Climbing Everest: Expat woman from Qatar shares her courageous journey

Doha, Qatar: From the flat sands of the Gulf to the icy slopes of the Himalayas, Safrina Latheef’s journey to the top of Mount Everest reads like a modern‑day epic. A Doha‑based mother, former cake artist, and now history‑maker, Safrina became the first woman from Kerala and the first Indian expat woman in Qatar to summit the world’s highest peak.

But this wasn’t always the plan. “I wasn’t athletic at all. I was a couch potato growing up in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Outdoor life just wasn’t part of our routine,” she told The Peninsula.

“I spent my childhood in Saudi Arabia and moved to Qatar with my family in early 2000. I continued my education at Qatar University and HBKU. My husband joined the surgical residency program at Hamad, and together we built our life here.”

Over 25 years, Qatar became more than just home, but a place where she found her strength. “It’s where I’ve grown, studied, started my family, and found the courage to dream beyond limits that eventually led me to the mountains.”

From travel to trekking: a dream takes shape 

Safrina’s path toward mountaineering began not with lofty goals, but with travel. After marriage, many of her free moments were spent exploring places with her husband who loves photography. Their journeys often involved chasing views, one‑day hikes, and small treks.

Then the COVID‑19 pandemic brought change. With travel restricted, Safrina and her husband shifted their focus inward: building healthier habits, clean eating, joining a gym, running regularly. “When travel resumed, we decided to explore the mountains instead of cities. That decision changed everything.”

Kilimanjaro in Tanzania  (5,895m) was their first big climb. After its success, they attempted Aconcagua in Argentina (6,961m), and then Everest (8,848m) became the natural next goal.

Inspired by giants, supported by family

Safrina had role models close at hand. Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani’s completion of the Seven Summits in 2016 first caught her attention. Later, Sheikha Asma Al Thani's ventures into mountain climbing and her breaking of stereotypes among Arab women made an impression.

She also leaned on counsel and training from seasoned climbers: “I also received early guidance from Mr. Abdul Nasser P, an Everest summiteer and long‑term Qatar resident also hailing from Kerala.”

Her biggest support, though, came from her husband, Dr Shameel Musthafa who is a surgeon at Hamad Medical Corporation. They trained together, planned together, and he believed in her even when others were doubtful. Though a last-minute training injury prevented him from joining her on Everest, his presence was felt every step of the way.

Physical and mental preparation: training for a dream

Safrina Latheef during an ice climbing training in Nepal's largest glacier, Khumbu Glacier, with her guide Anup Gurung

Training for Everest is not simply about long hikes; it’s about transforming one’s mind and body over years. Safrina’s preparation spanned around four years post‑Aconcagua.

Physical training: She hired a personal trainer specifically for mountaineering fitness. They worked on strength, endurance, and cardio. She joined other high‑altitude treks such as Elbrus, Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek as part of acclimatisation and skill‑building.

Mental preparations: One of Safrina’s notable fears was bridges. She would suffer panic attacks, even “like I was going blind” whenever she crossed them. A via ferrata in Spain was an important test; it went well and boosted her confidence, which later proved essential in the Icefall on Everest.

 “On Everest, you have to cross several wobbly ladder bridges in the Khumbu Icefall, and even though it was terrifying, I managed to face them calmly.”

Living in Qatar presented unique challenges: “We don’t have mountains here, so the gym became my mountain.” She would travel abroad for real climbs, and even basic gear had to be imported.

Committing to Everest also meant a disciplined lifestyle. No junk food, no late-night gatherings. Her training schedule took priority. She declined full-time work so she could stay focused.

And yet, one of the hardest obstacles wasn’t physical. It was dealing with the skepticism and fear of others. “My parents and others thought it was too reckless, too dangerous. Their doubt often made me question myself.” 

Eventually, Safrina stopped talking about Everest and chose to work silently toward it. Most people only learned about her summit after she reached it.

The first glimpse: Facing Everest in person

Seeing Everest for the first time in Namche Bazaar during an acclimatisation hike to Everest View Hotel was deeply emotional. “It was a very emotional moment for everyone on our team as the goal we all had been training for all these years was suddenly right in front of us, yet still so far and so mighty.”

During the expedition, there were two moments that marked her deeply.

The first: during the descent from Camp 4, in the Death Zone. Safrina had developed frostbite and was using supplemental oxygen. Her guide wasn’t. When she asked why, he said he was saving his oxygen for her.

“It brought tears to my eyes. The compassion and selflessness of the Sherpas are beyond words.”

