Pune: Junnar’s Nikhil Kokate Becomes First Tribal To Summit Mount Kilimanjaro

Junnar, Pune, April 14, 2025 In a historic achievement, Nikhil Kisan Kokate, a 33-year-old resident of Taleran village in Junnar tehsil, etched his name in the record books by becoming the first tribal individual from Pune district—and the first from Junnar—to successfully summit Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m), Africa’s tallest peak.

The expedition, completed on February 22, 2025, was supported by the Tribal Development Department of Maharashtra, which played a key role in ensuring Kokate had the necessary resources and clearances to attempt the climb.

Describing the expedition as both physically and mentally demanding, Kokate said the journey involved extreme weather, high altitude, and unfamiliar terrain. Yet, with disciplined preparation and resilience, he stood at Uhuru Peak—the summit of Kilimanjaro—carrying a message: even individuals from underrepresented and tribal communities can achieve extraordinary global milestones.

“There was a moment just 200 metres from the summit when I felt like giving up. But I thought of my village and the people who believed in me. That gave me the strength to push forward,” said Kokate.

A Dream Born in Childhood

Kokate’s passion for mountaineering was sparked in childhood. Recalling his first trek to Harishchandragad in Class 2, he said he was fascinated by the sight of professional trekkers with large backpacks. That moment inspired him to chase mountains.

Years later, this dream took shape as he trained at prestigious institutes like the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling and the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure & Eco-Tourism (IHCAE) in Sikkim.

Despite institutional support, the Kilimanjaro climb came with unique challenges. “I struggled with the food. I’ve never eaten foreign dishes, and surviving on spaghetti and porridge was tough. I mostly ate fruits during the seven-day climb,” Kokate shared.

Eyeing the Seven Summits

Mount Kilimanjaro is just the beginning. Kokate has now set his sights on the Seven Summits Challenge—a prestigious mountaineering goal of scaling the highest peak on each continent. His next targets include Mt Elbrus in Russia, Mt Aconcagua in South America, and Mt Everest by 2027.

“Kilimanjaro was relatively affordable and easier than Everest. But Everest will test me in every possible way—physically, mentally, and financially,” he said.

Upon returning to his hometown, Kokate received a hero’s welcome. “Even strangers came up to congratulate me. I felt immense pride—not just for myself, but for my entire community,” he recalled.

With determination in his heart and mountains in his sight, Kokate hopes his journey inspires young tribal aspirants across India to dream beyond boundaries and believe in the impossible.

Support from Leaders

Dr. Amol Kolhe, Member of Parliament from Shirur Constituency, praised Nikhil’s remarkable feat:

“Nikhil Kokate’s summit of Kilimanjaro is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of inspiration for tribal youth across Maharashtra. His courage, determination, and discipline show us what’s possible when dreams are followed with conviction.”

Pradeep Desai, Project Officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP), Ghodegaon, added:

“We are proud to support Nikhil Kokate in his journey. His achievement proves that talent exists in every corner of our state. With the right support, our tribal youth can rise to international heights.”