KATHMANDU: From Everest to Antarctica, Nikol Kovalchuk has turned mountaineering dreams into reality. On June 6, 2025, she summited Denali, completing both the 14 Peaks and Seven Summits—an elite mountaineering double few have achieved.

Partnering with Nims Purja’s Elite Exped for 20 of those climbs, she faced some of the world’s most brutal terrain, from the icy ridges of K2 to the jungles of Carstensz Pyramid. But her journey goes far beyond peaks.

A Russian-American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mother of four, Kovalchuk balances intense ambition with deep personal values. Her recent work in Kenya, providing sports equipment to underserved communities, reflects a growing commitment to social impact.

Quietly redefining what mountaineering success looks like, she climbs not for fame but for purpose—demonstrating that strength and resilience are built, not born.

She spoke with Nepal News’ Binod Dhakal about her remarkable journey, the deeper purpose behind her climbs, and why real success reaches far beyond the summit. Here are the excerpts:

Tell us a little about your background—where did your journey into mountaineering begin, and what drew you to extreme exploration?

My journey into mountaineering was gradual—from hiking and simple treks in different parts of the world to increasingly challenging climbs. Initially, my goal was to complete the “Seven Summits on Seven Continents” project. Only after that did I plan to take on more serious ascents above 8,000 meters. But the mountains of Pakistan—or rather, the first one I climbed there—changed that plan. It was a turning point that shifted not only my focus, but my entire vision for what I wanted to achieve.

Balancing life as an athlete, entrepreneur, and mother of four is no small feat. How do you manage such different worlds simultaneously?

It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned to prioritize and stay fully present in each role. My children have always come first—when they were younger, I only allowed myself short expeditions. As they grew older and more independent, I was able to take on longer climbs. But I never stop being a mother. I’ve found strength in compartmentalizing and giving each part of my life the dedication and care it deserves.

You’ve been described as a new symbol for redefining what’s possible in high-performance sports. What does that recognition mean to you personally?

It’s deeply humbling. I didn’t begin this journey to make a statement—I was simply following what I felt called to do. But if my story encourages women, especially mothers, to go after their dreams with conviction, then that’s more meaningful than any title. We don’t have to choose between roles—we’re allowed to be many things at once.

You’ve successfully summited all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. Which of those mountains left the most lasting impression on you—and why?

Nanga Parbat—also known as the “Killer Mountain”—earned its name because of the extreme difficulty of the ascent and the high level of risk involved. For me, it became one of the toughest challenges of my life.

It was there that I truly understood what it means to push beyond your limits. Every step felt like a deliberate movement into the unknown—beyond the boundaries of ordinary human experience.

That mountain taught me what it means to stand at the very edge of human endurance and the strength of spirit. Between Camp Two and Camp Three, gripped by a wild mix of fear and excitement, I made a promise to myself: if I reached the summit—and, most importantly, returned safely—I would try to climb all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.

Which expedition tested you the most physically and mentally? Can you share a moment where you thought of giving up—and what made you continue?

Every ascent of a peak over 8,000 meters comes with numerous dangers—unpredictable weather, technical challenges, and the unique way each person’s body reacts to extreme altitude. You never truly know how your body will respond in the so-called “death zone.”

For me, climbing Nanga Parbat in Pakistan was a test in every possible sense. It was my second eight-thousand after Everest, and it turned out to be significantly more demanding—both mentally and physically. Nanga Parbat required much more from me. On Everest, despite all its challenges, I was still able to enjoy the beauty of the mountains. I slept fairly peacefully without oxygen at Camp Three, and only put on my mask for the first time in the morning before heading to Camp Four and then to the summit.

But every step upward on Nanga Parbat felt like a battle. The technical difficulties pushed me to the brink, and I often felt like I was about to give up. Yet by overcoming those moments, I learned a great deal about my strength. I discovered how resilient I truly am.

The ascent of K2 remains a hazy memory. I vividly recall standing in line for the summit at night in brutal cold, when I suddenly couldn’t feel my toes. I pulled myself together and started wiggling them desperately to avoid frostbite.

