Benipal sisters nurtured passion for trekking, mountaineering since childhood
20 March, 2026 – Ludhiana : In an incredible achievement that has brought laurels to Punjab, Harshdeep Kaur Benipal and Roopleen Kaur Benipal from Ludhiana have successfully scaled Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak), the highest mountain in Africa, standing tall at 5,895 metres (19,340 feet) in Tanzania.
Settled in the United States, the Benipal sisters have remained deeply rooted in their culture and spiritual heritage, proudly showcasing the spirit of Punjabiyat on an international platform through their mountaineering accomplishments.
Their achievement was celebrated on Thursday during a special felicitation ceremony held at the residence of their father Kulwinder Singh Benipal, president, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Phase I, Dugri. Prominent community leaders, including Jatinderpal Singh Saluja, Ranjit Singh Khalsa, Sonia Alag and Puneet, honoured the sisters.
Kulwinder shared that Harshdeep and Roopleen completed their early education at Guru Nanak Public School, Sarabha Nagar, before moving to San Francisco, USA, to pursue higher studies, where they have settled now.
He highlighted that they had been academically brilliant since childhood and nurtured a deep passion for trekking and mountaineering.
Prior to conquering Mount Kilimanjaro, the duo had already demonstrated their mountaineering capabilities by reaching the Everest Base Camp and successfully scaling Grays Peak in North America. Their latest feat of summiting Africa’s highest peak marks a significant milestone in their journey as emerging mountaineers.
Their mother Karamjit Kaur Benipal expressed heartfelt joy over her daughters’ accomplishment. She said though they were staying far from their homeland, they continue to uphold values and teachings of their heritage, carrying forward the message of the Sikh religion across the world.
The Tribune