.svg){kind=small}
Ashirbad Mahapatra
Ashirbad Mahapatra (Anup) is an Indian mountaineer, trek leader, and entrepreneur from Odisha. He gained national attention after being featured as a Role Model in the Class 5 CBSE English textbook , highlighting his mountaineering achievements—most notably his 2025 summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. He is also the founder of the adventure enterprise MountXplore.
| Ashirbad Mahapatra (Anup) | |
| |
| Born | Kulita Tukura, Attabira, Bargarh district, Odisha, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Residence | Bargarh, Odisha, India |
| Occupation | Environmentalist |
| Alma mater | Sambalpur University; Larambha College |
| Years active | 2011–present |
| Known for | Scaling Mount Kilimanjaro (2025); Role Model in Class 5 CBSE English textbook; Founder of MountXplore |
| Awards |
|
Early life and education
Mahapatra was born in Kulita Tukura village in the Attabira block of Bargarh district, Odisha.
He pursued higher education at Sambalpur University and Larambha College.
His interest in trekking and adventure began during his school years, and by 2011, while in the 10th grade, he committed himself to training for a career in mountaineering.[1][2]
Recognition in CBSE textbook
In 2025, Mahapatra’s journey was featured in the Class 5 CBSE English textbook , where he was portrayed as a Role Model for young students. The chapter highlights his determination, discipline, passion for nature, and mountaineering achievements—earning pride and recognition for Attabira and the Bargarh region.[3]
Mountaineering training
Mahapatra began formal adventure training in 2015 after joining the Odisha Mountaineering and Adventure Club. He completed his Basic Mountaineering Course at the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, Pahalgam in Jammu & Kashmir.
His specialized training includes:
- Wilderness first aid
- CPR
- Search and rescue
- Fire safety
- Survival techniques
- Skiing
- Shooting
- Paragliding
- Skydiving
- Scuba diving
His leadership and discipline were strengthened during his association with the National Cadet Corps (NCC) .[4]
Rescue mission at Amarnath Yatra
During his training period, Mahapatra participated in a rescue operation at the Amarnath Yatra , one of India’s most challenging high-altitude pilgrimages.[5]
Amid a crisis involving extreme terrain and difficult weather, he and his team successfully rescued 78 stranded pilgrims , ensuring their safe evacuation.
This mission highlighted his courage, emergency skills, and commitment to service.
Mountaineering career
Mahapatra has climbed several notable peaks, including:
- Trishul – 7,120 m
- Neelkanth – 6,596 m
- Harmukh – 5,300 m
- Tatakoti – 4,760 m
- Sunset Peak – 4,745 m
- Gol Top – 4,420 m
- Sleeping Lady Mountain – 2,240 m
He has trekked widely across Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Kerala, Darjeeling, and Nepal. He has also explored over 50 high-altitude alpine lakes in Kashmir .
Mount Kilimanjaro expedition (2025)
In August 2025, Mahapatra joined an international expedition team comprising climbers from multiple countries. He was the only Indian mountaineer in the group.
He successfully summited:
- Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m / 19,341 ft)
At the peak, he hoisted the Indian National Flag and the flag of Maa Samalei , honoring Western Odisha.
Entrepreneurship
Mahapatra is the founder of MountXplore, a trekking and adventure tour company promoting ethical, sustainable, and professional mountaineering experiences in India.
Achievements and recognition
- Featured as a Role Model in Class 5 CBSE English textbook
- Winner – 26th National Youth Festival , Dharwad (Aviation & Climbing)
- Honoured across Odisha for mountaineering excellence
- Recognized as an emerging youth icon in adventure sports
- Environmental awareness advocate; known as a "tree lover"
- Received the Prakruti Bandhu Award (2023) for contributions to environmental protection
Vision
Mahapatra has expressed gratitude to Bargarh MP Pradip Purohit for his guidance and support. He aims to mentor young climbers and strengthen India’s global mountaineering presence.
Legacy
Mahapatra is regarded as an inspirational figure for students and aspiring mountaineers across India, promoting discipline, courage, and environmental responsibility.
See also
References
- ↑ https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2025/Sep/21/mountaineer-from-odishas-bargarh-scales-africas-highest-peak
- ↑ https://kalingatv.com/?p=655534
- ↑ https://www.orissapost.com/bargarh-youth-scales-mt-kilimanjaro/
- ↑ https://odishabytes.com/odisha-youth-unfurls-tricolour-flag-of-maa-samaleswari-at-mount-kilimanjaro/
- ↑ http://thenewscontents.com/