has received numerous accolades, including the 'International Women’s Day Award 2023' and the 'Giving Wings to Dreams Award 2023.' She advocates that mountains do not discriminate by gender, valuing only bravery and resolve, a perspective that inspires future generations and reshapes societal views on women's capabilities.

Future Aspirations for CISF

Motivated by Geeta's success, the CISF is planning to establish a dedicated mountaineering team for an expedition to Mount Everest in 2026, setting a new standard for courage and organizational confidence.