Posted on 3 June 2025:
Yogita Singh Sankhala: Scaling Heights, Breaking Barriers
IN THE VAST AND UNTAMED BEAUTY OF THE SWISS ALPS, A DREAM TOOK SHAPE—A JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE, PASSION, AND UNWAVERING DETERMINATION. YOGITA SINGH SANKHALA, A NAME NOW ETCHED IN THE ANNALS OF MOUNTAINEERING HISTORY, BEGAN HER ASCENT IN 2021, INSPIRED BY THE GRANDEUR OF SWITZERLAND’S LANDSCAPES AND A DEEP DESIRE TO RECLAIM HER MENTAL WELL-BEING.
With sheer grit and relentless pursuit, Yogita scaled 15 peaks exceeding 4000 meters, including technically demanding summits like The Matterhorn, Monch, Nadelhorn and Alphubel. Her achievements set a new benchmark, crowning her as the First Indian Woman to accomplish this feat. She carried India’s tricolour to the pinnacle, marking a moment of unparalleled pride.
Her mountaineering journey wasn’t born overnight—it was carved through tireless efforts, starting with hiking, advancing to rock climbing, braving via ferratas, and gradually moving from modest peaks like Breithorn, Allalinhorn, and Bishorn to the more challenging Gran Paradiso and the formidable Matterhorn. Each climb was a testament to her perseverance, proving that extraordinary achievements stem from one courageous step at a time.
With unwavering determination and boundless courage, Yogita Singh Sankhala carved her name into history, scaling 15 peaks surpassing 4000 meters—each a formidable challenge, each a testament to her relentless spirit.
Among her triumphs were The Matterhorn, Monch, Nadelhorn, and Alphubel—technically demanding summits that have tested even the most seasoned climbers.
As the First Indian Woman to achieve this extraordinary feat, she carried the Indian tricolour to the pinnacle, turning every summit into a symbol of national pride.
“Each mountain taught me something different.” Yogita reflects on her journey, embracing the lessons each peak imparted.
“The Matterhorn, with its sheer exposure, pushed me beyond limits—its daunting Hörnli Ridge, a razor-thin path between earth and sky. Nadelhorn, quiet yet mesmerizing, felt like a personal pilgrimage, where elegance met solitude.
Some peaks, like Bishorn, Breithorn, Weissmies, and Allalinhorn, offered a gentler introduction to the mighty 4000ers, their glacier crossings painting a picture of tranquility—especially under a pink alpine dawn,” she explains.
“Mönch stood bold above the clouds. Climbing it from the Jungfraujoch felt like stepping into another world—ice, wind, silence. A good balance of challenge and accessibility. The sharp razorsharp ridge to the summit was out of this world !” she added.
Through snow-laden ridges and silent glaciers, Yogita Singh Sankhala proved that the greatest victories are won not just with strength, but with heart.
“Kilimanjaro was more than a climb—it was a journey that moved my soul. Kilimanjaro was emotional. The altitude hits differently than the Alps. It wasn’t the climb itself, but the journey—days of gradual ascent and starry skies. The quiet power of Uhuru Peak at sunrise reminded me to cherish the path, not just the summit. In the end, I didn’t just conquer mountains; I returned transformed by them.” — Yogita Singh Sankhala
Yet, amidst the thrill of icy crests and rugged terrains, Yogita embraces another profound role—motherhood.
It keeps her grounded, weaving together the exhilaration of adventure with the everyday joys of nurturing her family. Balancing these two worlds, she shines as an inspiration to women everywhere, proving that dreams and responsibilities can co-exist harmoniously.
Her contributions to mountaineering and dedication to empowering women earned her a prestigious place among the 10 most influential Indian women in Switzerland, honored by the Indian Embassy on Women’s Day in 2023. Her journey continues, reminding the world that determination can move mountains—one summit at a time.
Yogita Singh: A Journey from Silicon Valley to Mountain Peaks
From the heart of Rajasthan to the majestic Swiss Alps, Yogita Singh Sankhala’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.
Once an IT professional, she spent 10 years building a career before choosing to step away—determined to raise her children, Shaurya (11) and Arya (7), herself. Supported by her loving husband, Rahul Singh Narooka, she embraced entrepreneurship, creating two successful ventures—Cakes Cupcakes and More, a home baking business, and A’lamel, a trademarked brand for organic soaps.
Life took a dramatic turn when she moved to Switzerland in 2020 as a trailing spouse. Amid the shift, a profound grief weighed on her—the loss of her father, whom she could not bid farewell to due to pandemic restrictions. Seeking solace beyond words, she found healing in the grandeur of the mountains. Rock climbing and hiking became more than hobbies; they became a path to recovery, strength, and self-discovery.
Each step she took up the rugged cliffs was a tribute to perseverance—a reminder that even in loss, new beginnings await.
Today, Yogita stands as an inspiring figure, proving that life’s transitions, no matter how uncertain, can lead to incredible transformations. Whether scaling mountains, building businesses, or nurturing her family, she continues to embrace life with courage and grace.
Yogita Singh Sankhala: A Life of Strength, Art, and Passion
Beyond the towering peaks of the Alps, Yogita Singh Sankhala has carved a dynamic path through diverse disciplines, blending power, grace and artistic finesse. Not only is she an accomplished mountaineer, but she has also embraced kickboxing, serving as a referee for WAKO in Switzerland—a role that demands precision, control and unwavering focus.
Balancing the fierce energy of combat sports, Yogita also finds joy in the elegance of Kathak, the classical dance form that tells stories through rhythmic footwork and expressive gestures. Under the guidance of renowned guru Bornalee Sarkar, she has honed her skills, performing mesmerizing solo acts across Basel’s cultural events.
Her journey reflects an inspiring blend of discipline, resilience, and creativity, proving that strength and artistry can exist side by side. Whether scaling mountains, officiating matches, or gracefully twirling to the beats of Kathak, Yogita embodies a limitless spirit, embracing each challenge with passion and dedication.
Yogita Singh Sankhala: A Mother, A Mountaineer, A Trailblazer
Scaling the heights of the Swiss Alps, Yogita Singh Sankhala has not only conquered towering peaks but also defied societal expectations. In a world where women are often asked to choose between ambition and family, she has proven that both can coexist beautifully.
“Behind every adventure, there stands a pillar of unwavering love and support. Without Rahul’s dedication—caring for our home, nurturing our children and silencing doubts—none of this would have been possible. He is the true definition of a partner, proving that strength is found not just in grand gestures, but in quiet sacrifices and boundless belief.” — a heartfelt tribute to her husband, Rahul Singh Narooka.
Supported by her husband, she has embraced the best of both worlds—a devoted mother and a fearless adventurer.
“Climbing mountains teaches me patience, perseverance, and perspective—qualities I draw on daily as a mother,” she says.
Each summit she reaches is a testament to her unwavering determination, a reflection of the strength she carries in her heart. From the Matterhorn to Monch, Nadelhorn to Alphubel, her journey is not just about mountaineering—it is about breaking barriers, inspiring women and proving that dreams have no limits.
Take a glimpse at her breathtaking mountaineering moments here and witness the journey of a woman who refuses to be defined by limits.
Yogita Singh Sankhala‘s story is a reminder to all women, especially mothers, that they can be both soft and strong, a nurturer and a conqueror. She hopes to inspire others to embrace the wild, chase their dreams, and never underestimate their own strength.
Images: Yogita Singh Sankhala