Afterward, I couldn’t feel my big toes for nearly a year. That was already the fourth summit in 25 days. The physical exhaustion, combined with losing 13 kilograms, made the climb even more difficult. But the mountain let me reach the top, and I’m grateful to myself for my strength and resilience.

And I’m thankful to the mountain—for letting me in.

Danger is always close. It’s not just part of mountaineering—it’s part of life. But if you focus only on the danger, you miss the beauty and uniqueness of the world around you.

Every mountain has its own personality. How do you mentally prepare for each unique challenge, especially ones like Everest, K2, and Denali?

Every mountain has its own character and unique set of challenges—whether it’s Everest, K2, Denali, or any other peak. I approach each climb as a new experience. My mental preparation begins with respect for the mountain. I stay patient, grounded, and adaptable to whatever the conditions demand. No two summits are the same, and that’s what keeps me focused and humble.

What is your approach to risk and fear when you’re climbing in life-threatening conditions?

Fear is necessary—it sharpens your senses. I don’t try to erase it; I learn to work with it. My decisions are always based on thorough preparation, sound awareness, and informed judgment. There’s no room for ego at high altitude. You move with respect—for the mountain, for your team, and for your own limits.

You’ve climbed in some of the harshest environments in the world. What’s one myth about high-altitude mountaineering that people often get wrong?

One of the most common myths is that mountaineering is a hobby for thrill-seekers. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Mountaineering isn’t about chasing adrenaline—it’s a careful, disciplined process that demands physical preparation, mental strength, and constant risk assessment. It’s about endurance, not excitement.

Can you describe your most unforgettable summit moment—the emotions, the view, the people around you?

Every summit has been special to me for different reasons. Each mountain has left its mark, and each climb has taught me something new. It’s never just about the view or the achievement—it’s about the journey, the people beside you, and the lessons you carry home.

You’re currently working to complete the North Pole expedition. What are the unique challenges of polar exploration compared to high-altitude climbing?

Polar expeditions challenge you in an entirely different way. The terrain offers no relief—it’s endless, flat, brutally cold, and mentally repetitive. You carry everything with you. There’s no vertical gain, but the psychological and physical endurance required is intense.

Being a mother in such a high-risk, male-dominated field is rare. How do your children influence your motivation and mindset on these expeditions?

They are everything to me. Every step I take, I take with them in my heart. I want them to see that dreams are worth pursuing, even when they seem difficult or unconventional. I want to show them what strength looks like—and that being vulnerable or afraid doesn’t diminish it. My motivation is rooted in love.

What message do you hope young girls and women around the world take from your journey and achievements?

That you are not defined by fear or limits. That strength can be quiet. That it’s okay to be many things at once—a mother, an athlete, a leader, a dreamer. And that some of the most powerful journeys in life start with a single, uncertain step.

You’ve also worked to support children in underserved communities. How do you see adventure and philanthropy coming together in your work?

Adventure teaches resilience and discipline—the same values that can empower children for life. I believe every child deserves the chance to discover their purpose through movement, exploration, and personal growth. That’s why I support projects that help young people access sports and outdoor activities—it’s about giving them tools to build confidence and believe in their own strength.

What does empowerment through sports mean to you, and how do you hope to use your platform beyond climbing?

Empowerment through sports, to me, means unlocking confidence, resilience, and self-belief—especially for those who might not often see themselves represented. My goal is to show that you don’t have to fit into a mold to belong; you just have to show up and try. If my journey inspires even one person to chase their dreams with courage, then I know I’ve used my platform in a meaningful way.

Once you complete the True Explorer Grand Slam, what’s next for you—more summits, storytelling, mentoring, or something unexpected?

I’m open to the unknown. I’m sure there are many meaningful chapters still ahead—whether that’s mentoring, new expeditions, or unexpected projects. Right now, it’s important for me to stay flexible, curious, and open to whatever comes next.

I trust that time will reveal the next path.