The second: seeing four bodies of fallen climbers above Camp 4. “They wore the same gear, had the same dream. It was a chilling reminder of how unforgiving the mountain is.”

There was also deep fear. On her first training climb into the Khumbu Icefall, she froze. “I told my guide, ‘I didn’t sign up for this. I want to go back.’” From Base Camp, she called her husband in tears.

He told her: “Try one more time. If it still feels wrong, come home.” She returned the next day, completed the climb, and emerged stronger. “That’s when I learned that courage isn’t the absence of fear but moving forward despite it.”

Reaching the summit: Top of the world and back

Safrina Latheef is the first Doha-based Indian expat woman to reach Everest’s peak.

On May 18, after more than 20 grueling hours of climbing, Safrina stood at the summit of Mount Everest 8,848 meters above sea level.

“I had tears in my eyes and was in total disbelief. The view around me was heavenly endless peaks glowing under the morning light. I recorded a message for my husband and daughter, telling them I loved them from the top of the world and back. I was completely exhausted yet running on pure adrenaline," she told The Peninsula.

She spent 45 minutes on the summit. Overwhelmed by joy, she even forgot to put her oxygen mask back on after taking photos. The descent was still ahead and equally perilous.

Describing the feat as one of the “toughest things I’ve done in my life,” Safrina emphasized that mental strength was as important, if not more, than physical training. “On Everest, your mind carries you when your body gives up. It's all about staying calm, focused, and breaking it down into small steps: the next rope, the next rock, the next sunrise.”

Her summit was not just a personal victory; it became a powerful moment of inspiration for women and girls everywhere.

“Being the first woman from Kerala and the first Indian expat woman in Qatar to summit Everest is something I carry with both pride and humility,” she said.

“I didn’t set out to make history. I simply wanted to challenge myself and see how far determination could take me. But knowing my climb now represents so many women, especially those from places where dreams like this feel out of reach, makes it all the more meaningful.”

She hopes her daughter grows up believing that no dream is too big or too unconventional.

Aspire2Inspire: Sharing the story, multiplying the inspiration

Safrina Latheef shares her Everest journey during the Aspire2Inspire's 'Celebrating Strength, Resilience, & Inspiration' event on October 3, 2025. Pic: Marivie Alabanza / The Peninsula

Recently, Safrina was invited by Aspire2Inspire, a women’s empowerment community, to give a talk. The event drew dozens of women, all wanting to hear about her journey from Doha to the top of the world!

Dr. Femida Ali, founder of Aspire2Inspire, told The Peninsula:

“At Aspire2Inspire, our core belief is that every woman has within her the strength to aspire, evolve, and achieve her fullest potential, and all she needs is the right inspiration and community support. From Safrina's beginnings as a creative cake artist here in Doha to scaling the world’s highest peak, her story reminds us that our passions can take different shapes, and our dreams can evolve into something far greater than we ever imagined.

Safrina represents courage, reinvention, and the power of self‑belief, which are the qualities we try to nurture within our own community. Honouring her is our way of celebrating what Aspire2Inspire stands for — inspiring women to dream fearlessly and turn those dreams into reality.”

Dr. Femida Ali, Founder of Aspire2Inspire (2nd row, 3rd left) and Safrina Latheef (2nd row, 4th left) with the attendees of 'Celebrating Strength, Resilience, & Inspiration' event on October 3, 2025. Pic: Marivie Alabanza / The Peninsula

Asked what message Safrina left for the participants, Dr. Femida said:

“Her journey reminded every woman in the room that dreams don’t have limits — we do. Her message: ‘Don’t avoid but embrace the pain, and confidence is the output of the action you take’ truly resonated with everyone in the room. It reminded every woman that growth often comes through discomfort, and that courage is built one action at a time. Her words inspired each attendee to reflect on her own journey, to see challenges not as obstacles, but as stepping stones toward strength and self‑belief.”

Aspire2Inspire is already planning more: expanding chapters, mentoring young women, building partnerships, and launching an initiative that will bring all its chapters together to celebrate women, connection, and the power of shared inspiration.

Safrina, meanwhile, has already started connecting with women curious about trekking and mountaineering. She is now dedicating herself to mentoring, supporting aspiring climbers, and helping them see expedition planning is possible, even if their start is small.

She dreams of building a community where women support, train, and inspire each other, whether that’s in Qatar, Kerala, or anywhere else in the world.

“One of my biggest goals now is to help more women step into the outdoors and experience the freedom and confidence that come with it. I want to show that adventure isn’t limited to a certain age, background, or fitness level; it's about having the courage to start,” said Safrina.